feminist name calling?

Question

I'd like to think of myself as a feminist, but not so much a feminazi. On the odd occasion that I do make a feminist statement I always get remarks like "you're a flat-top bulldyke" etc., particularly online.

What the hell is wrong with people?

wilson,

The question where I got the bulldyke remark from was regarding the reasons some women are choosing not to get married. I said something along the lines of them not needing men as much financially or as a crutch. I said that it was a good thing. The remarks were accomanied with the idea that I was going to be a lonely, man-hating old woman with 10 cats.

edit: sorry, robinson, not wilson!

Answer 1

People always seem to be ridiculed when they do or say things that are blatantly against the status quo. I've heard people say that where we're at with women's rights is about where we were at with racial equality 30 years ago. That too may have something to do with it. When Rosa Parks wouldn't give up her seat on the bus to a white person way back when, her act was considered courageous and revolutionary by many, but her being a black woman, to some it was also considered to be "instigating" and "rocking the boat".

This was also happening a lot some 30 years ago when women really began to work outside rather than be stay-at-home moms. They were called irrespsonsible, bulldykes...they were called bad mothers, etc because they felt that they also wanted to be able to work and contribute to their families financially. It was a revolutionary idea back then so a lot of people paniced over it and reacted irrationally.

I think all people have socially planted ideas of what's considered acceptable. It's okay for changes to occur, but at a certain point, people's idea of how things should be challenged enough that it becomes uncomfortable, so they resort to kind of a fight or flight reaction. Either they deny that things are happening, or they fight it. That's a possible reason for that kind of reaction.

Answer 2

Ouch! That's blatantly unfair. I think it only benefits women and society that they first find out what they want, (marriage, kids, career, etc.,) and THEN do it. I say this as a married stay-at-home-mom, by the way. There is nothing wrong with not wanting to be married! Just promise me you won't call me a "dredge" or a "leech" - it seems to cut both ways. Us women have to stick together and defend each other's right to make decisions. Only once we all agree to stop using the "b-word" against other women can we actually expect the men to get with the program, too.

Answer 3

Wait a minute.

What was the statement?

That is of the UTMOST importance.

If you said "I believe in the equality of men and women. That makes me a feminist" and somebody said that, they should be beaten upside the head for their stupidity. If, however, you said something like "Men are the source of the wage gap. Why can't they just accept equality and move on?" then you should expect some counters and possibly offensive replies.

So, could you give us the context? I can't pass judgment until I know what happened.

EDIT: I would prefer a link, but I figure you have good grounds to complain based on that response. As long as you weren't saying it in an offensive way, that response was unwarranted.

Answer 4

People will try and shut you up by calling you names, just like bullies at school try to intimadate people by beating them up physically. They are not worth worrying about.

Everyone is entitled to their viewpoint, and there are so many people who will discuss views in an intelligent and interesting way, you don't really even have time to worry about what the morons are doing, if you think about it!

But don't fall into the trap by calling people 'feminazis'. That's just a word bullying types made up to prevent women with strong views voicing their opinions. You could be at risk of stereotyping others which you sound way too smart to want to do.

Cheers!

Answer 5

Ignorance, fear and self loathing. When they admit that there is actually inequality in our countries then they have to step back and look how they have contributed to the oppression of others. Most don't even understand what it means or how it works so they just lash out because they hear others doing the same thing. Follow the leader. They have been raised in a certain way and thus inundated with certain ideas that they are afraid to analyze for fear of seeing how wrong they have been. It is hard to admit you are wrong about something and a lot of people will put on blinders rather than see anyone elses point of view. That is why there is so much racism, classism, ableism, religious intolerence, and homophobia.
Feminism is a diverse collection of social theories, political movements, and moral philosophies, largely motivated by or concerning the experiences of women, especially in terms of their social, political, and economic situation. As a social movement, feminism largely focuses on limiting or eradicating gender inequality and promoting women's rights, interests, and issues in society.

Answer 6

You stated your opinion and position (whatever it was), and the others did the same (although very ineffeciently and poorly).

You didn't really say what you said or how you said it, but if you are offering your opinion that are not particularly popular in some groups, you should expect replies as such.

Ignore them and move on. If it bothers you too much, leave the conversation.

By the way, your last sentence speak poorly of yourself. I was sympathetic to you until I saw it. If you want to say that others are wrong in making statements, you should perhaps watch what and how you say it. You could have meant just the same without the word "hell" in it.

Answer 7

Eleonore Roosevelt, Martha Stewart and Mother Jones are or were feminists. You are in good company.

Answer 8

Feminism is a joke. Sexual equalty is a myth. Women and men are different...end of story!

And if you take a look at the Women's Studies Department at any universty, you will see where the flat-top, flannel-clad bulldyke stereotype comes from...it has a basis in reality!

Answer 9

Yeah. That just proves our work itsn't done. Feminism should not be seen as a bad thing. Anyone who does see it that way is frightened of change. wimps

Answer 10

They want to get a rise out of you. Pay no attention. Eventually they will go away. They think by insulting you, you will shut up. Prove them wrong : )