Thanking my feminist sisters

Mostly lurk, occasionally post. For me as an old time second-wave (actually pre-second wave) feminist I've found the way the battleground has shifted fascinating.

For us the battleground was equality e.g. equal pay (still not there though), equal opportunities, equal recognition when it came to life decisions e.g. loans, mortgages, the right not to have your life chances taken away from you simply because you became a mother blah blah...

The remnants of all these are still there, though massively diminished. But just as you think you have 'won', the goal posts shift and you find yourself fighting new battles - objectification, over sexualisation, ridiculous pressures on young girls, pink shit and glitter, MRAs etc.

Will it ever stop?

I'm with AF "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win".

Thank you posters for all your erudition. Onwards and upwards

I lurk on MN far more than I post these days but just want to offer a sisterly fist bump of solidarity.

I'm also mostly a lurker, but I do love this part of MN. smile And yes, like others, I have learned a lot, even though I can't remember a time when I haven't identified as a feminist.

This is exactly what I wanted to say. Thank you to the regulars and everybody else for keeping this board interesting and active.

I've found pretty much everyone on these boards so open to talk about things - willing to discuss and educate, and change their minds when new evidence or new thoughts come up (I know I've change my opinions often upon further reflection or with more information)

It's such a safe space - not detached or unemotional, but able to rationally discuss very big topics.

I've found this a place where I can talk about women's spaces and women as a priority and not be ripped to shreds. It's a rare and beautiful thing on social media at the moment. I'm very grateful.

I found feminism through these boards, and the fabulous, patient and kind women here have lead me from my first "I don't believe in feminism, I believe in equalism" posts to the board (yes, I really said that! ) to where I am now. It has been a painful journey of discovery and enlightenment as to just how crap things really are for women, but made infinitely easier for having you all by my side.

Another long-term mostly lurker checking in to add my thanks. This is one of the places where I feel most at home. The accumulated wisdom and humour here is astounding. You have given me the confidence and vocabulary to start to challenge things in rl, especially in my workplace. Thank you.

Yes I'm do glad that mn feminists successfully persuaded mnhq to start this board (2010 I think?).

It has changed over time, big names have disappeared and new ones have emerged.

The 'others' will always haunt us I suspect.

But yes it takes a lot of effort and energy to keep it going and it's good to hear from lurkers that it's worth it & appreciated.

This board is my home screen. I love it that much. .... From horror and sadness through to rip roaring laughter ( vergina? ), this board keeps me sane when I want to to scream that the world is so unfair.

(that bastard Gandhi)

I'm v grateful to this board too

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you....

then you win

This is one of the few places where I feel intimidated at the erudition and downright scary intelligence of most contributors, so I'm not all over it like some other boards. I do dip in when I feel there's something I want to say though (often a silly lighthearted comment) and have never felt unwelcome. There have also been some fascinating debates at times. The intrusion by the you-know-whos has to be taken as a compliment really; if they didn't fear us they wouldn't bother.

I used to really love posting and reading these boards. Maybe I will do again someday.

I have made some brilliant friends through the board though. Some of the finest women I know post here and I've learned a lot through them

Trouble is I can't even watch telly without a feminist rant

There is a "ninja" obstacle course thingy on at the moment

The vast majority of the course seems to be about upper body strength and there is only one woman in the semi final (who in the very short bit I saw was awesome I must say)

When I first saw it I said that I thought it was biased and tonight I had a little rant to DH and then he said 'well most obstacle courses are set up like that, what else could they do'

THEY COULD HAVE SEPERATE HEATS...MALE ONES AND FEMALE ONES

See..I can't even watch crap Saturday night TV any more

I'm grateful to this board and the commenters. It has made me think and I have learned so much.

Hello.
Lurker here. I am aways grateful for the wisdom and clarity of you 'sisters'.
There are so many examples but one that stands out to me is that, prior to discovering this board, man saying "smile" at me used to fill me with secret burning rage.
I thought i was the only one! This board helped me articulate and unravel how this, and other similar scenarios are actually offensive, it's not just me.
(hope not too trivial example)

Sorry, also whatever happened to LDRthefeministdragon? Just wondrin'...

I'm particularly loving HapShawl's posts tonight. Yes, we do exert a fascination don't we. They just cannot resist us. Go feminist power.

I've learned loads on here, and it's always challenging. Great fun.

He'll be aware of what consent means and the pressure on teenage girls.

It is truly tragic how desperate someone who has been banned numerous times is to get around the ban and come back every few days. Really really tragic. I suppose we should take it as an indication of how fascinating we are

I see what you mean Knid