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  • nathanalbright

    That’s not very different than what I said, given that I implied that the label of feminism was used by the “interest label” Democrats of the 1960′s mold, which was when semantics became so important to determine who was ‘racist,’ who was ‘sexist,’ and so on.

    At any rate, I agree that we should not be divided at least by race, income, or sex. I consider sexual orientation, like abortion, to be a moral matter, and any “out and proud” person would be morally unacceptable on those grounds. Any struggling sinner, though, no matter their sin, would be welcome to struggle along with the rest of us against those worse demons of our natures with all the help and encouragement we can give. If we defend a consistent standard of high moral conduct, wrestle ourselves under a standard of self control to obey that standard ourselves, and give respect to everyone else regardless of their superficial qualities, then we have no need to be threatened by those who use labels and names to divide and conquer electorates by massing large enough groups of “marginalized” minorities to make a majority of whiners looking for government largesse.

  • nathanalbright

    I have a Turkish friend who does not hate men but believes that women should be respected for their intelligence (and she happens to be an intelligent young woman). She considers herselfa feminist, probably in the same way that the author of this piece does so.

    Whether or not that is valid depends on what you mean by feminism. If you mean that feminism requires a hatred of men, or an assault on femininity or on the dignity of the unborn, as a particular position in the culture wars, then no such person could be a genuine moral conservative who espouses those positions. If, however, you mean feminism to respect women for intelligence, to seek no limitations to the positions that one may rise to based on merit, then such feminism would belong to the right, as it would be part of a genuine and complete aversion to any and all artificial barriers that keep anyone from reaching their full God-given potential. Plenty of men (myself included) would be feminists under such a definition as well. But I think the reason that feminism has been seized by the left is that the left is more concerned in general about label and about coded politics while the right has been more concerned about the substance of an argument rather than the semantic arguments over the meaning of “is,” or feminism for that matter. A lack of interest in dealing with semantics on the part of many has ceded the linguistic authority to those who use labels and words as handy labels to shut down intelligent discussion.

  • http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

    Originally activists for women’s rights did not call themselves feminists. They were motivated by such things as the right to vote, the right to get into colleges, the right to pursue careers, and protection against violence.

    In the 1960′s a bunch of hard core haters moved into the movement. You all know the type, bitter, angry, and contemptuous of tradition. Small wonder that their politics were all extreme left wing since they held those attitudes in common with other lefties.

    Their biggest push was primarily for abortion on demand, then it was the ERA, and then the idiotic comparative worth rule. They succeeded in doing what the left always does, Divide and conquer.

    They can only succeed in the long run if we remain divided among ourselves, divided by race, by income, or by sex and sexual orientation.

  • pttx333

    ;

  • pttx333

    this is a great forum for me to voice my disgust with what the hard-core, bitter, shrieking feminists have wrought.

    First and foremost, I am a woman and very proud to be one. In no shape, form or fashion do I wish to be a man or to compete with one in any physical feats; i.e., never have I wished to be in a foxhole, digging a ditch, being a firefighter, etc. The great majority of women just are not physically suited to do such things, and I greatly disagree with women who want to “compete” with men in those areas and then expect the men to “help” them perform the work that the women cannot physically accomplish. There isn’t the first thing right about such. And then the women expect equal pay for that? I say BS! Yes, equal pay for performing the exact requirements as a man for a job well done, but not when a man is expected to take up the slack. (That would also apply in the reverse scenario, BTW.)

    I enjoy having a door held open for me and other niceties that gentlemen do for a woman and would never belittle a man who did such things, though I have seen women make some snarky remark to a man who was being a gentleman. In my view, no woman has the right to complain/whine about anything when she behaves as anything other than a lady. One can’t behave as a shrew one minute, then have the vapors in the next instant over some imagined slight. In all of my 71 years, I have always tried to behave like a lady and have been treated accordingly. That includes my attire, behavior and demeanor – never was I “hit on” in all of my years of working in a very demanding job. There were a couple of innuendoes (nothing crass or ugly, though) over the years, but I just pretended that I didn’t know what was being said. Can’t blame a man for trying! ;-)

    I also hold the view that feminism has greatly contributed to the downfall of our society in that the home is no longer sacred in their view and the children are left to their own devices. Now, that is not to say that a man does not have a duty to hold up his end – it takes two pulling one yoke, not each one pulling seperate yokes.

