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AIBU?

To think there is a group on MN deliberately trying to downplay the institutional oppression of women?

999 replies

PerryPerryThePlatypus · 18/10/2017 08:13

I've been hanging around these here parts since Pom Bears were just a bizarre crisp but more and more I see posters chipping away at other posters experiences, feelings of unease etc. It's difficult to articulate but it's just a shift from NAMALT to women are just as bad so stop complaining. An almost subtle silencing.

OP posts:
scaevola · 18/10/2017 08:16

No, it won't be that.

But yes, there will be posters who disagree with you, for there are hundreds of MN regulars and thousands of occasionals.

And it's OK for everyone to post about issues - any issues- in the way they see them.

Do remember that MN is a chat site, not a temple of higher feminism.

PerryPerryThePlatypus · 18/10/2017 08:18

It's not about anyone agreeing or not with other posters. It's not even on every thread.
I know MN is not a temple to feminism and those of us who post on the board are well used to MRA visits.

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 18/10/2017 08:19

I don’t think it’s subtle, I think it’s MRA’s pretending to be women

They’re not convincing, they just think they are - their aggression usually outs them

They’re not ‘trolls’ in the ordinary sense either, they have a rehearsed back story that they stick to. I’d bet there’s post it notes on their computer with sites and logons and different personas.

bristolone · 18/10/2017 08:20

Yes and the first response proves it.

I saw a post on Facebook about a famous, now dead, actor being accused of sexual assault.

The victim blaming from female posters was incredible. Mumsnet is comparatively tame but YANBU OP.

SandSnakeofDorne · 18/10/2017 08:21

Yes, I've noticed it to. I think there are a lot more men posting, including some who have come here en mass from other sites to cause disruption. But sadly there are also a lot more men-pleasing women posting, possibly partly because there are more men around to please. It's been quite a significant shift over the last few years. MN used to be quite distinctive as a female space but it is gradually losing that.

SandSnakeofDorne · 18/10/2017 08:22

Too

KoalaD · 18/10/2017 08:22

YANBU. It's increasing, too.

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 18/10/2017 08:22

Can anyone point me towards an MRA type post please? I'd like to see what to look for. I'm not certain - apart from obvious troll posts - that I could recognise the style.

user1497357411 · 18/10/2017 08:23

Yes, there are. That group is called "men". I would like MN to update their guidelines so you are not allowed to spread fake news. Like spread lies about rape statistics (like claiming that many of those going to the police to report a rape are lying) or that vaccinations are dangerous.

Rufustherenegadereindeer1 · 18/10/2017 08:23

Im not sure its organised but there are definitely some people on here with an agenda

On all sorts of boards

But the feminist chat board gets trolled regularly

Iris65 · 18/10/2017 08:25

So women who take an analytical or critical approach others' feelings of unease around sensitive topics such as gender identity (just a wild guess at the kind of topic it happens in) are MRA pretending to be women?

Well its an idea I suppose. But it is also an example of exactly what the OP is writing about - invalidating others' experiences and feelings.

Iris65 · 18/10/2017 08:26

That group is called "men".

This is an offensive and bigoted statement.

thecatfromjapan · 18/10/2017 08:31

I would love MN to update the Talk Guidelines to cover spreading fake news.

Do you think we need to start pushing for this?

lucydogz · 18/10/2017 08:32

The idea that there might be an organised group even bothering to do as you say is tinfoil hat territory, IMO. What I dislike so much about the recent surge in these threads is that nobody is allowed to disagree with what the poster says. Which is worrying.

ethelfleda · 18/10/2017 08:33

Sorry to butt in but what is an MRA?

Rufustherenegadereindeer1 · 18/10/2017 08:34

iris

So women who take an analytical or critical approach others' feelings of unease around sensitive topics such as gender identity (just a wild guess at the kind of topic it happens in) are MRA pretending to be women?

Nope, dont think anyone is saying that

They say that sometimes MRA men come on here and pretend to be women in order to sow discord

AlternativeTentacle · 18/10/2017 08:34

It is well known I thought that MN is discussed on man sites and responses are orchestrated attacking certain points of view.

SheffieldStealer · 18/10/2017 08:35

ethel Men's Rights Activist

KrytensNanobots · 18/10/2017 08:37

What I dislike so much about the recent surge in these threads is that nobody is allowed to disagree with what the poster says. Which is worrying.

I agree with that. Of course I'm not invalidating women's feelings or anything (I'm one myself) but if you do dare to have an alternative opinion or different take on the issue you get accused of trolling the boards, or lying about your experiences (both to me) which is quite frankly a little bit disturbing in itself.
There's thousands of people on here, and we don't all think the same, or have the same life experiences. It stands to reason there'll be different opinions out there. Which is the way it should be.

WhatwouldAryado · 18/10/2017 08:37

There have always been posters who will basically tell those abused to be better at pleasing their partners, those struggling with their appearance to lose a few pounds to feel better, those unable to get on top of housework are lazy etc.
Men's Right Activists. Basically they think that a woman's place is about six foot under and believe they are oppressed by attempts to create an equal society.

BeyondNoone · 18/10/2017 08:38

The trouble with having a rule about fake news, is that people who share will often think it's real (as it's coming from somewhere that has massaged stats for eg). So then when it is deleted for being fake news, it will push them more towards tinfoil hat territory...

stopfuckingshoutingatme · 18/10/2017 08:39

this is a free website, we get to use this website 24/7

alongside the great aspects that are some not so great aspects

as in life..

I think its unrealistic to expect that only certain political view set will operate, and whilst what you pinpoint is highly offensive for some its not technically illegal.

I have been on multiple #metoo oriented threads recently and all I have seen is consistent support, belief and sharing

so no I don't agree OP

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Peanutbuttercheese · 18/10/2017 08:42

As a long time user, the site is not the small cosy one when you knew loads of the usernames. I would agree there is a shift.

A few years ago there was an exchange thread, I swapped a jumper with a user in London. I also met up with a mumsnetter . She is still a good friend and I have known her for seven years now.

It changed radically after the site got hacked. I cant imagine an exchange thread now, maybe I'm mistaken. Do they still do the Christmas present one?

Peanutbuttercheese · 18/10/2017 08:44

There has always been the odd downplayer on women's oppression but I do think it's got worse, sorry I was commenting more on how the site felt overall.

thecatfromjapan · 18/10/2017 08:44

BeyondNoone I'm not entirely sure most genuine MN-ers operate that way.

I suspect a lot of the Fake News spreaders may be very aware it's fake news. An warning that it won't be tolerated in MN Talk Guidelines would send out a signal that MN is not an undefended goal any more.

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