Hi Derek, I have read your most recent comments, and I just felt I needed to share my thoughts. First, I wanted to let you know that we regret not being able to make it up to Edmonton last weekend (a group of us from Calgary were working on a trip up, but it didn't pan out!) We will keep trying for connections between the two cities, and eventually it will work out!
Second, and in response to your last two posts, it is most important for me to try to be clear and differentiate between 'who the feminists are', 'what people care about and are doing to create change', and 'feminism as a belief set or ideology'. I find that when the focus is on the latter,it is easy to see that many women and men are feminists whether they realize it or not. And, for me, I care less about who formally identifies as 'feminist' and more about how people live, and are able to live, authentic, just and compassionate lives. In saying this, I appreciate that there are others who have strong feelings around who should and who should not label themselves as 'feminist', whether it be men in general or Sarah Palin for that matter, but for me personally, I find that this debate distracts me from approaching 'feminism' as an all-inclusive set of beliefs and ideals that truly embrace the intersectionality of issues. And if you look at it this way, CLEARLY there are men we all know who live by these beliefs, and CLEARLY Palin does not...vagina or no vagina! And this is why I think that feminism rocks!
So, if you put the formal feminist label in the background, per se, and instead focus on the issue of awareness around issues and igniting the passion in people to fight for change, I find that the focus needs to be about 'urgency'. I have come to believe that people are only motivated to make change when they feel a sense of urgency and have an idea about the cause. This is kind of like the notion of 'hitting bottom' that is espoused in any type of recovery program; a sense of urgency that looks different for everyone, but that makes clear that 'no change' will make you worse off than attempting to 'make change'. This, I think, needs to be a major focus of people who are interested in igniting the progressive passion in others. If people, men or women, regardless of colour, age, sexaulity, or class, want to come together to bring about changes that better the lives of everyone, then a common sense of urgency needs to be at the centre. The issue(s) needs to be real in the person's life in some way, and change needs to offer a 'better way' of living, and the benefits need to be worth the fight. And I clearly have many women AND men in my life that could benefit GREATLY by some social change, but do they see this? No. Do they think feminism is a bad, scary and exclusive word? Yes. Does this piss me off? Yes. But the most practical thing for me to do is make change in my own life, get myself active in social change (big or small) and share my experiences with them in the hopes of creating urgency in their own lives. And maybe this won't happen until each one of them has their own shit-ass moment that they can connect to inequality in some form, but perhaps 'enlightenment' through the sharing of my own experience will help them to understand injustices they have and are continuing to experience in a new and profound way. (and handing out copies of 'Full Frontal' for birthday presents doesn't hurt either). I know you have proabably already thought about these ideas many times, Derek, but I hope an energetic, and perhaps a bit naive, perspective from someone fairly new in the trenches will give you a little boost of confidence in the 'imperfections of feminism'.
FCan
· 1 year ago
Derek,
Mainly, I feel as though you're trying to fit the label of "feminist" under a wide umbrella of any kind of social issue, which I see as almost impossible. I understand that it's sometimes claimed that feminism is a universal movement, and for some people it may be. However, if you feel as though your gender is a barrier, you must also accept that, with this being the case, feminism is a limited doctrine, applying generally to women's rights and perhaps the slightly broader study of gender relations. You'll drive yourself crazy if you try to apply issues like race, sexual orientation, education, etc., and yet feel guilty about pushing these very issues onto the feminist movement.
If you feel like you should pursue, say, race awareness, you can, and I would suggest, leaving leaving the limited label of feminism behind (only when pursuing these specific issues).
monika
· 1 year ago
I am confused; there are many different types of feminisms, and various oppressions are central to their analysis. Sexism, classism, ableism, racism, heterosexism, homo/trans/biphobia, and ageism are all connected - why would we tackle each one independently?
As for feeling frustrated that feminists aren't doing enough, I too become frustrated and overwhelmed with the huge amount of apathy out there, and activism that only serves one's self interests. But there is a lot of great stuff going on - at local, provincial, national and international levels.
I wonder if part of your frustration is perhaps due to the people you are exposed to. I found that when I was in school I had similar frustrations; I found students incredibly apathetic and eager to talk but not necessarily walk the walk. This is not to minimize those students who do great things, only to suggest that the "whole world" isn't necessarily that way.
monika
· 1 year ago
Sorry, I should have clarified; paragraph one was directed to FCan. The latter two are directed towards Derek. :) Monika
FCan
· 1 year ago
monika,
I understand what you're saying, but I think feminism (and many other social movements) can mean different things to different people, beyond the obvious. What I'm saying here is that if Derek- personally- feels as though his gender prevents him from taking a stand within the movement, he would be better served and be more effective to take a stand for other social issues outside of feminism, simply because he would not feel as conflicted (this is all speculation, obviously, just going by what you've said, Derek).
monika
· 1 year ago
Fcan,
I agree that feminism means different things to different people. To me, feminism includes anti-racist action, LGBTTIQQ activism, disAbility rights activism, and environmentalism.
