tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post115992174564784799..comments2023-11-02T08:09:02.234-04:00Comments on Her Bad Mother: So, is this about feminism, or my neuroses? You decide!Her Bad Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03535958887714152413noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160116429579657022006-10-06T02:33:00.000-04:002006-10-06T02:33:00.000-04:00It is late, and I am tired and must take a bath .....It is late, and I am tired and must take a bath ... but I just had to say:<BR/><BR/>-You are such a great writer and I love to read your stuff<BR/>-I am so glad I met you through the Greenstone event<BR/>-When we have posts about posts about posts about feminism it is time to take a break and just get out there and do cool stuff. So I understand your headaches. It reminds me of college when I would spout on and on and on about liberation theology and oppression to my relatives at Thanksgiving and their eyes would roll back in their head. ( I know you are Canadian and don't have Thanksgiving cause your people didn't sit down to eat with the native americans then steal their land ... or maybe they did, but didn't create a national holiday to celebrate it.)<BR/><BR/>Blog on sister, you are cool and interesting and funny.<BR/><BR/>Now to bath for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160067154821628312006-10-05T12:52:00.000-04:002006-10-05T12:52:00.000-04:00Hey, what's wrong with obscenely long posts? Um, y...Hey, what's wrong with obscenely long posts? Um, yeah. I don't, um, known any mommy bloggers who have a habit of writing trailing posts. At least none as funny and informative as yours, that is.Domestic Slackstresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03067343703529550218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160061375017032902006-10-05T11:16:00.000-04:002006-10-05T11:16:00.000-04:00I would just like to second what Lady M said: than...I would just like to second what Lady M said: <BR/><BR/><I>thank you for the excellent posts on the discussions with Gloria. I'd gotten complacent and stopped really deeply thinking about feminism, what it has done and is still doing.</I><BR/><BR/>Your posts, and Mad Hatter's, have got me thinking and even blogging about feminism. It's also made me notice that yes I do identify myself as a feminist.cinnamon gurlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05363288586285868779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160060771790840292006-10-05T11:06:00.000-04:002006-10-05T11:06:00.000-04:00What Gloria said.I have always considered myself a...What Gloria said.<BR/><BR/>I have always considered myself a feminist. A strong feminist. As you know, I even work for a grassroots feminist charity now. Though many of my coworkers prefer "womanist", I think the title is less relevant than the intention behind it. That women are equal human beings. I could write for hours about how strongly I feel about this but in the end that is what I would be saying - though not as eloquently.<BR/><BR/>Thanks, as always, for being you.Sandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17049745050947936354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160058156287244522006-10-05T10:22:00.000-04:002006-10-05T10:22:00.000-04:00Ok ... I have to admit I have never been one to ge...Ok ... I have to admit I have never been one to get that passionate about feminism as a theory however always identified myself as one. I am far from educated on it, I would much rather learn PHP, CSS, and all the codes of web design (things that make most people quiver).<BR/><BR/>However I have read all your posts on the debate and the single thing I can personally relate to "females are full human beings". I had no idea that was debatable, yet I know I have fought to hold up that ideal.<BR/><BR/>Feminism to me has always been about choices. I chose to go to university, and now I chose to stay at home with my children, support my husband's career and develop myself as a human being at the community level rather than a career level.<BR/><BR/>ok maybe I need to blog about this rather than ranting in your comments *blush*<BR/><BR/>I hope that you realize how much you make me think about it all ... and for that ... I think you are amazing, no one else can draw me into it liek you do :DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160030110008931992006-10-05T02:35:00.000-04:002006-10-05T02:35:00.000-04:00Yay, gratuitous Wonderbaby photos!I said this at M...Yay, gratuitous Wonderbaby photos!<BR/><BR/>I said this at Mom-101's place as well - thank you for the excellent posts on the discussions with Gloria. I'd gotten complacent and stopped really deeply thinking about feminism, what it has done and is still doing.Lady Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13360693450146358247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160020639767909702006-10-04T23:57:00.000-04:002006-10-04T23:57:00.000-04:00Hi Catherine! I'm going to delurk to say thanks to...Hi Catherine! I'm going to delurk to say thanks to both you and Julie for giving us all much to think about. As bloggers/writers/or, in my case, rambler extraordinaire, it's good to be reminded that words should not be taken for granted, be it feminist, feminazi, feminiceties or even just TWINKIES. Man, I love those things. Thanks again.Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00234102836517506471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160020395867223542006-10-04T23:53:00.000-04:002006-10-04T23:53:00.000-04:00Oh boy...so many things to think about and brew on...Oh boy...so many things to think about and brew on. But alas, I think you know me well enough by now that a lot of that isn't necessary. <BR/><BR/>One point I must address, however, is your discomfort with being misunderstood. <BR/><BR/>There's almost nothing that bugs me as much as feeling like I've been totally misunderstood. It's okay if you get it and disagree with or dislike me but I can't handle it if you disagree with or dislike me for what you aren't correctly understanding. <BR/><BR/>Drives me crazy and drives me to overexplain like some kind of babbling idiot. <BR/><BR/>Arghhh....I feel ya, sista.