Comments on: This is the "Othering" I Was Talking About

By: Ouyang Dan

Ouyang Dan — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:48:38 +0000

Thanks for bringing your thoughts here Robyn, on an older post. Sadly, much of it still applies, and I don’t see things improving. Even though much of the principles I identify with (I am struggling with the “feminist” label, for example these days over much of the reasoning that I wrote about here so long ago) are things I am not sure how to grapple with these day, the ideas still apply. What you say rings very true.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you will continue to do so.

By: Robyn Sheppard

Robyn Sheppard — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:37:26 +0000

Ah, yes. The balkanization of feminism. Ever hear of divide and conquer? A house divided against itself? These aren’t just words but hard-learned truths. It’s not about sex, gender, men, women, but rather *people*.

As long as any of us is oppressed, we’re all oppressed. As a transwoman, I’m tired of being forced to the back of the bus. You know the bus–the one Barney Frank threw us under. It’s as if the 1964 Civil Rights Act guaranteed equal rights to all Americans–except for the really dark-skinned ones.

Look, sex is what’s between your legs; gender is between your ears. So are we going to define feminism based on gender or on sex? If it’s gender, then you have to count me. And if it’s sex, you’re just building the wall higher and stronger.

Don’t identify me by your own limited understanding, and I won’t do the same to you.

By: Ouyang Dan

Ouyang Dan — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:38:21 +0000

Understood…and thanks for clearing that up. I welcome other opinions, but I have to draw the line in order to keep this a safe space.

I so agree w/ your point. Thank-you for reading!

By: Danny

Danny — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:34:45 +0000

Not trying to bring any “MRA rhetoric”. The only reason I mention it is because just like any other label, like feminist, some people have a tendency to act as if they are the only ones qualified to speak on behalf of said label. And they will do this while daring anyone to challenge their assesment of other labels.

By: Ouyang Dan

Ouyang Dan — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:58:21 +0000

Danny, As long as no one is trying to bring MRA rhetoric in here, b/c that is a giant no no. I don’t like labels, but I remind readers that I am in fact a feminist/womanist. I just prefer not to be boxed into categories like “sex pox” or “rad fem” or anything like that. But you are right, I have stopped interacting on a few sites I used to love (like Feministing, although I still adore Jessica et al, I find the community hostile at times) b/c the commenters get a little self righteous for me.

I guess that is a gentle warning?

By: Danny

Danny — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:31:35 +0000

All that arguing over who’s feminism is better or who fits the definition of progressive is just the reason I don’t bother claiming any titles like humanist, MRA, feminist, or otherwise.

I think part of the reason some of those arguments start up is because people get so into their activism that somewhere along the line (without realising it I believe) they appoint themselves the sole arbitor(s) of things like peace, equality, fairness, and justice. The supreme and unchallengable authority you may say. Once that happens anyone that offers the slightest variation is labled as an other.

By: Renee

Renee — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 02:44:58 +0000

I so completely agree with you and see this desire to silence trans women as just asserting a form of hierarchy wherein some bodies matter and others are cast off. As a WOC who has been subject to my own degree of silencing within feminism I certainly will always stand in unity with the marginalized body.
Good for you for calling it out and telling it true. It is a difficult think to recognize the humanity of another when so many pressuring the exact opposite. The more people stand up against such obvious tyranny it is my hope that this hate and ignorance will dissipate! Tell it my sister, tell it true!

By: annaham

annaham — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:58:31 +0000

I know I do “word” comments all the time, but massive “word” to this post.

By: Cecelia

Cecelia — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:20:17 +0000

Great post!!

I agree with Lilla on this one…

“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” Lilla Watson (Australian Aboriginal Activist & Organizer)

By: ouyangdan

ouyangdan — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:12:49 +0000

pretty much what I was going for. Yea. And more concise.