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Original poster

Has mumsnet changed your opinion on anything

220 replies

potentiallyme · 18/11/2021 18:49

So many people seem so set in their ways. Have you ever changed your beliefs/opinions/actions/outlook because of something you have come across on Mumsnet.
Relationship/affairs/family/politics/work/finances? Anything at all that's made you stop and see a different point of view and take it on board?

OP posts:
KimDeals · 18/11/2021 18:55

Yes. The feminism sex snd gender board has changed my opinion from “I have an feminist opinion and it’s private unless you ask” to “I have an opinion and I will be public about it in all aspects of my life”. I bring it to work, to discussions, my feminist views are not “parked” as side of desk anymore for the day someone bothers to want to talk about feminism. And that’s a huge change or me. And I’ve really grown into confidence in my convictions and have no worry of “being challenged”/getting into a dispute (I wouldn’t care now) from talking more and more about it, to men and women.

GertrudeBElion · 18/11/2021 18:57

Many things, too many to mention individually

Spudina · 18/11/2021 18:59

I’m a little more aware of the trans debate. I don’t agree with everything on the feminist boards but I do at least understand now that not everyone is thrilled with the idea that trans women are women. And why that is.

muldersspeedos · 18/11/2021 19:03

Men! And women to be fair. In fact, people in general. I was far too tolerant before and mumsnet gave me the knowledge and push to rid my life of toxic people and has altered the way I think about lots of things. Brexit and feminism are the biggest. I have a pantry thanks to the brexit board and am very vocal about feminist issues instead of staying quiet.

SweeneyToddler · 18/11/2021 19:05

Pornography

TheMarzipanDildo · 18/11/2021 19:05

See, I started out on MN as a young teen, so it’s been more formative than re-formative iyswim.

I’m not sure what I would have thought about the women’s rights/ trans rights debate if it hadn’t been for MN- maybe I would have been blissfully unaware.

Nandiniti · 18/11/2021 19:06

I've stopped trying to think the best of people that's for sure. Mumsnet opened my eyes to gratuitous wankery and taught me that quite a lot of people take pleasure in being contrary and disagreeable arseholes.

Sorry was that not what you meant.

Original poster
potentiallyme · 18/11/2021 19:06

Embarrassingly I have to say I've never taken much notice of the feminism board, I shall delve into it, as it seems to of had a positive effect on you

OP posts:
Original poster
potentiallyme · 18/11/2021 19:09

@Nandiniti

I've stopped trying to think the best of people that's for sure. Mumsnet opened my eyes to gratuitous wankery and taught me that quite a lot of people take pleasure in being contrary and disagreeable arseholes.

Sorry was that not what you meant.

Not at all, I asked the question and want to hear your answers
OP posts:
WotgunShedding · 18/11/2021 19:10

The first thing I thought of was the feminism boards too! Has made me so much more aware of what’s happening and willing to speak up about how women’s rights are being eroded.

Original poster
potentiallyme · 18/11/2021 19:11

@SweeneyToddler

Pornography
In what way, I've got to ask haven't I?
OP posts:
GoodnightGrandma · 18/11/2021 19:11

I think that this is the only place that you are allowed to have certain views.

tabletennistop · 18/11/2021 19:14

I was not aware of the extremes of the trans ideology that is being pushed ( literally any man can say they are a woman and must be treated so in all circumstances) and so was not aware of the women's rights issues. Wasn't aware that young women are getting their breasts removed as they are non-binary. I am thankful for the women on that board for opening my eyes to all that when I asked them ' what is all this about trans and feminism'?

The relationships board has been brilliant for helping me to understand the shit that women put up with and how it is actually the small things that are signs of a bad relationship.

More negatively, whilst there are some absolutely brilliantly empathetic and wise women on here, I also have to say being on here has made me realise that there are many more people with poor empathy than I realised.

Original poster
potentiallyme · 18/11/2021 19:16

@GoodnightGrandma

I think that this is the only place that you are allowed to have certain views.
Certain views? As in you feel more comfortable sharing and sticking by it anonymously? Has anything made you rethink a view you have?
OP posts:
XenoBitch · 18/11/2021 19:17

I have been too naïve and believing the best in people. MN has taught me otherwise. Most people are arseholes, and I think the anonymity of MN allows people to indulge in that.

mutantninja · 18/11/2021 19:18

Feminist board taught me loads about the trans/women's rights debate. I had no clue and have learnt so much. I'm now discovering that many female friends that I respect share those views. I'd never have known or discussed it but I feel suitably well informed to do so now.

KohlaParasaurus · 18/11/2021 19:21

I came for the feminist boards, but the other thing that has changed is that after reading threads elsewhere on the board I now encourage women to continue to work outside the home and maintain their ability to earn a living after having children.

WhatsWrongWithMyUsername · 18/11/2021 19:21

It is a regular reminder of the privileges I have in life (financially in particular), and so that impacts on some of the decisions I make in work.

Avarua · 18/11/2021 19:24

I've realised what a minefield being a MIL is.
And I've realised that there are a lot of people who are really peevish about all sorts of things. For example I never knew that there were so many people who hated visitors (as I love visitors and dropper-inners).

Original poster
potentiallyme · 18/11/2021 19:24

@WhatsWrongWithMyUsername

It is a regular reminder of the privileges I have in life (financially in particular), and so that impacts on some of the decisions I make in work.
Can you give examples
OP posts:
Tonic54 · 18/11/2021 19:26

Yep, it has opened my eyes to how important single sex spaces are- no idea rapists in female prisons with their penis's still intact.

Also really helped with lack of sleep support when my babies were young and made me see it was normal and i wasn't doing something wrong.

louderthan · 18/11/2021 19:26

The trans debate. I may not fully agree with the majority opinion on here but it's definitely opened my eyes to the fact that it's not a neutral issue; and that to dismiss those with gender critical views as bigots is reactionary and narrow-minded.

User135644 · 18/11/2021 19:27

Yeah i'm more of a nihilist.

Nel246 · 18/11/2021 19:29

Surrogacy

Ellextra · 18/11/2021 19:33

It's made me challenge 'be kind' and defend less obvious incursions on women's rights.

It's made me question the issues around surrogacy.

It's helped me to read women openly talk about negatives of motherhood and sad as it is, knowing I'm not alone in certain thoughts and feelings has helped me too.

It's helped me realise o probably have ADHD and to seek an assessment.

It's helped me to have a more nuanced understanding of politics and other people's opinions and situations.