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160002862858614042006-10-04T19:01:00.000-04:002006-10-04T19:01:00.000-04:00This hit me between the eyes. Amazing post.This hit me between the eyes. Amazing post.Mommygothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14584517101798904292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1160001271992132442006-10-04T18:34:00.000-04:002006-10-04T18:34:00.000-04:00I hear and validate your discomfort, as I also exp...I hear and validate your discomfort, as I also experienced it when reading both (and associated) posts. The movement evolves, we evolve, our sisters evolve, and we are still trying to find our place and voice - and while you might need to take a break and clear your head, your perseverance (and subsequent process) is all part of the journey, so thank you for standing up.Girlplustwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07056576921114387218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159994354601264982006-10-04T16:39:00.000-04:002006-10-04T16:39:00.000-04:00catherine--i think your discomfort is an absolutel...catherine--i think your discomfort is an absolutely necessary one. while i've always called myself a feminist (which makes me so GOOOOOOD;0) i've also done my share of bashing feminism and "essentialism" and deconstructing the epistemological foundations (a la Butler) of feminism (i.e. what is "Woman"?)<BR/>I even rejected the need for "women's studies" and got frothy at the mouth that we should only use the term "gender studies."<BR/>i was more interested in the terms of the debate than the material reality of women's lives. (that's what happens when you get a critical theory phd. make you crazy lady).<BR/><BR/>in short, i was insufferable. now i feel like my feminism has calmed down, or at least become more pragmatic, and so become infused into my daily life more. it's just there--it's a mindset, and sometimes its an active form of politics.<BR/><BR/>and feminism is *not* clearcut--we will always debate what it is, who gets left out, who it priveleges. when do you identify yourself as a feminist? and for what purpose? but this does not mean we throw it out. we can throw it out when there is no demonstrable gender inequity. until then, we can fight the good fight, but at the same time step back and examine who we are and how we are fighting.<BR/><BR/>so don't apologize for not having it straight. how can we?gingajoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01356643079413822527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159990773333296342006-10-04T15:39:00.000-04:002006-10-04T15:39:00.000-04:00I understand the weariness. Debate and hard thinki...I understand the weariness. Debate and hard thinkin' take a lot of of you. It makes me all the more impressed that Gloria is still doing her thang after all these years...<BR/><BR/>and that you're still doing yours. <BR/><BR/>When you're ready, you'll get back to it. Until then, we're here to discuss fashion, puppy dogs, chocolate cake recipes or whatever is on your mind.Mom101https://www.blogger.com/profile/15468524489744839899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159990124038326602006-10-04T15:28:00.000-04:002006-10-04T15:28:00.000-04:00I find nothing wrong with the term feminazi. It is...I find nothing wrong with the term feminazi. It is proper to be incredibly passionate about an entire group's rights as human beings! <BR/><BR/>Would anyone object if someone were a self-described Anti-Racism Nazi? The only people who make differences in this world are the ones who rock the boat - who shake things up - who get extreme. <BR/><BR/>How YOU define feminazi is up to you. Only you can apply the label.<BR/><BR/>(That said, I'm not 100% comfortable with the use of the word "nazi" in any context for its historically violent connontation. But, I don't object to the IDEA behind the use of the word with feminism.)Lenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07334552523048470954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159981124195848122006-10-04T12:58:00.000-04:002006-10-04T12:58:00.000-04:00I can understand why some would feel unsure of the...I can understand why some would feel unsure of the label of feminist, thanks to the attacks on the nature of the movement and trying to turn it into some kind of war.<BR/><BR/>As for me, I consider myself a feminist in that I believe women aren't equal in this society and we do need to work towards making this an equal society. But I'm also a humanist, and believe that people, men and women of all sorts, deserve to have equal rights. So I do think that feminism can be seen as humanism as well.Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07345875955750219033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159980386068801712006-10-04T12:46:00.000-04:002006-10-04T12:46:00.000-04:00Great post. Great points made. I think I feel a Mo...Great post. Great points made. I think I feel a Mother May I post coming on....hmmm....tracey clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17137351051366653697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159980235044839652006-10-04T12:43:00.000-04:002006-10-04T12:43:00.000-04:00i think those belt should be worn on the hips- not...i think those belt should be worn on the hips- not the waist. mmmk? LOL<BR/>i heart you- and who you are, and what you are- and the baby in the swing too. :)j.sterlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07704830625784773198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159979316054701132006-10-04T12:28:00.000-04:002006-10-04T12:28:00.000-04:00I think it is vital that we don't agree on what fe...I think it is vital that we don't agree on what feminism means. The fact that women continue to try and shape and define feminism is what keeps it contemporary - alive. A single definition, to me, attaches feminism to a defined group, in a defined period. Yikes! No thanks. I love that there are so many of us trying out new words to represent new ideas. All of this keeps feminism alive and relevant. <BR/><BR/>And to anyone who thinks GS is a dinosaur and no longer really relevant - her response to Kristin surely proves them wrong. So simple and spot on. She can sure cut through it.Baby in the Cityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01167558214100594817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159976127903473572006-10-04T11:35:00.000-04:002006-10-04T11:35:00.000-04:00Ugh- stupid blogger- sorry 'bout the multiples.Ugh- stupid blogger- sorry 'bout the multiples.urban-urchinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18001320142893492171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159976010474609032006-10-04T11:33:00.001-04:002006-10-04T11:33:00.001-04:00I think I have a husband for the IMPOSSIBLY adorab...I think I have a husband for the IMPOSSIBLY adorable Wonderbaby. That child is edible. <BR/><BR/>I will echo mad hatter here- I think you do an excellent job of working through things and spelling out your beliefs without becoming psycho-belig.