Kate wrote:
>
>
> <<The current definition (in the dictionaries I've seen, anyway) is that
> femininism is about equality between the sexes -- yes, equality of
> opportunity -- no one suggests the two sexes are the same -- but you're
> right, everyone you talk to thinks it means putting men down and lifting
> women up at men's expense. It's too bad, but maybe that sort of
> extremism was necessary to get the ball rolling back in the sixties. Not
> that there still isn't a long way to go, but we need men's help with
> this -- it benefits them as well.>>
I think in part, that is why the left wing radical feminist movement has taken
things to the extreme...and much of the politics therein is fueled by the rage
that some women felt and still feel about getting a raw deal out of life, just
by being a woman. I dont know about the "equal" rights bit either.... is it
possible to be equal in reality? That reduces the whole thing to some
impossible dream.
Notice what occurs in our language...do we ever describe a man who has gone
into medicine as a "male" doctor...no. Honestly, if you think about the image
of a doctor...is that first vision you conjur up that of a woman? I highly
doubt it. What does happen in the english language is this: we do say we go
to a "woman" doctor or a "woman" lawyer or a "woman" paralegal or whatever.
Sexism is deeply embedded in so many aspects of our lives, yes sexism does
exist ... still... and very much so.
>
>
> <<My guess is that Joni was belittled even as a musician because she was
> female (what, can't play because you're a girl?) and so she prefers to
> identify with males, who had the power and acceptance at that time,
> generally, in the music biz. Lots of women have done that -- distance
> themselves from their own sex in order to ally with the more powerful
> one.>>
Perhaps Joni is sick and tired along with those of us who resent having to
prove ourselves worthy or good enough from the platform of "xx". I dont know,
just hazarding a guess. (and no, I dont pretend to know how Joni feels, this
is all my humble slightly fired up opinion).
>
>
> <<I am sure that Joni's "I am not a feminist," which I heard her say at
> the Edmonton Folk Fest (and was sorely disappointed, felt betrayed), is
> only the tip of the subject for her and does not adequately explain all
> that she thinks about it. Because I really doubt she believes women
> should not have equal rights.>>
I understand... I have seen that part of the feminist movement for many is
and can be and needs to be about equal rights..but do we want to simplify it,
take it down to that word. How can we?
For me, I like the idea of seeing and acknowledging "difference" whether that
be sex, race, class, gender..on and on. How can we pretend to be equal when
clearly, we are not. I like the idea of saying yea, we are different..and this
is how and why and I like the idea of celebrating and honouring and giving
value those very differences. And this includes not putting men down because I
get it, as well as I am able to...I get that men have been oppressed too.
okay, I will go back into my corner and put on my asbestos suit too.
Mags.
>
>
>
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