How people choose to define themselves is exactly that - their choice.
But there are more than a few ways to look at and respond to feeling frustrated and confined by feminism.
All Comments
I have read your most recent comments, and I just felt I needed to share my thoughts. First, I wanted to let you know that we regret not being able to make it up to Edmonton last weekend (a group of us from Calgary were working on a trip up, but it didn't pan out!) We will keep trying for connections between the two cities, and eventually it will work out!
Second, and in response to your last two posts, it is most important for me to try to be clear and differentiate between 'who the feminists are', 'what people care about and are doing to create change', and 'feminism as a belief set or ideology'. I find that when the focus is on the latter,it is easy to see that many women and men are feminists whether they realize it or not. And, for me, I care less about who formally identifies as 'feminist' and more about how people live, and are able to live, authentic, just and compassionate lives. In saying this, I appreciate that there are others who have strong feelings around who should and who should not label themselves as 'feminist', whether it be men in general or Sarah Palin for that matter, but for me personally, I find that this debate distracts me from approaching 'feminism' as an all-inclusive set of beliefs and ideals that truly embrace the intersectionality of issues. And if you look at it this way, CLEARLY there are men we all know who live by these beliefs, and CLEARLY Palin does not...vagina or no vagina! And this is why I think that feminism rocks!
So, if you put the formal feminist label in the background, per se, and instead focus on the issue of awareness around issues and igniting the passion in people to fight for change, I find that the focus needs to be about 'urgency'. I have come to believe that people are only motivated to make change when they feel a sense of urgency and have an idea about the cause. This is kind of like the notion of 'hitting bottom' that is espoused in any type of recovery program; a sense of urgency that looks different for everyone, but that makes clear that 'no change' will make you worse off than attempting to 'make change'. This, I think, needs to be a major focus of people who are interested in igniting the progressive passion in others. If people, men or women, regardless of colour, age, sexaulity, or class, want to come together to bring about changes that better the lives of everyone, then a common sense of urgency needs to be at the centre. The issue(s) needs to be real in the person's life in some way, and change needs to offer a 'better way' of living, and the benefits need to be worth the fight. And I clearly have many women AND men in my life that could benefit GREATLY by some social change, but do they see this? No. Do they think feminism is a bad, scary and exclusive word? Yes. Does this piss me off? Yes. But the most practical thing for me to do is make change in my own life, get myself active in social change (big or small) and share my experiences with them in the hopes of creating urgency in their own lives. And maybe this won't happen until each one of them has their own shit-ass moment that they can connect to inequality in some form, but perhaps 'enlightenment' through the sharing of my own experience will help them to understand injustices they have and are continuing to experience in a new and profound way. (and handing out copies of 'Full Frontal' for birthday presents doesn't hurt either). I know you have proabably already thought about these ideas many times, Derek, but I hope an energetic, and perhaps a bit naive, perspective from someone fairly new in the trenches will give you a little boost of confidence in the 'imperfections of feminism'.
Mainly, I feel as though you're trying to fit the label of "feminist" under a wide umbrella of any kind of social issue, which I see as almost impossible. I understand that it's sometimes claimed that feminism is a universal movement, and for some people it may be. However, if you feel as though your gender is a barrier, you must also accept that, with this being the case, feminism is a limited doctrine, applying generally to women's rights and perhaps the slightly broader study of gender relations. You'll drive yourself crazy if you try to apply issues like race, sexual orientation, education, etc., and yet feel guilty about pushing these very issues onto the feminist movement.
If you feel like you should pursue, say, race awareness, you can, and I would suggest, leaving leaving the limited label of feminism behind (only when pursuing these specific issues).
As for feeling frustrated that feminists aren't doing enough, I too become frustrated and overwhelmed with the huge amount of apathy out there, and activism that only serves one's self interests. But there is a lot of great stuff going on - at local, provincial, national and international levels.
I wonder if part of your frustration is perhaps due to the people you are exposed to. I found that when I was in school I had similar frustrations; I found students incredibly apathetic and eager to talk but not necessarily walk the walk. This is not to minimize those students who do great things, only to suggest that the "whole world" isn't necessarily that way.
I understand what you're saying, but I think feminism (and many other social movements) can mean different things to different people, beyond the obvious. What I'm saying here is that if Derek- personally- feels as though his gender prevents him from taking a stand within the movement, he would be better served and be more effective to take a stand for other social issues outside of feminism, simply because he would not feel as conflicted (this is all speculation, obviously, just going by what you've said, Derek).
I agree that feminism means different things to different people. To me, feminism includes anti-racist action, LGBTTIQQ activism, disAbility rights activism, and environmentalism.
How people choose to define themselves is exactly that - their choice.
But there are more than a few ways to look at and respond to feeling frustrated and confined by feminism.