<BR/><BR/>I also think this is such a hot button that I admire you for even tackling the subject of the title of feminist. <BR/><BR/>I like the term humanists. It encompasses rather than segregates.urban-urchinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18001320142893492171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159975991399929842006-10-04T11:33:00.000-04:002006-10-04T11:33:00.000-04:00I think I have a husband for the IMPOSSIBLY adorab...I think I have a husband for the IMPOSSIBLY adorable Wonderbaby. That child is edible. <BR/><BR/>I will echo mad hatter here- I think you do an excellent job of working through things and spelling out your beliefs without becoming psycho-belig.<BR/><BR/>I also think this is such a hot button that I admire you for even tackling the subject of the title of feminist. <BR/><BR/>I like the term humanists. It encompasses rather than segregates.urban-urchinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18001320142893492171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159975959670972822006-10-04T11:32:00.001-04:002006-10-04T11:32:00.001-04:00I think I have a husband for the IMPOSSIBLY adorab...I think I have a husband for the IMPOSSIBLY adorable Wonderbaby. That child is edible. <BR/><BR/>I will echo mad hatter here- I think you do an excellent job of working through things and spelling out your beliefs without becoming psycho-belig.<BR/><BR/>I also think this is such a hot button that I admire you for even tackling the subject of the title of feminist. <BR/><BR/>I like the term humanists. It encompasses rather than segregates.urban-urchinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18001320142893492171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159975947292198342006-10-04T11:32:00.000-04:002006-10-04T11:32:00.000-04:00I think I have a husband for the IMPOSSIBLY adorab...I think I have a husband for the IMPOSSIBLY adorable Wonderbaby. That child is edible. <BR/><BR/>I will echo mad hatter here- I think you do an excellent job of working through things and spelling out your beliefs without becoming psycho-belig.<BR/><BR/>I also think this is such a hot button that I admire you for even tackling the subject of the title of feminist. <BR/><BR/>I like the term humanists. It encompasses rather than segregates.urban-urchinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18001320142893492171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159972406826572632006-10-04T10:33:00.000-04:002006-10-04T10:33:00.000-04:00To me the word "feminazi" is really kind of funny....To me the word "feminazi" is really kind of funny. Often, people who use it don't fully understand what they're insinuating so I can't really take them seriously. <BR/><BR/>However on feminism, I am torn. There are so many ideas, opinions and understandings that there will never be consensus. We have so many languages. We are so individual. We have our own customs. Whether we agree on the terms we should be agreeing on the premise. That women can not be denied. We still have to fight harder, prove ourselves twice over and explain ourselves definitively. But we are different than men. Yes, but we are also different than each other, too. <BR/><BR/>With that said, I don't think I identify as a feminist, but only because I don't understand the definition. I am for women. I am for women helping women. Women helping men, men helping women, people making this world better. I am for better understanding, listening more, talking less and giving people the benefit of doubt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159971078889247232006-10-04T10:11:00.000-04:002006-10-04T10:11:00.000-04:00Last night I asked my husband if he would call him...Last night I asked my husband if he would call himself a feminist. After we got past the problem of defining a feminist, he said yes. He said, "If you're not a feminist, then what are you?" I can understand why some might shy away from the term but I think it's important that we re-appropriate it. I do like mujerista a lot too though.<BR/><BR/>I used to think men couldn't be feminists but now I think they can. I don't think individual men are to blame; they are subject to all the same cultural messages we women are.<BR/><BR/>Penelopeto: I think the t-shirt is 100% appropriate because culture loads our babies with gender pretty early. What's the first thing people ask when they see your baby? (Ok, well sometimes it comes after how old?) It's boy or girl? And if they make the wrong guess, they get concerned that we, the baby's parents, will get upset. I personally don't care and say, "Hey, he's a baby; that's the important and obvious thing." And many people I work with won't buy an expecting mum a gift until she has the baby so they can get something gender appropriate. So I don't think it's ever too early to take note of these things, and even question them.cinnamon gurlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05363288586285868779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21558474.post-1159970833780048112006-10-04T10:07:00.000-04:002006-10-04T10:07:00.000-04:00Forgive me for sounding naive, but my thoughts on ...Forgive me for sounding naive, but my thoughts on your rejecting the term feminism for a bit are this. I think that anything you truly believe in, whether it's faith, feminism, or any sort of "cause", whatever you need to question it, and maybe reject it for a time. University is the key time to do this. Many people do.<BR/>I don't think you should feel bad about it at all. Everything that I have true conviction about I've rejected and gone back to.Laural Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08459584652802529868noreply@blogger.com