A Crash Course in Feminism Mk. II (or, why everyone should be a feminist)

[Mr Mystery]

Well, I've just had a Russian Mail Order Bride ad banner pop up...

Apparently, they offer 'Wild Russian Brides'.

Whilst I think they're using a decidedly adult definition of wild, I do now have a highly amusing mental image of Brides in the wild. It's like a Blackpool hen night, but with less throwing of faeces.

[Psychosplodge]

IDK, when was the last time you went to blackpool?

[Mr Mystery]

Few years back.

Worked in the GW store there for a fortnight.

I have very, very few memories of that fortnight.

[Psychosplodge]

Three/four years ago it looked like a rundown row of "strip" pubs with drunken chavvy groups of men and women staggering from one to the next.
Not somewhere I ever plan on returning to.

[Mr Mystery]

Yep. That's the same place!

Though it does have a really good sci fi shop tucked away, if you know where to finds it.

[eldargal]

Don't worry Wildey, you can be casually and subconsciously prejudiced without being a misogynist.

You can, yes, but it still contributes to a culture of misogyny. The whole problem with privilege is that it benefits you without you even realising it and it is invisible if you are unaware of it. I'm aware that YorkN took Wildey out of context here so I'm not picking on him but when people say things like 'I get tired of having my privilege called out' it is highly problematic because you are dismissing the importance of systemic inequalities that actively benefit you because you don't want to hear about it. It is the modern equivalent of 'let them eat cake'.

I would approve but studies have shown owning a gun actually increases a womans chance of being murdered not decreases it. Plus in the US you would just get charged with murder because only white men can shoot in self defense.

Wanted to address this the other day but didn't have time:

EGs statements have been growing more strident lately, not extreme by any means though, and in this case I'd agree with her (though she could site more sources, or provide more examples).
Is feminism the only cure, no. You're right there.
Global pacifism, truly representative democracy and society dedicated entirely to the equality of every race, orientation and creed as a proportionally representative element of that society would do the trick.
But I kinda get the impression that to get therewe'd end up doing most, if not all, of what the feminists (the good ones, not the female equiv of "men's rights groups") want us to do anyway.
And if you choose to educate your children, or your classroom full of children, that everyone is equally entitled to life and liberty within reason and violence is not a solution then you're basically teaching them what feminists would anyway.

There is a reason I've been growing more strident (and I see this an explanation not a defense), more and more crap keeps coming out about systemic misogyny in numerous industries and culture in general and while change is slowly happening the key word there is slow and we have a brutal fight for every single bit of it. Meanwhile smug men sit around happily nitpicking and playing devils advocate' and dismissing legitimate concerns just because they personally don't experience them. Men still make 'jokes' and stupid, snide remarks about feminism like they are being original and witty while women suffer and die every day because of systemic cultural misogyny. It is extremely upsetting and enraging. I've also been working more with the public at my work and have been exposed to even more casual sexism every day I've been there so that has made me cranky as well.

It is true feminism is not the only cure, but it is a vital component of the cure. You cannot have a truly representative democracy in a patriarchal culture because despite the odd exception power and authority will default back to men.

[Psychosplodge]

I would approve but studies have shown owning a gun actually increases a woman's chance of being murdered not decreases it. Plus in the US you would just get charged with murder because only white men can shoot in self defence.

I assumed it was more for deterrent purposes, if he knows you can shoot he'll bother someone else?
But yeah based on news reports you're right.

[Wolfshade]

You mean guns kill people

[Psychosplodge]

Apparently guns don't kill people rappers do...

[eldargal]

You mean guns kill people

Crazy isn't it.