I was asked to read Melissa McEwan's blog on feminism 101 and supply my opinion on the article, ostensibly so my feminism sensitivity could be evaluated. Despite being an avid feminist, I accepted the request for possible further edification on the matter if any were forthcoming.
I agree with most of the concepts presented by Ms. McEwan, and have always adhered to the recommendations she makes, so reading her blog for self-evaluation purposes was on the whole, somewhat pointless; still, an interesting read, and contains topics that compel me to comment.
On "off-limits humor"; I have long upheld the belief that there is always an underlying sting couched in allegedly innocent jokes about, well about so many subjects – I grew up in a household that used sarcasm and “comic” witticisms ostensibly in fun but in truth were simply demeaning and cruel. Everyone laughs, even the person being made sport of, but inside it hurts. So I don't make such "jokes". I don't do snide bullshit jokes about anything that might be hurtful to someone. So it was refreshing to read a like-minded perspective in Ms. McEwan's blog.
I have never been one of those who try to ally a feminist against certain types of women “Surely, we're all in agreement that Britney Spears... whatever. Such nonsense would require that I first care or otherwise have feelings about a woman's choice of gender presentation, feminine or otherwise.
The “outside looking in” perspective consigned to male appreciation of feminism as prescribed by Ms. McEwan is, and should be objective (as should all evaluations of one's perspective), but being on the outside as a limitation on the observable perspective does not really apply to me as I do not gender identify as either male or female - a perspective wholly unattended by Ms. McEwan. The “pronouncements of similitude ” paragraph describes a ludicrous argument used by the weak-minded anti-feminist. Again, the author's exposition of this amazingly lame tactic is simply elegant. In my opinion the “stereotype” paragraph is an extension on the “Britney Spears” paragraph, and it completes the sentiment. By any other label she identifies the essential sub-categorical generalizing and the not-so subtle intent of sustaining subjugation.
Altogether a really good article. I found myself moved deeply more than once while reading it – for the generations of sorrow that the message implies, and for all women everywhere because I know what Ms. McEwan describes is pervasive, and it breaks my fucking heart.
The Patriarchy hurts All of Us
by Nancy R. Smith
For every girl who is tired of acting weak when she is strong,
There is a boy tired of appearing strong when he feels vulnerable.
For every boy who is burdened with the constant expectation of knowing everything,
There is a girl tired of people not trusting her intelligence.
For every girl who is tired of being called over-sensitive,
There is a boy who fears to be gentle, to weep.
For every boy for whom competition is the only way to prove his masculinity,
There is a girl who is called unfeminine when she competes.
For every girl who throws out her E-Z-Bake oven,
There is a boy who wishes to find one.
For every boy struggling not to let advertising dictate his desires,
There is a girl facing the ad industry's attacks on her self-esteem.
For every girl who takes a step toward her liberation,
There is a boy who finds the way to freedom a little easier.
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