links for future reference: feminism

[kimberly_t]

More links that were saved on my work computer, and are being posted here to (a) make them easier to transfer to my home computer, and (b) share some of my informational resources with others. These links are about various feminist topics. Several of them overlap with psychological topics, which should surprise no one

Comments

[ginmar]

Can something really be called a privilege if, first, it's based on obeying the restrictive standards of one's culture, and second, if it can be removed the minute one ceases to appeal to those with power?

[kimberly_t]

It sure as hell can't be called a right.

[ginmar]

That's what all the supposed female privileges are based on; they don't apply to anybody but purty girls. Once you're no longer what the patriarchy wants, well, then, you're out of luck.

[angelcarnivore]

Oh My, but that's a lot of information.

My kneejerk reaction to most feminist attitudes is usually one of disbelief.

But then I take a moment to remind myself that while I, personally, might not have some of the complaints of feminists, and while I do not believe some of the "male priviledges" to actually be priviledge instead of burden- I remind myself that there are still women alive who were alive before women could vote; that ten years ago to be a lesbian was to be a social pariah, twenty years ago a woman had to pretty much neuter herself to be successful in the business world, and that fifty or so years ago mothers and matrons basically were drugged into complancency.

So yeah, I can understand the righteous anger.

[kimberly_t]

Did you actually read the Male Privilege Checklist? I can't see how any of those 43 privileges could be viewed as a burden.

I was blind to a lot of feminist issues too, until after a rather harsh wake-up call that I shall not talk about in a public post; then I started seriously exploring issues, past and present.

I invite you to explore the links provided here, and learn a few things you likely didn't know before. But I forewarn you: you might start becoming an 'angry feminist' too.

Just one thing makes my skin crawl.

[angelcarnivore]

8. I am not taught to fear walking alone after dark in average public spaces.

"I am taught not to fear"

Or feel. Burden.

Re: Just one thing makes my skin crawl.

[kimberly_t]

Quite true, men are taught not to express fear or grief, or any of the 'weaker' emotions that are commonly assigned to 'the weaker sex'. But as was said in the introduction to the checklist, the rules of the patriarchy are harmful to men, but downright oppressive to women.

"Pointing out that men are privileged in no way denies that sometimes bad things happen to men." Although you might be surprised how often people claim otherwise, especially when seeking to derail a feminist argument. (And if they can't claim that, they at least try distract the main focus of a post about some aspect of patriarchy and misogyny with their exceptions to the rule. "We should be talking about the 10% who aren't like that/don't do that, not the 90% who are doing it!")

[trini_naenae]

I generally agree with you in most of your posts on feminism. I didn't read everything (it's already almost 3 and I've barely gotten anything done).

There needs to be more options for preventing pregnancy in the first place. Condoms are a good start, but I think it's not enough. I also totally agree with the idea that there would be less abortions if being pregnant didn't have the potential to ruin/change a life so completely.

I don't like abortion, but I'd rather approach it in a way that helps women. Focus on teaching young girls self esteem and so on so they don't feel like they need to have sex for love. Focus on having contreceptives that work available for teens and adults. Focus on teaching men to respect women, and to not rape. Focus on supporting adoption. Making abortion illegal would probably make the problem worse.

[kimberly_t]

100% agreement with you on all points, especially the last one. Making abortion illegal will only cause pregnant and desperate women to turn to the same illegal back-alley abortions that were killing women right and left back in the Bad Old Days.

[trini_naenae]

Yes. That's part of what I meant. I have a feeling that if abortion was made illegal, the problems of which it is a symptom of might seem less apparent.