What is my idea of how feminism should be?

Question

Feminism is a collection of social theories, political movements, and moral philosophies largely motivated by or concerned with the superiority of women to men. In simple terms, feminism is a belief in the social, political and economic superiority, and a movement organized around the conviction that biological sex should not be the pre-determinant factor shaping a person's social identity or socio-political or economic rights. A large portion of feminists are especially concerned with what they perceive to be the social, political and economic inequality between the sexes which favours men at women's expense; some have argued that gendered and sexed identities, such as "man" and "woman", are socially constructed. Under continuing pressure to conform to masculine norms, feminists disagree over the sources of inequality, how to attain superiority, and the extent to which gender and gender-based identities should be questioned and critiqued. In a nutshell, I hate men and they all should

Answer 1

I'm not a feminist, but...

I appreciate the right to help choose my government representatives. I enjoy the option of wearing pants or shorts if I want. I'm pleased that I was allowed to learn to read and write. It can be very convenient to control how many babies I want to have. It's awfully useful to be able to open a bank account and own property in my name. I like knowing that my husband or boyfriend cannot legally beat me. It's really swell to keep the money I earn.

Answer 2

The opening poster does have feminism pretty much wrapped up, however, there are a few inaccuracies. There are a few things about feminism that must be remembered and considered.

The main one is that true feminism was about equality for women, and to end the patriarchal nature of society, which was perceived as being archaic and wrong. I imagine that most people in modern western society would agree that it is wrong to differentiate purely because of a persons sex. There is no reason why women cannot do the jobs men do, so it is illogical to bar them from such jobs, or the money that such jobs should entail.

The second thing of note about feminism is that it differentiates between 'sex' and 'gender'. 'Sex' or 'sexual' differences are differences of a biological nature. There is still some debate as to whether or not this should take into account physical strength in the work place. Should women have equal access to menial labour that is physically demanding and intensive? This is a question, not a statement by the way. 'Gender' relates to the socially constructed norms of society, such as girls like pink, boys like blue. Girls play with dolls, boys play outside in the dirt with sticks. The question here is is this natural and a base instinct, or simply considered natural due to social pressures?

The third thing I will mention is that there are factions within feminism. The most mainstream are the liberal feminists, who seek only for equality between men and women. They do not believe that either is superior. Other factions include Marxists feminist (who believe that capitalism is the source of patriarchy and womens' woes) and radical feminists (the stereotyped bra-burners who say men are evil and should be hated).

I do not believe that feminists have changed to conform to masculine norms. Various factions may have split from the original because they felt it did not go far enough; remember the feminist movement was started purely for equality reasons. Furthermore, it could be argued that anyone who believes in equality between men and women is a feminist. That is a label I gladly wear.

Answer 3

The culture and social construction today permits for women to have any job they want. The premises are in fact born of biological factors. They can have any job but biologically they can not do better at them than men. The best man at a man skill (like driving a machine of some kind) will certainly be better than the best women (we can say only like that the best women will be better than the average man at that skill). Sorry to say but I think normal women are happy with this idea really...and the feminists are the ones that have a great generation of testosterone...and I am not misogynistic...I think there are a lot of things women are better than men biologically...for example the social and human communication stuff. So I think there is no need for feminism.

Answer 4

If you hate men, then your no different than a white guy who hates blacks.

It's too bad because I like women, thats why I like talking & debating with them. Their so cute when their passionate about something they believe in.

EDIT: Wow, for me to get thumbs down for this is then basically saying that someone in here believes it's wrong for men to like women. And they believe that the discrimination of hating someone because of what they look like is only valid when it comes to race but not with gender, even though their both are about hating someone based on how they look.


But it's all goooood.

Answer 5

You are most likely a separatist feminist. I, on the other hand, am more of an egalitarian, which makes me a liberal feminist. Sorry to disappoint you, hon.

Answer 6

if I was stuffed in a nutshell with them, I'd probably hate men, too.

Need space.

Ah god, what's the point of responding to these trolls?

I dunno. I just did. So I'm an a*sshole too. But at least I know it.

