Reply #1598: I agree..... there is a time in the life of an oppressed group when it is imperative

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to pull apart and define their group identity. EVERY group must do this, so you have absolutely no argument from me on that. In fact, I cheer this process, which is hard and painful, but necessary.

Although, I will say that during my dirtyhippiecommiepinkobum days in Berkeley, we all did attend each others rallies, and support each others causes. It was natural, it wasn't something we debated, we just knew it was important.

The problem is that now most groups have done this..... blacks, Indians, gays, feminists, etc., and the time has come to forge alliances. First, because it is important to our own growth to do so. It is too easy to become to centered on ourselves, and lose sight of how we fit and belong to a larger group. That is never healthy.

While we have our differences, oppression is oppression and our commonalities are as important as our differences.

Second, because our separateness makes us weaker, and the power structure wants it that way.