to think that not every man on mumsnet must be "dodgy"

[OpinionSeeker]

A thread on mums net to settle an argument about mumsnet...
DH thinks that if a man is on mumsnet then he must have an ulterior motive, to chat up 'mums' - he wants me to add that he thinks they must be devious. I think, perhaps naively that there are probably some genuine male parents, aka dads, wishing to discuss parenting issues. DH believes men should be on dadsnet.
Genuinely looking for opinions.

I won't beat about the bush here - I don't like men having an opinion on women's issues. It's like those annoying dads you get at anti-natal classes telling women how to give birth - is nothing sacred?

probably not.

& feminism is different as it's a political movement - men can have an opinion on that.

So whats on your list of specific 'womens issues' that non women can't comment / have an opinion on?

Posting on Style & Beauty? Keep away Mr Versace, Mr Galliano, Mr Choo, Mr McQueen, Mr St Laurent, Mr Cavali etc. As men you know nothing about style or beauty!

Rycooler - what about male consultants in pg? He has never given birth but he knows more about it than me.

But rycooler if those opinions spring from actual knowledge, or from common sense, then what does the possession of a penis have to do with the imparting of it?

TiggyD, who was it who said that men are better at women in two things - cooking and designing dresses? I think it was Greer. I like the point it makes.

Tiggy - Its not that men/women can't post there - its just you come away different

I'm already pretty damn different Cheepy.

And I don't think you'll find many men who wear thin leggings that show off the patterns on their pants.

TiggyD, you've obviously never been to Shepherd's Bush.

Actually, I always think you are a woman and am suprised when you turn out to be a man. I forget every time. You must fit in very well!

Tiggy - Depends what top you wear with them i think. And dont forget the shoes and the scarf. Its important to accessiorize.

Sorry i always think of you as a women too

Men should not have an opinion on; periods, the menopause, childbirth, breast-feeding, and other intimate subjects relating solely to women. Of course doctors are different, I'm talking about the average man in the street.

Rycooler - what about my DH who will be my birthing partner within the next 19 days? Is he allowed an opinion on how his DD comes into the world, be there at the birth and to care for her afterwards?

He also supports me breastfeeding, how dare he

I work in childcare. It's all women. This site is just like being in the staffroom.

But why, ry?

I talk to my DH about that kind of thing. He, as a responsible parent, has informed himself about childbirth, breastfeeding etc.

Tiggy - its not all women lol

My BFF works as a councilor with 11+ in a special school (with children that have been expelled from MS schools) and i dont think i could find anyone more camp than him but he is really good at his job and is great with the kids - i feel so lucky to have such a nice person as a god father for my children. I dont think its to do with gender but personality.

If men don't educate ourselves about the issues / worries / problems that women have, how are we to treat women equally? You can't empathise or help someone if you have no understanding of their thoughts or issues.

Would you rather we just regressed 50 years?

rycooler does that mean that as a women I cannot have an opinion on vasectomies, prostate cancer,ear hair etc.

I think my DH is allowed to have an opinion on things like childbirth and breastfeeding: ultimately I will make the decision on the balance between the best interests of the child, my wishes, his wishes and the impact on me / my body but that doesn't mean he isn't allowed to have a view at all.

blimey, ry

I think the best place for you would be an all female Radfem site, tbh

but erm, never mind

I expect my blokes to have an opinion on things like periods, childbirth, bf etc because it's all part of life's rich tapestry innit

What I don't appreciate is a man who thinks he knows more about it than I do (unless he is a professional in that area)

I know fuck all about sheds. I have an opinion though. I like green ones. I like ones that have electric power to them. I don't like the next door neighbour's shed to take light away from my garden. That's my level.

I certainly wouldn't go on to Shed.Fanciers.com to tell 'em all what they are doing wrong. I would expect to get short shrift for doing that.

That's it really, for me.

rycooler, presumably then you'd support the idea that women aren't allowed to hold opinions on male circumcision, vasectomies, prostate cancer, beards and peeing while standing up?

rycooler I agree with what I think is your sentiment. i.e. men on mumsnet probably shouldn't wade into discussions about periods, the menopause etc. ( as I said earlier on ) . It's common sense really, and I'd be amazed if the men on MN are posting on those subjects.

But anyone can have an opinion on anything they want.

rycooler/cheeptrick - didn't you know you have to post in S&B to get past the 'Does my bum look big in this? MN man initiation test!

I find they like the honesty a man brings, its true they hate you as well - but they secretly respect you afterwards.

That's the thing though AF - I'm not a feminist ( or maybe I'm in the closet on that one )
I think I'm Victorian maybe? I dunno - it just annoys me when men have an opinion on stuff they know nothing about.

I remember your foray into Style and beauty, morebeta

'twas classic

Denim skirts?