It struck me as a good idea to post an email that I received yesterday from my ex-stepdad on the topic of feminism. My reply to him will follow in a separate post since it’s quite lengthy.
Hi ******:
Perhaps feminism is acceptance of self (if you are a woman) and desire to change society’s preconceptions.
It is a great temptation to be angry. Everyone seems to do it and feel proud to be angry. In my view, anger at the world is simply judging others and them blaming them for not seeing the world the way that you do. I often succumb to the temptation as well. But it is not very productive. The Radical Feminism you speak of is doing nothing for women. Their message to mainstream society is that men are all heinous creatures and women are inevitable victims. Regardless of the truth of this view, it is not going to change people’s attitudes because it is an attack on everyone who disagrees. There is no attempt to bridge the gap and work constructively. Perhaps what is worse, is it teaches that women can only be what a Radical Feminist says they can be; there is no freedom of choice.
There are many causes that people adopt for the purpose of both feeling good about being part of a cause while not participating. Bubblegum feminism is one of many such causes. It is human nature to participate in these causes; we want to feel good about our morality without paying the price. I usually find such ubiquitous behavior to be expected, and therefore, not that annoying. I see my own propensity in this regard and so it is easy to forgive others. Of course, when I get close to them it can get really annoying.
Perhaps instead of focusing on your feelings, you should focus on doing something you will enjoy and find satisfaction in. It helps to surround yourself with people you like and admire. At the very least, make sure that the people around you will not cause you to feel bad about the world. I am a hypocrite for suggesting this, but I suggest that you volunteer for charity. You have great empathy for people. Hardship brings out the best in people. If you could find people who have been handed problems not of their choosing, I think you would find your compassion and empathy a positive force in your life. I do suggest you stay away from people who are repetitively self-destructive; you can not help them and it will give you a very negative impression about people. You will never solve the world’s problems, but there are things you can do on a small scale that will bring you joy and a positive view of others.
All the best, Dad
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My Letter to ESD - 4/27/08 « Wake Me Now said
[...] 27, 2008 at 11:56 pm · Filed under Letters, On Radical Feminism My response to the email from my ex-stepdad received yesterday on the topic of feminism. Hi [...]