Why do feminists censor opposing opinions?

Question

Just curious. I allow all opinions to be aired on my own site, most other MRA sites & blogs also allow feminist opinions to be aired... so why do feminists block people they assume they will disagree with, why do feminists sites ban & delete members who aren't unpleasant - just different in opinions/values, etc.
What is wrong with feminists - aren't they 'strong, independant women' who 'can have it all'? Or are they (those who do the blocking) just blatant cowards?

History guy: No, although the question stated 'feminists' it elaborated (in details section) that I'm referring to some, not all.
"Or are they (those who do the blocking) just blatant cowards?"
Additionally, what you mentioned - about labelling, is precisely what feminism does about men. Men do this, men do that, men are inferior, etc.
You have a valid point, but you should be directing it to feminists - not me.
I've been banned from many myself - for offering evidence contrary to what they wish to see, or perpetuate. That is personal experience. However, my board has quite a few people who have also linked to feminist places that have banned when confrtonted with opposing opinions.
kessie - yes some men will do it too, but I'm referring to the forums & blogs, etc. (and YA in a small way)... but as i pointed out, MRA boards don't ban 'just because' of an opposing view - feminist boards do, regardless how polite or pleasant you may be.

Answer 1

You know, I've thought this whole thing over myself and decided that I will not block anyone, no matter how much I disagree with what they say. In fact, it is my sincere belief that by letting the biggest idiots speak allows them to bring their stupidity right into public view- and this helps influence others to form their own opinons against what it is these people are saying. In other words, in the most extreme cases, when I let someone spout off misogynistic remarks and answers to my questions (not block them), I think more people then formulate better opinions about feminism, and the misogynist loses respect and influence on others.

Answer 2

I think you forgot "some." I'm sure you meant it, but the way it's written, it's unclear. So I thought I'd clear it up since I didn't want you to be misunderstood. Yes, it should read "Why do SOME feminists censor opposing opinions?" You see the difference there? The word, "some" is unassuming and seemingly unimportant, but in this particular sentence, it's crucial. And I don't think said people are "blatant cowards"--I think they don't really want to hear from certain individuals for whatever reason. Or maybe they just know it bugs these people. Whatever it is, what does it matter really? You think it says something about feminism? About women? It says nothing.

Answer 3

Perhaps, it's because some feminists feel that any man who spends an inordinate amount of time baiting and attacking feminism is creepy and probably has some issues. Mommy issues.

To be serious, aren't you painting with a broad brush? Provide some evidence that all or even most feminist blogs and MRA sites don't allow opposing opinions? You're like anyone who says: "All black people.... " or " All liberals..." or "All conservatives..." or "All Southerners...." or "All Catholics..." I think you get the idea. You lose credibility when try and do that. That may play well to people who already agree with you, but you're not fooling anyone else. I'm pretty sure there's plenty of men, plenty of conservatives, liberals, Christians, Jews, etc, etc, etc, who have MRA sites and blogs that don't allow opposing views.

Answer 4

Yes, I've often wondered about this. How so many self-styled feminists seem to block or disregard or give petulant or sarcastic replies to those they disagree with. The men's rights people seem to be much more open and transparent.

Answer 5

Interesting point... My answer / opinion (a pretty demure one at that) to a pretty offensive to all females question has been reported and deleted a few days ago. I have no idea why people do that kind of a thing: must be inability to have a civilized debate on equal grounds. Pathetic unisex business , if you ask me.

Edit: I am not sure if Rude Unfeeling B was referring to me or not. However, the question I was referring to was about claim for responsibility of females and their way of thinking for autism in their children. As a woman and a mother, I thought it was cruel and unnecessary.

BTW, I don't recall ever answering the question you are referring to, because I consider myself a feminist. I simply don't talk about things I don't believe in.

