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Original poster

is there a special place in hell for women who dont help other women

38 replies

bejeezus · 06/02/2012 12:47

(I am new here)

I read this quote the other day by Madeleine Albright, and I like it Grin

I really feel the sisterly thing. Have done for most of my adult life. Ive never really examined why before. But a quick naval gaze gives me; shared life experiences and biology which gives experiences unique to women

I had thought that 'sisterhood' would be a pretty universal feminist 'belief'. I have been suprised that some posters in this section, clearly poo-poo the idea.

Help me understand- how can you not feel an affinity with other women and be a feminist?

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 06/02/2012 13:37

If you broaden the definition of 'help' to everything from hand-holding to telling a mate that she's an embarrassing drunk to sending a woman to prison for having her own child kidnapped.... then it doesn't leave a lot out. 'Help' in the way Albright is suggesting, seems to be claiming something rather more partisan and unconditional

Original poster
bejeezus · 06/02/2012 13:30

will look at Karen Matthews...dont know who she is

OP posts:
Original poster
bejeezus · 06/02/2012 13:30

that is helping a drunk friend though cogito surely? telling her shes making a fool of herself, I mean- Thats having her back. It would be neglectful to let her get on with it

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CogitoErgoSometimes · 06/02/2012 13:27

Just because I have a feminist outlook and want to support other women doesn't mean I have to switch off my critical faculties. That's just sexual parochialism. If I think that a female friend getting falling-down drunk is making herself look ridiculous I'll tell her... not think 'there there dear, you get drunk all you like because of the nasty old patriarchy'. I may give other women the benefit of the doubt more than I'd give a man but, if their behaviour crosses a line, I'm not going to let it go.

I have serious problems with the Karen Matthews' of this world, for example. In fact, I probably feel more angry towards her precisely because she suckered me in feeling sorry for her frightened mother act before the truth came out.

OnlyANinja · 06/02/2012 13:20

I think we should be supportive and kind to everyone. Whether they are a woman or a man or a child or an alien with green skin. Perhaps it is easier to empathise with someone who has experienced the world in the same way you have, but that doesn't mean that that person is more worthy of your consideration.

Original poster
bejeezus · 06/02/2012 13:19

posted too soon - yes of course we are all different, but we have so much more in common? and women need to stand together to defend womens rights, regardless of the angle you might be coming from?

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Original poster
bejeezus · 06/02/2012 13:18

but bram just because some people misuse it/ take advantage of it, doesnt make it an invalid point?

doesnt it help women resist 'divide and conquer' to any extent do you think?

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Original poster
bejeezus · 06/02/2012 13:17

and I dont mean I like women more (I dont think!)

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Bramshott · 06/02/2012 13:16

I'm not so sure about the sisterhood thing - I seem to remember Harriet Harman invoking it on a webchat on here to imply that we should give her any easier ride just because she is a woman, and I'm not sure I buy into that.

Original poster
bejeezus · 06/02/2012 13:16

at submarines

but I mean as a general rule? I know there are hideous women as equally as there are hideous men. But assuming the best of people...?

no?

OP posts:
StewieGriffinsMom · 06/02/2012 13:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CogitoErgoSometimes · 06/02/2012 13:12

Some people, including some women, are appalling examples of humanity. Am I supposed to leap to their defence simply because we share a gender? Hmm My feminism means making life better for women in general. It does not mean sacrificing my principles to make excuses for individual women.

BTW If you're going to naval gaze... submarines are interesting.

OnlyANinja · 06/02/2012 13:02

Should I help other women more than I generally help other people?

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