> Better to call me a "humanist" because I think that we
> all are who we are, labels and sex be damned, just let me have a chance based
> on my ability!"
Mg wrote above and Mags wrote:
"It didnt take her long to realize that it was a lot safer and more
comfortable and less confrontational to deny her feminist politics
outwardly."
Rightly or wrongly, Joni gives me the impression she only cares about herself and
her suffering when she speaks, tho in her songs, Cherokee Louise and Ethiopis for
example, tell a different story.
To call oneself a humanist may seem appropriate but certainly here in the UK this
equals being an athiest. In the fact the Humanist Society is vociferous in it's
anti God stance.
Being a 'feminist' is not solely a female thing. Many of us men are feminists
too.
Equality is what it is about. People, men and women, being pigeon holed for
their sex is not about equality but about fear and distrust. This does not just
happen to women. it also happens to men. men are ostracised and marginalised too
for not being what society demands a man should be. Women are a part of this
ostracism also.(I know-my experience in being talented in an area women consider
theirs has brought much ostracism from women). All of us, men and women, are
constantly engaged(or should be) in the battle to be oneself. That is life's
major battle, to be who you are despite all the opposition. Far too many of us
think we know what is best for others, think we know what a man or a woman should
be. Such thoughts are fear based. The fact that many back up their fears up with
'religion' doesn't give it any legitimacy, it just makes their fear all the more
obvious to those who will open their eyes.
I found the withdrawal of Mags friend to be very sad, shrinking back and not
being oneslef, giving in to the threats, the intimidation, going along with the
pack. This is not good and ultimately will bring deep unhappiness to her friend.
A life lived in lies is a waste. Not that I don't understand. I do. I have faced
threats and intimidation much of my life for daring to be myself. I understand
only too well the longing the yearning to 'belong', to be accepted. When I was
younger I tried to do just that. It almost cost me my life because of the way it
affected me, not because of others. Self hatred kills.
Today, I'd rather die being myself at the hands of another than die thru my own
hand because I wasn't myself. Hiding who you are is far too painful a burden to
bear.
'I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not'.
--
bw
colin
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