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Old 06-01-2014, 03:29 PM   #580
Cain
Powerplay Quarterback
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ae118 View Post
I wasn't trying making that counterpoint, I was trying to say that feminism is in direct opposition our society's male-dominated structure, so the word makes sense to me. The thing is, it IS big, because the "feminism" vs. "equalism" question isn't new.

I'm fine with it being called "feminism" for several reasons:

1) Women are the target of sexism. Feminism is the countermovement to sexism (though that's oversimplified). I'm okay with "anti-sexism" or "gender equality" as well, but overall I prefer a word that speaks directly about women in a positive way.

2) There are many forms of "equalism" so that word doesn't really apply.

3) When you are in the middle of something that is all around you, and want to talk about its counterpoint, it makes sense to create a space for that to happen and where you can talk about it through a different "lens".

And really, at a time where some women will say "I'm not a feminist, but..." and then proceed to say something positive about gender equality, I would prefer that people not be ashamed of using the word. Feminism is a big tent, and it includes much more than radical feminist theorists. Debating the word and its use is often a distraction from making actual progress.

So anyway, call it what you want, but those are my thoughts.

Or really, I could just come back with "what, we can't even name our own movement now?"
I'm all for equal rights but I dislike some of these approaches. Women are indeed a target of sexism but lets not pretend it doesn't go both ways. I agree women have it tougher by and large for sure, but lets not turn a blind eye the other way.

I guess it just bothers me because I feel like the changes necessary are expansive and include more than just one group. I've no problem with feminists fighting for women's rights! They should! However, all groups should have their interests represented and I often find that these discussions devolve into a one sided affair.

And I wasn't trying to distract from the conversation, I just find words themselves and how they are used interesting.
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