Feminism is creeping into my psyche

[passionateone]

Now that I am studying Feminism, it's amazing how much subtle sexism there is--even (and a lot) in poetry! Last night I went to a reading on campus...and this male poet kept saying things that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up

Comments

[mrspersimmons]

i agree with all that you said - except the precious thing - i don't mind that dave thinks i'm precious - because i think he's precious too. i have no problem being viewed that way.

[passionateone]

Oh, I think we are actually talking about the same word, but with different connotations.
In literature, "precious" is actually sometimes used as a derogatory term that is similar to saying "weak" or also "cliche" or even "silly."
For example, if I was talking about a poet that had a lack of vision and that was overly-sentimental/sappy, I would say that the poet's work is precious. And that would be a bad thing!

In the way you are speaking of precious, I wholeheartedly agree. I view Andy as precious, and I hope he views me as precious. This idea of precious means "valuable."

Am I right?

It's interesting how terms can be used in different ways:)

[jade777]

i took a women in literature class a couple of years ago and it really opened my eyes up to a lot-everything you are talking about. it was by far one of my favorite college classes.

[chuckpersimmons]

Heather, you are precious in a non-condescending, non-patriarchal sort of way.

[passionateone]

Thanks! *wink*

[butterscotch_ed]

i agree with most of it. but i most definitely am a luxury. i am not a right, i am a privilege. if anyone wants me, they have to work hard for me and to keep me.

and seeing this post made me think of the quote: "women, like men, need to be petted, pitied, and made much of" i think both genders need it equally, women just always get the assumption that they need it more.

[passionateone]

Again, let me define my terms. (Next time, I will go into more detail.)

When I say luxury, what I mean is this:

In my feminist poetics class, we keep reading about men who view women as objects, as mere luxuries. These men would PREFER to have a woman/women to have sex with and to look at and to have them to laundry...but since women are a "luxury," they could, of course, fill that void with maybe--let's say--a new car or something.

Hmmm...yes, you are right. Men do need petting! WHy don't they just admit it!
It's like they constantly are pushing down/denying their more "feminine" side...and consequently, they are coming up on the short end of the stick! Women would be happy to pet their men--if only they would ask or let them!