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Post by nikita on Jul 11, 2010 19:20:51 GMT -5
I'm rather surprised to hear that in a forum designed to empower women in patriarchal and abusive spiritual groups, discussion of feminism or feminist writers is now considered off topic. Tapati: I took Nikita's suggestion to mean that this isn't the place for debate about specific feminist authors. Informative posts (like the ones I provided in other threads)--and discussions--seem to be fine. fwiw, I agree that this isn't the place for such debates, which is why I've refused to to be drawn into them in spite of provocation. In any case, it seems like what you've done here is perfectly fine--informative and useful for those who may want more information. What she said. General topics are not the issue, but this isn't the place for starting debates on whose feminist icons are the best ones or whose feminism is the best feminism, etc. Just as this isn't the place for starting debates on whose political party/candidates are the best and a pox on the rest of them, etc. When stuff comes up in conversation that's a totally different situation, but we don't want to veer off topic into lecture series on these kinds of things. I hope that clarifies it for you. And as KM says, given some information those interested in knowing more about a subject can explore it further.
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autumn
Junior Member
Posts: 56
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Post by autumn on Jul 12, 2010 11:06:16 GMT -5
Tapati Thank you for the links.
I always worry that the writing of some of the radical feminists, Andrea D and Mary Daly among them will alienate people who were raised to think that feminists are horrid people.
It's entirely possible that a conversation about what "Rape Culture" is and how the treatment and view of women held by many in the patriarchal movement is a direct reflection of it. That could be a very good discussion to have on this board. There are many other aspects of it as well. Using sexuality to sell things to people is another aspect of it. That is as deeply rooted in our culture as patriarchy.
Rape culture is the deeply seated idea that women are possessions of men and that men may use women as they see fit. Some people see the definition of rape culture and they have to deny that it exists, they know it's terrible and inexcusable but they are so invested in it that they can't admit it to themselves...doing so would be too destructive of self concept.
A person who holds a faith where much of it was, or still is, invested in rape culture can still name it, can still struggle against it.
My history with radical feminism includes someone who thinks that we can end sexism and rape culture RIGHT NOW, RIGHT THIS MINUTE! and it still sets my teeth on edge! I love this gal to death, she'd give you her last penny if you needed it. but her naivete really got to me.
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Post by nikita on Jul 13, 2010 19:56:39 GMT -5
Tapati Thank you for the links. I always worry that the writing of some of the radical feminists, Andrea D and Mary Daly among them will alienate people who were raised to think that feminists are horrid people. It's entirely possible that a conversation about what "Rape Culture" is and how the treatment and view of women held by many in the patriarchal movement is a direct reflection of it. That could be a very good discussion to have on this board. There are many other aspects of it as well. Using sexuality to sell things to people is another aspect of it. That is as deeply rooted in our culture as patriarchy. Rape culture is the deeply seated idea that women are possessions of men and that men may use women as they see fit. Some people see the definition of rape culture and they have to deny that it exists, they know it's terrible and inexcusable but they are so invested in it that they can't admit it to themselves...doing so would be too destructive of self concept. A person who holds a faith where much of it was, or still is, invested in rape culture can still name it, can still struggle against it. My history with radical feminism includes someone who thinks that we can end sexism and rape culture RIGHT NOW, RIGHT THIS MINUTE! and it still sets my teeth on edge! I love this gal to death, she'd give you her last penny if you needed it. but her naivete really got to me. Obviously there is some interest in this topic among some long time forum members. I think that if such a discussion were kept in more general terms it would be an interesting and fruitful topic for those interested in exploring it. What I mean by 'general' terms is as a topic of conversation rather than in terms of 'whose brand of feminism is the one and only' or 'whose feminist icon is better than another's' battles and debates. What I do ask is that whichever of you wants to start the discussion do it in the following way: 1. Create a new thread (not a continuation of the one we are on right now. 2. Create the new thread in a members only section so that new folks coming on are not confronted with it as soon as they peruse the site. As normal as this discussion is for some it can trigger reactions in folks who are just coming to terms with abusive religious groups and environments and may just be testing the temperature when coming to NLQ forums. 3. Be welcoming and tolerant of thread participants who do not agree with you if they choose to join the conversation. In other words, taking an opposing viewpoint should not trigger the hefting of torches and pitchforks. If you are a guest on the forum without actually joining and wish to participate in such a discussion, you will need to take the plunge and become a member. In for a penny, in for a pound... I hope this helps and that if you choose to start such a thread that it will be both productive and informative for all involved.
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autumn
Junior Member
Posts: 56
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Post by autumn on Jul 13, 2010 22:01:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vyckie D. Garrison on Jul 13, 2010 23:06:39 GMT -5
I want to take a minute to express my appreciation for Nikita's assistance in moderating the NLQ forums. She's been a huge help to me ~ esp. since recently I've been too preoccupied with personal stuff to keep up with all the discussions here. I apologize for being so quiet here lately ~ Hopefully, later this week I'll have a chance to at least respond to the comments/questions that were directed specifically to me.
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