of course discussing is essential. i also think we do need a lot more love
and compassion and yes all righteous people's struggles are based on this.
i did not say anything about cutting love from our lives. i cannot relate
or really graps what you mean by "reveal ourselves as butterflies..." i
think this is the romanticism and, excuse me, cheesiness that obscures
everything. i can reject a lot in my life and get "self-esteem" and try to
"fly" but sexism still fucks up my life when i don't get the same pay as my
male co-workers and am belittled and called "sweety" in poltical discussion
with men and the fact that rape is a real fear for me and all my female
friends. growing wings does not challenge the system much. it may make
my life a little calmer and more tolerable, but what does it really do to
make change in our society.
i guess you caught me as far as the quote you pulled out below--i did not
at all mean it the way it seems to have come out. what we disagree on is
that i do not think "patriarchy" (what i call male supremacy because i
think a lot of people cannot relate to the word patriarchy...too academic
and obscure) is the root of every other oppression. For example, racism
and classism can still exist in non-sexist settings like all-women's groups
or friendships. there are connections but to say they all stem from the
same root is, to me, a way to water down other forms of domination and put
sexism right up top, when for many, other oppression are more real in their
daily lives. i hope this is more clear.
candi
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 1998 1:30 PM
To: STUDIES IN WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENT
Subject: Re: Why men batter women
In a message dated 98-09-09 13:00:47 EDT, you write:
<< these debates are doing little to raise consciousness or further any
struggles. >>
I disagree Candi _ these debates get us thinking and feeling - Thinking is
good - it's time we rehashed things and rediscover what we really believe
and
think so that we can make real change that will create lasting peace and
reunion with nature the way it was intended. If we keep hiding behind our
beliefs and thoughts nothing will be revealed - I believe this and you
believe that will never change anything - what do we agree on? What do we
disagree on? Why? Important questions. We need to reveal ourselves as
butterflies coming out - show our new wings - our new deeper love and
compassion for the femmes, each other as equals men and women and the rest
of
creation - WHY? do you really need to ask why the world needs more love and
compassion - every movement out there Candi is based on that -a need to
make
change for the better - life is change! Now let's discuss our beliefs
openly
and keep sharing information so that we can start making some real changes
or
enhancements to make things better. Hope you stay!
You also said:
the reality of systems i prefer to call by their names: male supremacy,
white supermacy, and capitalism, among others...
I agree - but the debates here are about what causes these things - what
are
the underlying roots of the problems and how can we make things better by
getting to the roots? If we don't as Jake said, I don't remember his exact
words, but if we don't get to the roots IT IS worthless - !
Peace,
Angela
