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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Kemi Badenoch appointed new Minister for Women and Equalities

957 replies

Manteiga · 25/10/2022 19:21

And International Trade Secretary. I'd have preferred to see her as Secretary of State for Education in addition to Minister for Women and Equalities, but this is good news.

twitter.com/Conservatives/status/1584957913059454976

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MrsOvertonsWindow · 26/10/2022 17:08

DadJoke · 26/10/2022 17:02

By a single-sex toilet for women, do you mean a toilet which excludes trans women?

Love Arabella's advice courtesy of Kemi:

Don't get bogged down by the nonsense of those who have nothing of value to contribute.

We have so much to do.

👏

YouSirNeighMmmm · 26/10/2022 17:06

MariEllie · 26/10/2022 17:00

Actually because one doesn’t go along with CRT doesn’t mean one is thick or lazy it means one is just not gullible enough to accept the latest Marxist tripe imported from America to Britain. It also means that one can see through terms like ‘white privilege’ and ‘white fragility’ which are vacuous terms invented by the Left to try and gain the moral high ground in arguments. Intelligent people also realise that CRT does nothing but stoke the fires of racism on all sides. It is to be disowned intellectually and morally.

I can see through CRT but I can't see through the concept of white privilege.

I'm also not sure what makes CRT (or gender ideology for that matter) left wing let alone specifically Marxist.

beastlyslumber · 26/10/2022 17:04

I like Kemi's answer re. pink news! I have high hopes for her smashing this woke shite to smithereens. Come on Kemi!

YouSirNeighMmmm · 26/10/2022 17:03

FacebookPhotos · 26/10/2022 16:44

The issue is not that there is anything inherently flawed with the concept, the flaw is that it is widely misunderstood or misinterpreted

The concept it fine. But when you take an ordinary word and try to use it with a subtle change of meaning, it is your own fault if you were misunderstood. Academics need to be mindful that their jargon won’t always translate well. Language really does matter.

In ordinary English, “privileged” usually means wealthy or in a position of power. Which is why I do not think it helpful to describe any subset of working class people as having “privilege”. Unless, of course, you are having an academic discussion with a group of people who definitely do understand your (shifted) meaning.

In English as it has commonly been used over the last 100 to 200 years in a predominantly white, patriarchal, heteromormative society, "privilege" has come to mean the rich and the powerful, to distinguish them from less rich and powerful straight white men.

That the word privilege has built up it's informal meaning in a world of implicit racism, sexism and homophobia doos not alter it's true meaning.

But you are right - the reason to use language is to communicate and persuade and if the word fails to do one or both then it needs looking at.

DadJoke · 26/10/2022 17:02

Signalbox · 26/10/2022 16:17

You appear to be misrepresenting the "GC" position. My understanding is that "GC" women generally just want to have single-sex services / spaces / sports for female people. They want to ban male people from those spaces and that's all male people (trans women included). The law allows for women to have these spaces in certain circumstances.

I've not seen KB say anything specifically about banning trans women from women's loos (do you have a link?). But I have seen her voice her support for women's single-sex spaces.

By a single-sex toilet for women, do you mean a toilet which excludes trans women?

MariEllie · 26/10/2022 17:00

Signalbox · 26/10/2022 16:52

You're right about the language. I would say that the concept is one that should be debatable ideally without resorting to calling people who disagree "thick", "lazy" or "racist". I've been called racist before for not going along with CRT / white privilege, this is the first time It's been suggested that I might be thick or lazy.

Actually because one doesn’t go along with CRT doesn’t mean one is thick or lazy it means one is just not gullible enough to accept the latest Marxist tripe imported from America to Britain. It also means that one can see through terms like ‘white privilege’ and ‘white fragility’ which are vacuous terms invented by the Left to try and gain the moral high ground in arguments. Intelligent people also realise that CRT does nothing but stoke the fires of racism on all sides. It is to be disowned intellectually and morally.

Datun · 26/10/2022 16:57

ArabellaScott · 26/10/2022 16:52

I like Kemi's reply. It reminds me of the 'no, thank you'.

Don't get bogged down by the nonsense of those who have nothing of value to contribute.

We have so much to do.

Yep. She swats it away as irrelevant.