Answer 7

I don't know why don't you tell us. Oh wait you did.

Answer 8

YOU DROPPED YOUR POST ON THE WAY OUT. HERE, LET ME GIVE IT BACK TO YOU:

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Clean Air and Energy Projects in China

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been collaborating with its counterpart, China’s Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), on environmental issues for over two decades. In December of 2003, EPA and SEPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (PDF) (10 pp, 375K, About PDF Files], providing a forum for EPA and SEPA to take a more strategic approach to our extensive cooperation. The MOU established the Working Group on Clean Air and Clean Energy to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the Strategy for Clean Air and Energy Cooperation (PDF) (5 pp, 306K, About PDF Files).

Under the Clean Air and Energy Strategy, EPA and SEPA are working together to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases (GHG). The Strategy focuses on strengthening regional coordination of clean air and energy management in key regions of China and addressing priority sectors affecting air, environment, and public health (initially, the power and transportation sectors). These focus areas leverage expertise and funding from a variety of other partners, as well.

EPA/ SEPA cooperative projects include: 

Regional Air Quality Management 
Transportation Sector 
Power Sector 
Cement Sector 
In addition to activities managed directly with SEPA under the MOU, EPA also has a long history of collaboration on air quality and energy-related activities with other government partners in China. These EPA projects with other primary partners in China also support the Clean Air and Energy Strategy: 

Clean Indoor Air 
Voluntary Energy Energy Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Buildings 
Energy Efficiency Labeling and Standards for Products and Equipment 
Government Energy Management 
Wind Technology Partnership 
Methane Programs 
Regional Air Quality Management
Regional Air Quality Management
RAQM conference description 

The Air Quality Management (AQM) Assessment project explored the feasibility of applying U.S. AQM methods and technologies to a large Chinese city. EPA worked with SEPA and the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau to assess and compare capabilities at the national and Shanghai regional levels. The assessment included a broad range of air quality management elements, such as the development and use of an emissions inventory, the design and use of an ambient monitoring network, local and regional air quality modeling, development of control strategies, development of regulations, and public participation and outreach at the national and local levels. The project's principal activities include training, exchanges, and workshops, with an emphasis on building capacity in monitoring, inventories, and modeling. The project’s final report is at US China AQM Report (PDF) (171 pp, 3,255K, About PDF Files)

Beijing Olympics Air Quality Subgroup
To assist Beijing with its goal of having healthy air for the 2008 Summer Olympics, EPA participates in the U.S.-China Joint Working Group with the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, co-chairing the Air Quality Subgroup. Specific projects build on work begun under the bilateral Clean Air and Energy Strategy. For instance, EPA is cooperating with SEPA and the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau to pilot to demonstrate the feasibility of retrofit technologies on diesel buses in Beijing to lower emissions, as well as the broader benefit to air quality of using low-sulfur fuels. EPA is also supporting efforts to develop a system to help decision-makers determine the most cost-effective strategies for managing air quality in the greater Beijing region. Additional efforts may include capturing and using methane from local landfills and incorporating energy efficient products and building design into the Olympic Village. 

Air Quality Modeling and Emission Inventory Project
The first phase of Air Quality Modeling and Emission Inventory project is aimed at building capacity and transferring technology to Chinese scientists at the national and regional level. This project supports a preliminary scientific assessment of the regional formation and transport of ozone, PM, acid rain, etc. The second phase of this bilateral cooperative project is to conduct pilot regional and urban air quality modeling projects in three key regions, including Bohai (Beijing/Tianjin region), Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai region), and Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou/Hongkong region). As part of this effort, an air quality management decision support system is being developed under a cooperative project sponsored by the World Bank. EPA also plans to assist and train Beijing municipal authorities in conducting an air quality modeling assessment for air quality planning for the 2008 Olympics.

