Feminism 101: The F Word.

[redqueen]

Feminism for teens... fuck yeah!

http://otherzine.com/post/34384187894

No, no no. Not that F-word. The other one. You know… Feminism.

Welcome to Feminism 101 - our own little corner of the Other universe where we’ll explore all things feminist. Each new column will tackle a different aspect of feminism, from looking at women in media to gender roles/stereotypes, slut-shaming, reproductive rights, privilege, and much, much more.

Class is in session, so let’s get started! We’ll get the basics out of the way first by defining feminism - after all, it would help to know what we’ll be talking about. Feminism is a movement that strives for political, economic and social equality among women and men. Basically, feminists want to see that everyone gets a fair chance, and they work toward leveling the playing field, whether it’s in education, the workforce, or how women are viewed on a daily basis. Feminists are not “man-haters” and they don’t believe that women are better than men. And, contrary to popular stereotypes, many feminists shave their legs, wear make-up, and can rock a miniskirt like nobody else.

...

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. Demonstrably untrue.

Proof: What do feminists propose to solve the inequality inherent in a 3:2 ratio between women and men in college?

Feminism is advocacy for women. Anything else is a head-fake.

[ismnotwasm]

4. Explain please.

Are we feeling a little pugnacious today?

[lumberjack_jeff]

5. I should think what I'm saying is pretty clear.

The imbalance in college is clearly a social and cultural inequality.

Should feminism be expected to fix it? Of course not.

Therefore feminism isn't about rectifying inequality.

[ismnotwasm]

6. Is this your version of logic?

Interesting

[lumberjack_jeff]

7. It's not my version.

It's the most rudimentary form of deductive reasoning.

The sexes are represented unequally in college.
Feminist theory is supportive this inequality.
Therefore when forced to choose between "promoting equality" and "advocacy for women", advocacy wins.

Apply the same logic to any social or institutional inequality in which advocacy and equality are at odds. Advocacy wins every time.

You can get to the same result using inductive logic.

Feminism is okay with the male only draft, it is okay with spending more on women's health care, it okay with shorter lifespans for men, etc. In every case in which the principles of advocacy and equality are at odds, advocacy wins.
Colleges are unequal, they are disproportionately female.
Feminism supports this inequality too.

[ismnotwasm]

8. Deductive reasoning. Well. And that equals logic?

Been watching Sherlock Holmes?

You don't know me, nor will you ever; I'm going to be very presumptuous and offer a well meant word of advice. Don't go through life angry--it's not worth it. It will eat you up inside until there's little left but anger. It impairs your ability to be heard and to hear what other are trying so say. You seem to me, to be fundamentally decent.

I don't choose to argue with you, not because I couldn't, but it would waste my time and yours. You've made some rather silly statements. I'm not sure why you are here, from what I gather you dislike this group, which is fine. Why bother?

[lumberjack_jeff]

9. I'm indifferent to the group.

I dislike dishonesty.

There is nothing wrong with advocacy, there's no need to wrap it in the flag of equality.

[ismnotwasm]

10. Ok.

[wildflower]

2. It seems like awareness is starting to increase again after languishing for so many decades...

Little by little. It gives me a bit of hope. Do you think so?

[redqueen]

3. Hell yes! Especially in the UK and Australia,

feminists there are not shy about criticizing the neoliberal influence on feminism and are pushing back.

We have some catching up to do in the US but thanks to increasing awareness of how so many of these issues are connected, we're getting there.