I have just been accused of being sexist

[neepsntatties]

Because I am running an arts project for mothers. I am wondering if I get some kind of badge.

[Akermanis]

Why is it just for Mothers?

[ecclesvet]

Well, that's discriminatory on the basis of sex, so... yeah, you are.

Please attend the next Patriarchy meeting at your local Old Boy's Club to collect your badge.

[SardineQueen]

I see no issue with groups for mother, groups for fathers, groups for both.

[neepsntatties]

Because the piece is about motherhood and because I felt frustrated at the number of projects I had been unable to participate in because I had children and I wanted to create an opportunity that would allow mothers to participate and be creative in a way that was practical for them. As I said to the person who accused me I am sure a project on Fatherhood would be interesting, I don't feel it is something I could run and if they want to start one I would be interested to hear about it.

[SardineQueen]

It's also discriminating against people who do not have children, if you want to look at it that way.

[neepsntatties]

I also find it interesting that people get their knickers in a twist what something that offers woman an opportunity pops up.

[Akermanis]

Even though its about motherhood why limits the participants to just mothers? no reason it cant be open to anyone, even if someone is not a mother chances are they had one

[neepsntatties]

Yes that would be an interesting project, it's just not the one I wanted to create. I wanted it to be about motherhood from the perspective of mothers.

[Akermanis]

What you are saying sounds very reasonable, you will of course leave yourself vulnerable to criticism which could be counter productive.

I hope it goes well.

[SardineQueen]

The experience of having a mother is not the same as the experience of being a mother

[Dprince]

There is 2 points of view. Yours which is 'its about motherhood so only mothers can come' and 'just because its about mothers doesn't mean other people can't/won't get something out of it'.

[neepsntatties]

Other people can come but I am only asking for contributions from mothers.

[TheHouseOnTheCorner]

I'm not sure...there's nothing wrong with celebrating "being a Mother" but there is still something that irks me about it and I am a raging feminist.

I think it's to do with the fixation on Motherhood as some kind of badge of honour...it's very nice being a Mother and very ejoyable...but it's an odd concept to me....to single out this one part of someone's life and make a craft clas about it.

I can't see one being arrranged for "brothers" or for "Aunts".

[GnocchiNineDoors]

Couldn't you offer it as a Parenting Group?

[EggWhiteOmelette]

Oh FGS. This isn't sexist and doesn't in nay way amount to discrimination.

There are some real dimwits about.

[LRDtheFeministDragon]

Oh, I think it sounds lovely. And I would actually be fascinated to see one addressed to brothers, or aunts, or any other group.

Ah well, guess we are all different ...

[numbertaker]

Very soon you will not be able to address 'mothers as mothers' but as 'proginators' as some two dad familys may get offended.

[thechairmanmeow]

my dad went , 2 nights a week to a gentlemans drinking club, it was considerd very sexist by the wives.
maybe it wasnt? maybe thats just fine that women are refused to drink alongside men, if women cannot be called sexist for doing the same.

[EggWhiteOmelette]

Are you really not able to distinguish between the systematic exclusion of women from public areas of society that happened in your dad's day (and still happens today) and someone wanting to set up an art project exploring issues affecting mothers?

Get real, lady.

[ArielThePiraticalMermaid]

Would I be able to attend? I have no children and not for want of bloody trying

[dappleton]

My husband says the UK is beyond developed - as opposed to developing or developed - as a nation. This is the very reason he has this opinion - have your art project for mothers and enjoy - anyone who says you are sexist for doing so really has very little to worry about!

[neepsntatties]

It isn't a craft class, it will be a theatre piece. I am asking for mothers to contribute something that will then be used in the creation of that piece and in the final performance. Anyone can see the final result though.

I have often felt frustrated by not being able to participate in theatre projects because I don't have childcare and so I wanted something to try and counter that. I also wanted to explore motherhood as a theme in the piece.

[SardineQueen]

I cannot for the life of me see how that is sexist.

[ChippingInNeedsCoffee]

What Eggy said :)

...and... just do what you want, it sounds interesting, and ignore the twunts who clearly don't have a single brain cell to call their own.

[FallenCaryatid]

I don't understand why it bothers you to be called sexist by someone who has a different understanding of the word to yours. Presumably females who aren't mothers are not going to be allowed to be a part of this project either.
It's a niche production.