Integrated Environmental Strategies
The Integrated Environmental Strategies (IES) program is building capacity in China to develop, analyze, and implement policies that reduce greenhouse gases (GHG), improve air quality and protect public health. The IES methodology enables developing countries to assess, quantify and compare clean energy and transport technologies, policies, and measures in terms of the local air quality and public health benefits, GHG reductions, and other economic impacts. The methodology is being applied at both the local (Shanghai and Beijing) and national levels. The project has completed comprehensive co-benefits analyses in Shanghai and Beijing, conducted national and local policy-makers’ workshops to discuss results, published several papers in Chinese journals, and presented results in several international meetings. Additional information on the IES program is available at: http://www.epa.gov/ies/ 

Transportation Sector
Clean Fuels and Vehicles
EPA, as a founding member of The Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles , signed a bilateral work plan with SEPA in 2004 to undertake an integrated set of fuel and vehicle projects. These projects: 1) provide analytical, technical and policy assistance in expediting adoption of ultra-low sulfur vehicle fuels; 2) demonstrate retrofit technologies for existing heavy-duty diesel vehicles and build capacity for replicating retrofits; 3) promote the introduction of innovative diesel emissions reduction technologies as quickly and cost effectively as possible, while providing confidence in the emission reduction performance of the technologies; 4) assist in analysis for and drafting of clean fuels and vehicles policies, standards and guidance; 5) assist in compliance management strategies and implementation to include manufacturer testing, recall, on-board diagnostics, equipment verification, in-use testing, and more; 6) cultivate partnerships to introduce advanced clean vehicle technologies into China; 7) provide visiting scholar and training opportunities in EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and 8) provide in-country workshops, training, guidance materials and public outreach related to clean fuels and vehicles. More information about this program can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/china2....

Power Sector
Market Mechanisms to Improve Air Quality
Acid rain and ambient concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and fine particles (PM2.5) are major environmental problems in China. The Chinese government has developed a number of policies to address these problems, including the Total Emissions Control (TEC) policy. The TEC policy restricts total SO2 emissions from all sectors of the economy. The government allocates portions of the limit to individual sources in the form of an emissions target. 

EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs is helping the SEPA assess opportunities and obstacles to implementing emissions trading programs to control SO2 emissions. An emissions trading program would allow emission sources to meet their emissions targets at a lower cost.

EPA and SEPA have completed a feasibility study (English, Chinese) that explores many of the obstacles to implementing an emissions trading program and presents possible solutions to these obstacles. The two agencies are currently drafting a policy guide and building the institutions and infrastructure for improved air quality management policies. 

Advanced Reburn System Pollution Control
The Advanced Reburn System Pollution Control project provides technical assistance on cost-effective control of nitrogen oxides (NOx), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and other pollutants, such as mercury, from combustion sources. The project includes a feasibility study of the advanced reburn system technology for a candidate boiler, the conceptual design and detailed engineering drawings, the manufacture and installation of the reburn component, and system "shakedown" and testing.

Cement Sector
Reducing Dioxins/Furans Emissions from Cement Production
China produces more than 40% of the world’s cement, and cement plants are believed to rank among China’s top 5 sources of dioxins/furans emissions. In addition, cement plants account for over 40 percent of total industrial particulate (dust) emissions and between 6 and 8 % of carbon dioxide emissions in China. Mercury and heavy metals may also be released. EPA’s Office of International Affairs, Office of Research and Development, and Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards are assisting SEPA to develop a source inventory and emissions factors for dioxins/furans from cement production; to develop guidelines for controlling emissions; and to identify mechanisms for encouraging and funding companies to retrofit highly polluting cement kilns with pollution controls. EPA is assisting SEPA to develop emissions factors for dioxins/furans, as well as other pollutants emitted by cement kilns, and to estimate the benefits of control strategies.

Other Collaboration
Clearing the Air from Tobacco Smoke: Creating Healthy & Safe Environments for Children
EPA and the World Health Organization (WHO) entered into a cooperative agreement in 2000 to develop pilot programs to reduce childhood exposure to environmental tobacco smoke . The WHO-EPA project uses a social marketing module to train local leaders on the hazards of second hand smoke and to develop community-level action plans. There are 5 cities in China that will be involved in the project. Three of the action plans will be funded by EPA and two will be funded by China's Ministry of Health.