TheClogLady · 26/10/2022 16:55

TheBiologyStupid · 26/10/2022 16:49

I see RMW replied on Twitter with, "Trans or cis?" Hardly surprising that she (RMW, using the sex-based pronoun is verboten on MN) uses the insulting term "cis" of course. Whatever happened to choosing your own labels? D'oh! Stupid me, that's a one-way street...

Silly Robin

’Cis’ isn’t covered by the equalities remit and trans is only there as part of the longer word, ‘transsexual’.

And Robin claims to be an expert!

Surely Robin doesn’t really think Badenoch should be advocating for the rights of ‘cissexuals’? 🤣

Signalbox · 26/10/2022 16:55

TheBiologyStupid · 26/10/2022 16:49

I see RMW replied on Twitter with, "Trans or cis?" Hardly surprising that she (RMW, using the sex-based pronoun is verboten on MN) uses the insulting term "cis" of course. Whatever happened to choosing your own labels? D'oh! Stupid me, that's a one-way street...

Careful! You might summon them!

beastlyslumber · 26/10/2022 16:55

WahineToa · 26/10/2022 11:49

Under most circumstances I'd leap for joy at a young black woman moving into a senior government position, but she is just awful. I think it is a repugnant appointment.

Not the right kind of black woman? Repugnant, really? Your comment is appalling. Truly.

Wow. Repugnant. Add that to the list.

They'd love it if she was on their side so they could use her as a token.

Signalbox · 26/10/2022 16:52

FacebookPhotos · 26/10/2022 16:44

The issue is not that there is anything inherently flawed with the concept, the flaw is that it is widely misunderstood or misinterpreted

The concept it fine. But when you take an ordinary word and try to use it with a subtle change of meaning, it is your own fault if you were misunderstood. Academics need to be mindful that their jargon won’t always translate well. Language really does matter.

In ordinary English, “privileged” usually means wealthy or in a position of power. Which is why I do not think it helpful to describe any subset of working class people as having “privilege”. Unless, of course, you are having an academic discussion with a group of people who definitely do understand your (shifted) meaning.

You're right about the language. I would say that the concept is one that should be debatable ideally without resorting to calling people who disagree "thick", "lazy" or "racist". I've been called racist before for not going along with CRT / white privilege, this is the first time It's been suggested that I might be thick or lazy.

ArabellaScott · 26/10/2022 16:52

I like Kemi's reply. It reminds me of the 'no, thank you'.

Don't get bogged down by the nonsense of those who have nothing of value to contribute.

We have so much to do.

TheBiologyStupid · 26/10/2022 16:49

TheNoWord · 26/10/2022 16:25

twitter.com/CforWomenUK/status/1585228437199159296?s=20&t=5bzPiOY5X8McF2z3Tr7EqQ

Kemi in the House of Commons today. YouTube for those who don't do Twitter

I see RMW replied on Twitter with, "Trans or cis?" Hardly surprising that she (RMW, using the sex-based pronoun is verboten on MN) uses the insulting term "cis" of course. Whatever happened to choosing your own labels? D'oh! Stupid me, that's a one-way street...

YouSirNeighMmmm · 26/10/2022 16:46

Anactor · 26/10/2022 16:31

“The problem is that people are too thick or lazy to understand that something like white privilege is all about white vs black, other things being equal. A person could have white privilege compared to her neighbour, yet in a dozen other ways, and overall, lack privilege.

Intelligence is a privilege, and perhaps I should spend more time acknowledging the privilege I have over people too thick or wilfully blind that they cannot see the previous paragraph's point.”

If you have to resort to an ad hominem, then you can’t justify your argument.

White versus black, all other things being equal - you’re in the UK, so what do you mean by ‘black’? Do you include other ethnicities? Where are your figures to show that the outcomes are different when sex and social class are accounted for? We know that unemployment rates differ according to ethnicity, so does a black person have ‘privilege’ over a Bangladeshi person? Currently more white males are unemployed than white females, so does male privilege no longer apply?Or are other factors in operation?

Why do you want so badly to apply the term ‘privilege’ to people who would previously have been considered ‘underprivileged’?

Sorry for derailing the thread, but this is precisely the same misuse of language that has men being ‘women’ and a male attraction to females redefined as ‘lesbians’. Wave the magic language wand and someone in third generation poverty and unemployment becomes the owner of ‘privilege’. Great.

