I don't want women equal
because I see that as a slightly condescending and possibly pointless thing. I want them to HAVE equality in all things while celebrating and valuing their differences as human beings. In my own way I feel I am better off ignoring feminism in favour of my all-encompassing fervour for equality. I was brought up in the 60s by very egalitarian parents (my dad was treasurer and secretary of the local communist party and was a great believer in the communist ideal) so I've never really had a problem with feminism or feminists, I've always thought it silly not to utilise and reward any person's talents when necessary. It's only as I've got older and thought about things more that I have found myself wishing that feminism could be subsumed in a greater push for equality which would make feminism irrelevant.

I do realise that this is a far from equal world and that until feminists see their ideal achieved we will be unable to proceed to the equality for all paradigm. It just seems such a waste of energy when we should all be pulling together.

From each according to their talents, to each according to their needs.
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Wed 31 Mar 2010, 11:34, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

Surely the similarities between men and women much outweigh the differences?
The "equality for all paradigm" IS the goal of feminism. You seem to be confusing the word "feminism" with "pro-women (at the expense of men)". That's not it at all. Nor is there one single feminist orthodoxy. The underlying motivation, however, is that peoples' biology should not shape their destiny any more than the colour of their skin should.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Wed 31 Mar 2010, 14:55, Reply)

Well why the fuck call it feminism if it is for all?
That's just downright rude and confusing that is.

In which case I will now support it fully as well as my favourite egalitarianism. TBH anything that improves the lot of disadvantaged people (for whatever reason) is ok in my book. Every little helps (Philosophy 101 - The Tesco Principle).
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Wed 31 Mar 2010, 15:36, Reply)

I agree, the language is not ideal.
The principles, however, are much fairer.

I suppose it could be argued that the current default state in our society is 'masculinism' and that 'feminism' seeks to redress the balance. I don't like the fact that the term 'feminism' can be construed as some kind of female superiority agenda (hence me banging on about how it's actually an attempt at gaining equal opportunities and rights).
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Wed 31 Mar 2010, 16:06, Reply)

Thank you
you said what most people think clearly :)

Feminism is not pro women at the expense of men. On the other hand a lot of people don't grasp the semantics- like the difference between women's history and gender history.
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 31 Mar 2010, 16:25, Reply)