Partnership for Clean Indoor Air
The Partnership for Clean Indoor Air (PCIA) addresses the increased environmental health risk faced by more than 2.5 billion people in the developing world who burn traditional biomass and coal indoors for cooking and heating. EPA awarded two $150,000 grants to implement innovative, community-based programs to reduce indoor air pollution from household energy use in China. The grants were awarded to the Institute for Environmental Health and Related Product Safety (IEHS) of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention and The Nature Conservancy China Program. These grants are increasing the use of affordable, reliable, clean, efficient, and safe home cooking and heating devices that reduce people’s exposure to indoor air pollution. To learn more about the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air and how it is improving indoor air in homes in China and around the world, visit http://www.PCIAonline.org. 

Voluntary Energy Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Buildings
EPA is working with Chinese partners to build capacity for achieving reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and local air pollutants through adoption of voluntary, profitable measures that reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings. Currently focused in Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai, the project promotes voluntary low-cost/no-cost measures by owners and managers of commercial buildings to improve Energy Efficiency (EE), and provides EE technical resources through training seminars, website (http://www.epa.gov/eebuildings),... and newsletters.

Energy Efficiency Labeling and Standards for Products and Equipment
EPA is providing technical support to the Government of China to enhance capacity to Establish and develop labels to reduce pollutants through a voluntary EE labeling program similar to ENERGY STAR. Specifications have been developed for over 25 product categories including televisions, room air-conditioners, and printers. In addition, EPA supports the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) to provide technical support to Chinese partners in designing and implementing minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and mandatory information labels for appliances and equipment. Activities are co-sponsored with the Energy Foundation, UN Foundation and other international sponsors. 
Chinese labeling website: http://www.cecp.org.cn/englishhtml/index... 
CLASP China: http://www.clasponline.org/countrysummar... 

Government Energy Management
EPA is working with the Promoting an Energy-efficient Public Sector (PEPS) program to support implementation a major program of government procurement of energy efficient products. This program has supported the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission in the development and, beginning in January 2005, implementation a staged, 3-year program to establish energy-efficient purchasing practices at all levels of government in China The program builds on labeled products already developed under the Energy Efficiency Labeling project above. 
(http://www.pepsonline.org/countries/chin... 
In addition, EPA is providing training on low cost/no cost building energy management measures to government partners through the eeBuildings program (http://www.epa.gov/eebuildings)...

Wind Technology Partnership
The Wind Technology Partnership is a joint US EPA and US DOE program in China to accelerate the development and utilization of grid-connected wind power in China. The program is an extension of the Technology Cooperation Agreement Pilot Program in China, where wind power was one of four technologies selected by China as priorities. WTP is being implemented by the US in partnership with China's National Development and Reform Committee, China's Energy Research Institute and China's Center for Renewable Energy Development. WTP is currently focusing on overcoming institutional and market barriers to grid-connected wind power in China, with a focus on Hebei province.
(for more information see: http://www.usctcgateway.net/programs/pro... 

Methane to Markets Partnership
Under the multilateral Methane to Markets Partnership, EPA is engaging in capacity building, and project implementation activities in China to facilitate methane capture and use projects in the Coal, Landfill and Agriculture sectors. For example:

In the Coal Sector EPA funds the China Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse. This Clearinghouse, housed by the China Coal Information Institute. The Clearinghouse provides information and logistical support to private businesses and foreign and domestic government agencies interested in coal bed methane and coal mine methane development in China. Visit the Clearinghouse's Web site at http://www.coalinfo.net.cn/ccii/eindex.h... for notices about upcoming projects and activities. 

In the Landfill sector, USEPA is working with the Chinese government to develop feasibility studies for projects in Beijing where landfill gas is used as an alternative vehicle fuel. This work is being done in coordination with the EPA’s Beijing Olympics Air Quality Subgroup. 
For more information the Partnership or specific activities in China please visit http://www.methanetomarkets.org... , or the EPA website for Methane to Markets at http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets...

OH, AND THANKS FOR THE TWO POINTS!