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In reply to the discussion: The Utility of Restricting the Term Feminism to Women [View all]LeftyMom
(49,212 posts)40. There's a difference between saying "I am a feminist" versus merely "I am not entirely awful."
Being in favor of the equal treatment of women does not make you a feminist. It means you don't suck as a human being. Doing something about it makes you a feminist.
Unfortunately some men seem to think that their views make them feminist when they've never acted upon them in any tangible way. Supporting women's right to bodily integrity just means you're not an awful human being. Actively escorting at a clinic makes you a feminist.
All the favorable opinions in the world don't matter until you do something about the problem. If you've got a problem with patriarchy do something about it!
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i want to be clear though. even though, over time, i have decided a man cannot be a feminist,
seabeyond
Jan 2013
#15
another thought. a man titles himself a feminist and there are all types of rewards.
seabeyond
Jan 2013
#13
true. the pat on the back for the man would not happen in a group of men, here in texas
seabeyond
Jan 2013
#17
I do think the key point is that woman are punished for declaring themselves feminist. n/t
el_bryanto
Jan 2013
#24
ya, that. there is an element of that. i think the sincerity rings true though.
seabeyond
Jan 2013
#23
Do you think that a MTF Transsexual should qualify to be allowed to call herself a Feminist?
Warren DeMontague
Jan 2013
#52
That is true; but not sure of the utility of including the rest of the world in the discussion
el_bryanto
Jan 2013
#22
It should be clear that this isn't about restricting support for the feminist movement
el_bryanto
Jan 2013
#31
the gay movement is about gays. the black movement is about blacks. the feminist movement is NOT
seabeyond
Jan 2013
#34
and being in an oppressed group i think you will find most all feminists involved are concerned
seabeyond
Jan 2013
#49
"declaring yourself a feminist is kind of like declaring yourself an honorary woman"
sibelian
Jan 2013
#47
I'm sorry, but you don't seem to understand the how people actually react to being told to screw off
Kurska
Jan 2013
#56
I appreciate your post, I don't really have a proper response at this time though.
Kurska
Jan 2013
#71
Did you ever think maybe YOUR assumptions and preconceptions about MEN are the problem?
Bonobo
Jan 2013
#93
There's a difference between saying "I am a feminist" versus merely "I am not entirely awful."
LeftyMom
Jan 2013
#40
WHY IS IT that people who have been the victims of prejudice think they're immune from it themselves
sibelian
Jan 2013
#48
that is not what anyone is saying. and have repeatedly stated they have not said. as a matter of
seabeyond
Jan 2013
#57
No matter what you think you are saying, the messaging you are sending is just as important.
Kurska
Jan 2013
#59
do you need a title to support blacks? do you need a title to support gays? of course you do not.
seabeyond
Jan 2013
#60
It has nothing to do with a title, it has everything to do with not being made to feel welcome.
Kurska
Jan 2013
#62
In a movement based on equality, I feel like what should be important is your views
Kurska
Jan 2013
#84
"I'll support you only if you let me define your movement and the terms that are a part of it"
sibelian
Jan 2013
#97