Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

seabeyond

(110,159 posts)
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 09:57 AM Feb 2012

family and radical feminism

My radical feminist awakening has changed my worldview (I was going to say it has *fundamentally* changed my worldview, but that’s not quite right. Radical feminism uses argument and logic to deliver true conclusions. Popular or “fun” feminism uses none of those things. I got my master’s degree in analytic philosophy, which helps explain radical feminism’s appeal to me. Indeed, it should appeal to everyone who takes the time to recognize the global hatred of women in our society. So in that sense, coming to radfem consciousness has expanded, rather than altered, my worldview).

I’ve made the mistake of confiding this new-found worldview with my brother. He does not get it *at all*, and so we end up yelling at each other. I am so saddened that he is entirely unwilling to bend just the slightest bit to what I’m saying. He’s always listened to me before.

*

I’ve finally decided that he and I will not talk about feminism any longer- it is the only way to save our friendship. But given how much I care about radical feminist topics, this will mean that we will grow apart if we aren’t able to share on this topic. It will also mean that if he laughs at a misogynistic joke, or drinks out of a female-bodied naked headless wine container (true), I will have to ignore his behavior, swallow my anger, and continue on. Either that, or lose him as a friend and brother. Honestly, that will probably end up happening anyway.

Having convictions sucks. It means I’m alienated from the people I care about the most. I’m deeply sad about this.

http://smashesthep.wordpress.com/
____________________________

this, just because in the last couple years of learning, this is a little more personal for my life and has touched me in how my life has been effected. i wonder if others arent experiencing this and how we balance in it our RL with the people we love.

13 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
 

WingDinger

(3,690 posts)
2. I dont understand the radical modifier.
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 11:10 AM
Feb 2012

Are there now BARBIE feminists, and serious ones?

I guess maybe any feminist that suggests changes to the status quo?

 

seabeyond

(110,159 posts)
3. i figured radical would have issue. as far as i can see, if the article seems relevant the name
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 11:16 AM
Feb 2012

does not really matter to me at all. as radical as they may label themselves, the article makes sense to me, and means something and i hope will generate a conversation.

i am really not going to have any issue with a name.

i dont know what you mean by barbie feminist. clarify, please.

 

WingDinger

(3,690 posts)
4. Simply dont understand the radical modifier. It makes alll REGULAR feminists seem like fakes, or
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 11:43 AM
Feb 2012

less than.. Like if we made us radical democrats.

 

seabeyond

(110,159 posts)
5. that is only in the assumptions we make. not fact. because of you, i got the definition
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 11:46 AM
Feb 2012

of RADICAL feminism. instead of an impression of it. so thank you. but, that being said..... i am not going to so easily be divided over something so little as a word, which respectfully, you have immediately shown a division with your post.

i am saying this as gently as i can, cause i love ya winger.... but your post is exactly the shit i am not going to play in.

so again, i say this sincerely, thank you for the opportunity for recognition, thru your words as an example.

 

WingDinger

(3,690 posts)
6. We must understand and coordinate our terms. Words mean things. Thank you for the definition.
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 11:51 AM
Feb 2012

Got nothin against gender walls being broken down. Please dont judge my interest as being critical.

 

seabeyond

(110,159 posts)
7. words do matter. and that is why i prefaced with all the sincere and thank you
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 11:53 AM
Feb 2012

for the opportunity of having an example with your words. i know they were not meant to be divisive, but for me, they were an example of what i discussed in another thread today how we women have to get beyond divide.

so it really was a nifty opportunity, imo

hence, my looking for a definition. so another thank you

 

Remember Me

(1,532 posts)
13. The definition of radical, in this usage, is
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 08:40 PM
Feb 2012

referencing the radix, or "the root." That's what it's always meant. The root refers to Patriarchy. Radical feminists consider Patriarchy the root of our evil.

Most people seem to imagine that radical feminism means "extreme," and of course pretty much all feminists are that because feminists tend to challenge the status quo and ANYone who challenges the status quo is extreme.... in the extreme.

redqueen

(115,164 posts)
10. Why get hostile?
Sun Feb 12, 2012, 10:56 AM
Feb 2012

Nobody used the word 'barbie' let alone in the minimizing and mocking way you just did.

Why did you do that? There was no nastiness in the OP, and I am extremely curious where yours came from.

As for an answer, there are many brands and flavors of feminists. Radical is only one of many modifiers.

 

WingDinger

(3,690 posts)
11. I dont do hostile. I just challenge people to define their terms, and analyze process.
Sun Feb 12, 2012, 11:34 AM
Feb 2012

And invite the same. Making all concerned more congruent.

 

Remember Me

(1,532 posts)
8. That's the way I've always seen it
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 09:34 PM
Feb 2012

You phrase it beautifully:

Radical feminism uses argument and logic to deliver true conclusions. Popular or “fun” feminism uses none of those things. I got my master’s degree in analytic philosophy, which helps explain radical feminism’s appeal to me. Indeed, it should appeal to everyone who takes the time to recognize the global hatred of women in our society. So in that sense, coming to radfem consciousness has expanded, rather than altered, my worldview).


But in truth, I'm also a liberal feminist ('cause I'm practical and think we also have to deal with the here and now), and several other flavors thrown in too. I guess that makes me a mess. :-/
 

seabeyond

(110,159 posts)
9. now i am going to have to check other feminism...
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 09:47 PM
Feb 2012

i saw political and social...

i didnt write it, but ya. i liked that, too

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Feminists»family and radical femini...