I've been out of town for a while so forgive me if this response rehashes--
Al wrote:
>If men aren't the prototypes that feminists are patterning
themselves after, then why are they distinctively acting like men?
Feminists clearly want to do everything men do (and, with few
exceptions, I agree), but a lot of the things men do, like boxing,
are clearly masculine. And, frankly, dumb.Feminists seem to be
copying the domineering characteristic of men.<
Al, do you know what 'feminism' means? It is: "...the theory of the
political, economic, and social equality of the sexes." (Webster). I
certainly consider myself a feminist (as are many men that I know) and I have
absolutely no desire to 'do everything that men do'. In fact, most of the
feminists that I know find much of what men do repulsive (again, including
the male ones). The issue is that we should be able to make a choice about
what we do--not be denied beacuse we are women. Not allowing physically (and
other) qualified women into combat because they are women denies us the
freedom of choice that you have.
Your gross generalization that 'feminists clearly want..." would be amusing
if it wasn't so obviously reflecting the success of misogynists like Limbaugh
to demonize the word 'feminist'.
>> (It's very difficult to talk to hardcore feminists.) I think
that's a mistake. Y'all (you persons? you folks?) should try to
replace the mean system that men have put in place with something
better, like the partnership model Riane Eisler talked about. Get
into high office (and you are making progress, although feminists
have lost the support of many women in America) and CHANGE things.
Don't become Margaret Thatchers and Jean Kirkpatricks.>>>
I'd be interested to know why you think you are entitled to tell 'feminists'
what they should do, and who they should or shouldn't be like. What is a
'hardcore feminist'? Based on your message, I'm not surprised that you find
it difficult to talk to women (and men) who believe in social and political
equality for women. I do agree that political power is an important step.
>>A lot of women in America don't WANT to be like men. That's one
reason ERA failed. Biologically, WE ARE NOT ALL THE SAME. Cold,
>> hard fact.>>
It's interesting that you find it necessary to remind the people on this list
that men and women are different; I recall a similar sentiment by another man
on this list a while back. I'm not sure why you feel that the 'feminists' on
this list are either blind and/or ignorant, but just to put your mind at
ease, we (speaking for myself and the feminists I know) are aware of this.
Just in case the main point has been lost here: because women are different
does not mean that we should not have social, political equality. This means
choices. Recall that the right of women to vote is a very recent thing. As
far as your issue about 'women trying to act like men', well, this is choice
too. If a woman wants to act like a man (whatever you mean by this), that's
her business.
Wendy
