| | This is what I've got to say in regards to feminism:
Radical Feminism: An assault on humanity.
Firstly, it is important to describe what feminism is. Feminism (See my post on emo) will be defined differently by every person asked to define it. Since I'm always right, I think it would be safe to go with my definition.
Feminism is a movement born out of the patriarchy that has been dominant in the world's history. It is the empowerment of women in their struggle for equality. There are two undeniable facts that must be presented: Women have been and remain oppressed in nearly all societies, and, women are equal to men in every respect (It's obvious that men and women have different physical qualities, though. Think vagina and penis). Sex doesn't determine morality.
Religion and culture are both equally to blame for the plight of women. Christianity boasts it's sexism and the role of women to serve and obey men. Islam is even more oppressive towards women, giving a thumbs up to their rape, enslavement, and abuse. In some parts of Africa and the Middle East, a practice known as clitorectomies is widely accepted. This is the cutting of women's genitals to prevent them from feeling sexual pleasure, for various reasons. The thought of barbaric, sexist practices such as this makes me sick.
Sexism and discrimination against women is the reason for the "glass ceiling" and "stickey feet" syndrome in the workplace. A large part of America's, and the world's men believe women exist to serve them, and will go to strenuous lengths to ensure that a woman in the workplace does not excel. This is not limited to sexism because it can also be easily applied to race, religion, or creed.
"BUT DUSTAN, U DONT UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT IS 2 BE A WOMAN IN AMERICA. U R A MAN AND NOT A WOMAN LOL"
O rly?
I have been told I am sexist. The reason I am sexist is because I adhere to some traditional values of chivalry. Women have only recently begun to win their battle for equality in The United States. They've won the right to vote, work, and choose their walk of life. Does this mean they've achieved victory? Hardly. Take a look at the rap industry, where chauvinism runs rampant. Women are referred to as "bitches" and believed to only exist for sexual enslavement. This is a multi-million dollar industry! The overwhelming majority of men I've met in my lifetime adhere to the same viewpoints, though some less and more strict.
Feminists claim it's hard simply to be a woman in society. So I'm a sexist if I'd rather befriend a woman then some boring, drunken hillbilly slob of a "man"? Maybe I have a problem with stereotyping other men, but then again, I don't really give a damn if I do. I would rather join and support women and feminists in their fight for equality then sit back and idly do nothing because I am a male.
Feminism is about liberation. It's an ongoing, and hopefully soon to be successful battle for the equality of women. I'm siding with the women, and if you don't, then fuck you. Gender roles and sexual slavery are primitive, backwards, and not compatible with a moral, educated society.
"BUT DUSTAN. IF U LIKE WOMEN SO MUCH THEN Y R U WRITING AN ARTICLE ABOUT RADICAL FEMINISM BEING BAD?!1/1?? U R JUST A DUM KID BEHIND A COMPUTER WITH A BIG MOUTH!!!1"
Feminism has quickly turned into a sort of feminist fundamentalism (radical feminism). It has the ability to transform the struggle for equality into a staunch hatred for men and society. An important thing to ask yourself is "Can you really blame these 'radical feminists' for their disdain of men and society?". You decide.
Here's a few concepts radical feminists distort to prop up their case against men and society:
Rape
The idea that rape is exclusive to men raping women is simply invalid. While an overwhelming majority of cases of rape occur against women from men, it is a heinous crime that can go both ways. Ignore the majority, and accept reality. There ARE cases of women sexually assaulting men. Whether it be adult to adult, or adult to child. Rape is disgusting, and there is no one sex guilty of it. Individuals are guilty of it.
Pornography
I find pornography tasteless and degrading. To claim it is oppressive to women, though, is a lie. This is because if it were oppressive, it would be oppressive to both men and women. No matter how degrading, pornography is not oppressive. It is a private industry, supported by consumers. The people involved make the conscious decision to partake in it.
Prostitution
This is a weightless argument. There can be male or female prostitutes. Besides, the choice to provide sexual services as a form of labor is an individual choice. If it affects women as a whole, then it also affects men as a whole.
The modeling industry
This is another voluntary, private industry that radical feminists have claimed objectifies and oppress women, but why not men also? The idea that a woman does not have the free will to make a profit off of her physical attributes is sexist. In a free society, people are free to do what they please with their bodies. It has been argued that the media creates a "standard" that women should fit to be beautiful. The same applies to men. To claim that it only matters in regards to women, is backwards in the campaign for equality.
Don't like the pornography and modeling industries? Blame the consumers who support it. Don't come up with some hodgepodge concept of "industry" and blame everything possible. Individuals are responsible for their individual actions.
The things I've mentioned all have something in common. None of them are exclusive to women, but all are used as arguments against today's patriarchy. While today's society remains oppressive, how will equality be achieved through militant complaining? Shouldn't an industry that glorifies the beauty of an individual woman, by her own will, be empowering? I'm not claiming this is pornography, though it does apply to the modeling industry in several aspects.
The "sex card" carries about as much weight as the "race card". It's easy for a radical feminist to claim "I WAS FIRED BCUZ THEY R SEXIST". In reality, you probably got fired because you sucked at your job, or no one liked you for who you are. Follow this up with a rant about the world's patriarchy, and you've got a successful lawsuit on your hands.
Feminism is supposed to be a campaign for equality and harmony of the sexes. Instead, extremists have butchered the ideal and abuse it in the form of lawsuits, demands for reperations, and a crutch to excel. Some radical feminists have become so angry and lewd that a male simply saying "I like your outfit. You look pretty" is a reason to explode into anger.
If I were to blame all feminists for the actions of a few extremists, I would be no different from those extremists blaming all men for the actions of others. This is a widely accepted concept - there are extremists in every ideaology.
Some radical feminists, such as Mary Daly, Charlotte Bunch, and Marilyn Frye, have advocated seperatism - a complete separation of male and female in society and culture. The current feminist movement is littered with anti-male sentiments, stereotypes, and a general hatred for men that hinder it's progress and ethical campaign.
You may wonder why I have not addressed masculinism. This is because masculinism is an imperial, oppressive concept aimed at men dominating women. It is outdated and evil.
Morally, feminism is a positive concept. It will lead to equality and justice for both sexes, if extremism does not prevail. Viewing societies progress, (albeit slow) it appears equality will be achieved. Will it be in our lifetime?
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism
http://feminism.eserver.org/
http://www.cddc.vt.edu/feminism/
http://hijinx.nu/pix/index.php?topic=12533.0
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I plan on editing and updating this article in the future, pending what sort of feedback I recieve from both men and women. No matter what side of the fence you are on, please share your feedback.
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