Do terms hinder civil-rights movements?

Question

Many non-African-Americans supports civil rights. Yet, most of these advocates of civil rights would not feel comfortable in a group labeled "Black Panthers". Many African-Americans are friends with Caucasians, but they would not feel comfortable wearing a shirt which read "White Power". Obviously, these terms imply segregation and discrimination. They do not imply unity and equity.

In the same respect, most women would not wear a shirt which read "Masculinism". Not because they do not respect their fathers, brothers, husbands, or men in general. Simply because the term promotes segregation and discrimination, as well as contradicts the woman's own femininity. Why then do feminists not understand that men, (even those who are advocates of civil rights and equity) do not want to be labeled a "feminist" ? This term also promotes segregation and discrimination, as well as contradicts a man's masculinity.

Why can't civil rights activists, (including feminists) be labeled "Equalists" ?

Answer 1

Boy did you hit the nail on the head! Labels are too convenient, genreally at least partially inaccurate, and are used to beat up on anyone who DOESN'T toe the line.

Answer 2

You are right. I would rather people not to label themselves, but I do belive that Equalists would be the best word. Being that I am a supporter of feminism, but I'm not a feminst who believes work is over the family. I believe that family comes first for both sexes, including men. I'm also against racism because what's the point of hating someone because their ancestors happened to adapt to a different level of sunlight than they did?

Answer 3

you're question is greater complicated than it variety of feels. at the start, of direction terminology hinders -- and enables -- all movements. It enables by potential of giving us a language with which to debate subject concerns. without language, we does not additionally be waiting to functionally "comprehend" our very own concepts. even however, terminology additionally packing containers us into corners and, as historic previous has shown, genuine advances in social welfare are in lots of situations coupled with a transformation in terminology. The question you're rather asking, even however, seems to be "why concentration on women people, or blacks, or adult men, or whites, as a substitute of anybody?" it rather is an superb question and one that i do no longer think of is a fabricated from terminology, yet rather the terminology is a fabricated from our very own deficiencies. I ensue to be a woman who's extremely drawn to and worried approximately gender inequalities. i won't be in a position to apply the term feminist, even however, because of the fact i've got faith that the only way we are able to ever suitable pass previous gender issues is to concentration on the two gender roles, no longer purely women folk. adult men are harmed by potential of masculine roles, women anybody is harmed by potential of masculine roles, and the comparable for female roles. to respond to you question, then, i might say -- i think of its great which you think approximately your self an "equalist" and that i've got faith that at final our society will connect you, yet those issues take time. Its stressful to cajole an entire demographic to stop specializing in themselves.

Answer 4

because, although, they'd like to think that they are fighting for civil rights the real fact is: they just want to fight. they don't want to be equal. men, women, black, white, purple, red, green, transexual. we'll never be equal until we are all the same.

Answer 5

Because they seem to be striving for more than equal, and coming right out and saying it would be bad for their highly profitable business.

Answer 6

good idea.