Feminists

I am also a middle-aged woman. Embrace your power, seabeyond! Do not allow others to define you. People who throw insulting names at you are not worth the effort, frankly. When another person resorts to personal insults, that means you've won the argument.

But also realize that general statements are not always to be taken personally. Take the subject of pornography. If someone who's against porn says "People who watch pornography perpetuate violence against women!" Then a feminist who enjoys pornography may feel that person is accusing them of violence against women. She may be offended and call the poster's view prudish. Soon, the discussion revolves around personal insults instead of a very important discussion about pornography's effect on society. (Please note I'm not taking sides in the pornography debate here, just using it as an example.)

Seabeyond, you have important things to say as a feminist. No one has the power to make you stop talking.