    Though I could write a book on this subject, the bottom line is that I believe that God intended men to be the hunters and gatherers and women to be the nest builders.

    For the ladies who wish to slam me for my views, go right ahead. You will not change my mind. I enjoy who I am, and hope that you do the same.

  • pttx333

    there is no such thing as sexual harrassment! Of course there can be and sometimes is, but sometimes the accusations are petty and way out of line. For the true occurrences of such, then I say “go for the gusto” in prosecuting to the fullest extent. Typically, though, a good tongue lashing or a well-placed elbow should take care of most instances – I have witnessed such, and it worked immediately.

  • westcoastpatriette

    because I agree with everything that you said here.

    I am a little younger than you, but I share your disdain with many aspects of the “feminist” movement. I have to confess that I probably got caught up in it a little more than you in terms of seeing the unjust aspects of “being in a man’s world.” (My mother and grandmother used to tell me that as a subtle warning that it was just the way things are).

    Bottom line, human beings are flawed by nature and there is an equal amount of despicable conduct within each sex. There are also differences that should be embraced and accepted by both sides as we were designed to compliment one another not compete with one another.

    Oh, well. Live and learn. Thanks for writing.

  • nathanalbright

    Maybe you should write your book :B.

  • pttx333

    as an educational tool. All too often, women (due to their lackadaisical upbringing) do not have a clue as to how to behave as a lady – even down to walking like a lady instead of clomping along like a plodding horse! Have you witnessed our current FLOTUS? OMG, she is an embarrassment to the female gender. Her entire persona screams femi-nazi (good one from Rush) – good example of how NOT to be a lady. Her title should be FPHOUS – first plow horse of the U.S. – because there is no visible lady there.

    In fact, I could issue warnings to you guys who are not already taken as to what to look for in a mate – just as I could with the ladies. There are huge signals to look for from both sides as there are both male and female jerks!

    Thanks again, nathan!

  • pttx333

    many times I’ve been taken to task for my stance, but I do not waver. I’ve been to at least three goat ropin’s and four rodeos ( ;-) ) and know of what I speak. I love to watch people and have learned a great deal from it. LOL

    Being younger than me, I can understand how you would have fallen for some of the feminist movement. In the beginning, it was okay in that it was about equal pay, etc., but as kyle8 posted, it morphed into a despicable socialist beast. A man should be a man and a lady should be a lady – period. My mother and grandmother taught me to be independent AND a lady (that is NOT contradictory) without being a b*tch about it all. In other words, I am not a simpering clinging vine, but neither am I a beat-em-over-the-head type (not even remotely). I will stand my ground but do listen also. There is a happy medium. Am I perfect? HA, are you kidding? No way. But I am very comfortable in my own shoes.

    Yep, we are all flawed with bad traits, but, as you said, we were made to complement one another, not to be in competition. What competition is there, pray tell?

    Thanks for the comment, ‘patriette!

    P.S. I think my views are what attract me to Perry. He is a true man who will keep us safe from all harm to the extent that is possible. He is an all-around type of good man who is a winner. Do I agree with him 100%? No, but I do about 98% and that is good enough for me!

  • westcoastpatriette

    I would share more about my personal journey if the conversation were private, but since it is not, I think it is wise to be a bit discreet in that regard.

    I really enjoy reading your posts and would love to read that book you’re thinking about writing. There is always more to learn about life and your posts reflect the kind of wisdom that only comes with age.

    Thanks, again.

  • pttx333

    you also and hear about your personal journey. I’m sure we could have very interesting conversations! Just because I’m 71 doesn’t mean I’m an old stick-in-the-mud fuddy duddy, because I’m not. Let me think about how that could come about …