I am in the UK. I am using "black" as shorthand for non-white ethnic minorities who suffer racism.

I do not need statistics on outcomes to know that most if not all black people suffer from racism, not least as I know that even people who explicitily try not to be racist, like me, can be racist unintentionally. One can suffer racism and do perfectly well, the two are not mutually exclusive.

I have never said that racism is a worse problem than wealth inequality or sexism. I think poverty is the worse problem, then quite possibly sex then race, but I'm not sure and it isn't a competition.

"Does a black person have ‘privilege’ over a Bangladeshi person?" In Jamaica - probably, in Bangladesh, probably not. In the UK it probably depends on the precise location and context.

Privilege is not simply about whether you have a job. Of course other factors relate to privilege not just employment status.

I do not badly want anything but the truth. The truth is that Kwasi Kwartang is simultaneously extremely privileged compared to huge swathes of the country, whilst underprivileged when you assess him on skin colour and nothing more.

If you cannot see that (by definition) a white 3rd generation unemployed man can have white privilege over non-whites whilst simultaneously being massively underprivileged and worthy of as much help as anyone else vulnerable in society then I can;t help you.

None of the above means that the word privilege is necessarily the best word to explain these concepts, especially to a 3rd generation unemployed man.

FacebookPhotos · 26/10/2022 16:44

The issue is not that there is anything inherently flawed with the concept, the flaw is that it is widely misunderstood or misinterpreted

The concept it fine. But when you take an ordinary word and try to use it with a subtle change of meaning, it is your own fault if you were misunderstood. Academics need to be mindful that their jargon won’t always translate well. Language really does matter.

In ordinary English, “privileged” usually means wealthy or in a position of power. Which is why I do not think it helpful to describe any subset of working class people as having “privilege”. Unless, of course, you are having an academic discussion with a group of people who definitely do understand your (shifted) meaning.

TheClogLady · 26/10/2022 16:43

TheNoWord · 26/10/2022 16:25

twitter.com/CforWomenUK/status/1585228437199159296?s=20&t=5bzPiOY5X8McF2z3Tr7EqQ

Kemi in the House of Commons today. YouTube for those who don't do Twitter

Great answer.

Ben Cohen now recorded in Hansard for posterity as an ‘individual who uses Twitter as a tool for defamation’.

Bit embarrassing for Ben!

Kemi Badenoch appointed new Minister for Women and Equalities
Kemi Badenoch appointed new Minister for Women and Equalities
nilsmousehammer · 26/10/2022 16:43

So having stated my position clearly, let's hear your repetitive derailing position just as clearly.

Do you believe that females should have no right to spaces away from males, or equality of access and inclusion to male people? And that it is ok to exclude females from female spaces so that male people can have all the spaces?

Yes or no. Let's hear it.

No answer on this one yet?

OldCrone · 26/10/2022 16:42

DadJoke · 26/10/2022 16:08

Oh, a good swerve.

I stated her views on women's issues and was asked what transgender rights she opposed. I was then questioned on what is really an uncontentious point - GC people including her want to ban trans women from women's loos, which they currently use. It's not a hard question, and remember, it was you who engaged with me, but I understand you reason for not wanting to answer.

As others have said, if males who identify as transwomen are allowed to use women's spaces, this gives them a privilege which is not given to other males. How can this be described as a 'right'? Why should those males who identify as transgender be given a right not given to other males? Taking this privilege away (if it already exists) is not denying them rights, it's just giving them the same rights as all other males.

Do you think rapists who identify as transwomen should be in women's prisons? I know you always want to discuss toilets, but it's questions like this which most of us think are more important.

MariEllie · 26/10/2022 16:41

Anactor · 26/10/2022 16:31

“The problem is that people are too thick or lazy to understand that something like white privilege is all about white vs black, other things being equal. A person could have white privilege compared to her neighbour, yet in a dozen other ways, and overall, lack privilege.

Intelligence is a privilege, and perhaps I should spend more time acknowledging the privilege I have over people too thick or wilfully blind that they cannot see the previous paragraph's point.”

If you have to resort to an ad hominem, then you can’t justify your argument.