Answer 6

Hi ΛתŧĩмĩŝãתŊřŷ,

Since you speak in absolutes and hold all feminists responsible for the isolated acts you have observed with no specific examples, it's somewhat hard to answer your question. I don't believe in censorship, blocking or reporting, to be honest---probably because I don't care much, I pretty much feel if they are deleted here and there, they'll show up elsewhere. Maybe I should start caring more, I donno...But I can see how one would want to end abusive language or disrespect in a community that was created for reasoning and knowledge.

There is a big difference between "unpleasant" & "disagreements" and name callings & personal insults. Feminists have been targeted for the latter on this forum ever since I joined. I can certainly email you the daily personal insults, attacks, name-callings etc... I would not label them as "anti-feminists" although some go under that name...but rather ignorant participants. I know plenty of "anti-feminists" who are respectful, so there is no need to draw a broad conclusion about a group based on isolated incidents.

Answer 7

Firstly, there are many different ideas and opinions in feminism.

But there is a certain type of personality that has trouble dealing with change and different opinions. So they censor other ideas. In previous times they attacked feminists, and now they are the feminists.

It is not a product of feminist thought only some of them. This is why many young women don't like to called feminists. They are out canvassing many ideas and concepts and inventing the next wave of feminism.

Answer 8

Hey we're all guilty of blocking people, even me, myself and I.
Yeah, so this feminists asks me something to the effect of why would I ever be an anti-feminists so I tell her in very clear sentences that's what I am and that's all I can say about it. Apparently she didn't like it. Got quite nasty with her, and called her what she calls herself. After all her name is what she thinks of herself. So, anyways this supposed troll asked me the same question and since he'd done it politely so, we had a good conversation as to why I feel the way that I do.
Now I digress sorry bout that. Now when I block that means I don't want to bother with them in the first place. and to be more honest I have a couple of answers to delete cause I blocked this certain person. Wouldn't want to be caught being a hypocrite.

Answer 9

This feminist has enough self respect to block those who only answer my questions to call me derogatory names and accuse me of being a baby killing, witch. I can make choices to avoid abuse levied at me I can by employing the block button. I have been blocked by anti femists who know that I am far more adept at critical thinking and debate then they are. Now that to me is censorship not to mention extremely hypocritical. So why don't you clean up your own group before you start to work on ours. Your anti feminists are the ones that post hateful comments at every opportunity or use every single question to sling a nasty, insult, and try to demean feminists. The ones that make me laugh the most are the thinly veiled attempts to put feminists down by implying they are lesbians. What a joke. Perpetuating false myths is hardly intelligent debate.
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuBXsGceEVv3SjJcJnub1CDBFQx.;_ylv=3?qid=20070920045911AAEo3K9&show=7#profile-info-mBsoVgQ1aa
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgvBOcUBi9yuy8cJ.A1Y7FvBFQx.;_ylv=3?qid=20070921134808AAY3n8w&show=7#profile-info-1befe4f88cceaa9ba5e0f63f91c58fecaa
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlBLlLY7F_sF70Z91mCu_I7BFQx.;_ylv=3?qid=20070925080502AArR8ux&show=7#profile-info-StnxlDU1aa

Answer 10

I experienced just the opposite of that. I see women on here who consider themselves anti-feminist, and I was curious about why a woman would be anti-feminist. So I emailed one, and asked something like "Your profile says you are anti-feminist. What does that exactly mean - what are you beliefs that is, and why are those your beliefs?" And you know what I got back? Something like "I am who I am and I am antifeminist" Then a bunch of stuff about obeying her husband. I wrote back and said that yes, I know she's anti-feminist, but can you tell me some REASONS for that. After that she became rather hostile and defensive. Then she resorted to name calling.

Conclusion - I'm a feminist, and I wanted to HEAR opposing opinions. However, when I asked for one, I didn't get any reasons to justify those beliefs, which is what I was looking for. Instead I got someone insulting me.

P.S. Miss, I won't call you out by name. However, I fail to see how the simple questions "Can you tell me why you are anti-feminst? Meaning what are your beliefs and what are your reasons for believing those things?" are rude? I asked another person, and she was not rude in response.