White versus black, all other things being equal - you’re in the UK, so what do you mean by ‘black’? Do you include other ethnicities? Where are your figures to show that the outcomes are different when sex and social class are accounted for? We know that unemployment rates differ according to ethnicity, so does a black person have ‘privilege’ over a Bangladeshi person? Currently more white males are unemployed than white females, so does male privilege no longer apply?Or are other factors in operation?

Why do you want so badly to apply the term ‘privilege’ to people who would previously have been considered ‘underprivileged’?

Sorry for derailing the thread, but this is precisely the same misuse of language that has men being ‘women’ and a male attraction to females redefined as ‘lesbians’. Wave the magic language wand and someone in third generation poverty and unemployment becomes the owner of ‘privilege’. Great.

I have a good friends who are black and who are hard working folk. They do not consider me or my family privileged because we are white. Frankly they would consider that an insult to them.

MarshaBradyo · 26/10/2022 16:40

the obvious fact that human can’t change sex. That’s the least I expect from any grown up.

Unfortunately that’s the issue we’re facing. It shouldn’t be but it is and it’s worth pushing against.

Signalbox · 26/10/2022 16:38

Oh for fuck’s sake. Of course you can disagree with someone’s politics and not be a racist.

How ridiculous.

I'm not sure anyone has made this argument yet have they?

Slothtoes · 26/10/2022 16:35

Oh for fuck’s sake. Of course you can disagree with someone’s politics and not be a racist.
How ridiculous.

I can’t stand the Tories and I dread every single one of them in power at the moment. The country is falling apart and the Tories have been in power for the past 12 years. These crises we are facing are Tory crises. People can’t eat and can’t heat their homes. Schools and the health service are fucked. There’s a massive housing shortage. Brexit has fucked our economy. Interest rates on mortgage repayments are going to be unaffordable. We’re a laughing stock overseas because of the ridiculous behaviour in Westminster and how as a nation it appears we’ll just carry on voting Tory against (most people’s) own interests. Just no.

I’m not going to be pathetically grateful because a few Tory MPs have said the obvious fact that human can’t change sex. That’s the least I expect from any grown up.

What I want to hear about is the overall package of policies that each party has, that will benefit the most number of women, the most? What have any of the parties actually DONE for women when they were in power? And most specifically the Tories who have had all this time with a big Commons majority.
We should be asking far far more of our politicians.

ArabellaScott · 26/10/2022 16:35

do you think their ‘rights’ are more important than the rights of 99.5% of girls and women?

It's very clear that Dadjoke thinks that the rights of males are more important than those of women and girls.

There should be no males in women's spaces - whether that be in prisons, knitting groups, toilets, hospital wards, changing rooms, spas, book clubs or whatever other space women choose to have a male-free environment, for whatever reason.

The Equality Act already provides for this. If the EHRC would do its job, step up and clarify things, that would be really helpful.

Anactor · 26/10/2022 16:31

“The problem is that people are too thick or lazy to understand that something like white privilege is all about white vs black, other things being equal. A person could have white privilege compared to her neighbour, yet in a dozen other ways, and overall, lack privilege.

Intelligence is a privilege, and perhaps I should spend more time acknowledging the privilege I have over people too thick or wilfully blind that they cannot see the previous paragraph's point.”

If you have to resort to an ad hominem, then you can’t justify your argument.

White versus black, all other things being equal - you’re in the UK, so what do you mean by ‘black’? Do you include other ethnicities? Where are your figures to show that the outcomes are different when sex and social class are accounted for? We know that unemployment rates differ according to ethnicity, so does a black person have ‘privilege’ over a Bangladeshi person? Currently more white males are unemployed than white females, so does male privilege no longer apply?Or are other factors in operation?

Why do you want so badly to apply the term ‘privilege’ to people who would previously have been considered ‘underprivileged’?

Sorry for derailing the thread, but this is precisely the same misuse of language that has men being ‘women’ and a male attraction to females redefined as ‘lesbians’. Wave the magic language wand and someone in third generation poverty and unemployment becomes the owner of ‘privilege’. Great.

MariEllie · 26/10/2022 16:30

These lefties always amuse me.you get a black woman like Kemi who has worked herself up from nothing, worked in McDonalds, etc, to support herself, and because she won’t go along with their daft theories of CRT she is ‘not properly black’! She probably suffers from ‘white fragility’ in their eyes! Hilarious if it wasn’t so sinister.