To be a bit dismayed if 4 million women visit this site,why are there so few posts on the feminism threads?

[Scarletohello]

Ok so I know there are lots of lurkers but if there are really millions of women who go on MN, why are so many threads on the feminism section consisting of so few women? It doesn't make sense to me as so many issues that
women post about on many different topics are actually feminist issues when it comes down to it...

I consider myself to be a feminist everywhere apart from on the MN feminist board.

Calling the OP patronising 3pgs into a thread is really irritating

Even if, in this case the OP may actually have deserved it for multiple threads

True. I should have called it much earlier.

'My bad' as they say...

To me the feminism board makes AIBU seem like a nest of cuddly teddies

It is interesting that the OP of these threads is not entering into the discussion on either of them, surely if the OP felt strongly about the issue she would engage with one or both of the threads?

For me, it's generally because they obsess about stuff which doesn't really have anything to do with my life

This ^

Also the fact that (last time I went there - I've hidden the whole area now as it's so annoying) - no actual real debate was ever "allowed". People talk about it being intimidating - that I recognise. Personally, it doesn't scare me so much as it's just not what I come onto MN for. I come here for all sorts of things - to get help and advice; occasionally to offer advice; to enjoy lively debate; to enjoy the humour; to learn things; and sometimes just to chat about nothing in particular. The feminist board doesn't give me any of that - so I hide it.

I post there sometimes and often read the threads but I think that feminist ideas and opinions crop up all over mumsnet.

Just think that for some of the regular FWR posters, it's all just a big old game and members only club, a pissing contest to see who can show off their read up feminist credentials best and to do this they have to belittle anyone not toeing the party line and who knows all the jargon. It's just exhausting and frustrating to say nothing of extremely annoying. There are only a few regulars I could stomach and who almost made it worthwhile taking a look. And I'm convinced when a feminist regular gets caught up on another board, a call goes out to rally support and all of a sudden the board is swamped and taken over. Posters are then driven off and when all that's left is the feminists - they then congratulate themselves for winning the debate.

I didn't realise you could hide a whole board -

The only time I wander over there is by accident when checking the active threads list & I'm drawn by the thread title, missing that it's the FWR board, did it today on a "red lipstick" thread, the narcissistic navel gazing does my head in, it's so ridiculously OTT most of the time

I now never have to again - whoo hoo

thank you BFG :)

Slightly meta, but I think that the fact that so many are intimidated by the feminism section is a feminist issue in itself.

I think Bam has it spot on.

I don't like level of hostility towards anyone with a different viewpoint (I was repeatedly told that I was wrong in am aggressive manner recently, even though I was recounting direct experience. I was just WRONG) and the stereotyping of those evil men out there. It's damaging to feminism to operate in this way, and is why it turns people off (including at a wider level than just MN).

Feminsim was the first board I stumbled across when I was pg with ds1 back in 2011.
I went over to netmums for a few days as it encapsulated everything the media said MN was about (minus questions on biscuits).

I've had it hidden since then & only read it if I'm on MN not logged in.

Mostly because I'm not a feminist!

How can a woman not be a feminist? I can't imagine living my life believing men to be superior and not my equal. unless you are my mum who seems to hate and fear other women more than hell itself

The discussions to me seem too theoretical, philosophical and lacking pragmatism...the discussions itself is constrained by its own theory and discourse.

Like others I have clicked on threads sometimes when in active convos. And I think posted on a few. I agree that the level of depth that some of the discussions go into are way beyond how I would see an issue in RL. I generally see that section as I would a board on science fiction tbh. As in, it's just not something that appeals to me at all. That is not to say that I don't identify with feminist concerns in RL. I just don't wish to discuss them in minute detail online.

I don't find it scary or intimidating but the level of bitterness and anger exhibited sometimes can be quite depressing. I come to MN for light relief but others will get different things from the boards.

Because I don't agree with all of the men slating that goes on there. It's sexism, pure and simple, just what 'feminists' are trying to avoid.

Plus, I don't live a very 'feminist' life. I stay at home with the child and do all the housework. DP does the DIY.

In short I believe that everyone should be able to live their lives as they want, and if they want to buy their little girls pink stuff because that's what they like, then why can't they?

DS is a very typical 'boy' who likes getting muddy and climbing trees, but he also likes frozen dolls. I let him do what he wants. My sisters enjoy pink fluffy things and having their nails painted, so I don't see why they can't have them.

Also, I like wearing my bra.

Not scared either! How strange to be scared of internet strangers.

I lurk and find it interesting but can't quite get over the idea of the 'women's page' in the daily mail.

I like the FWR section. I mostly lurk but am a regular in the pub. It's given me tools to help me turn my daughters into feminists.

I am no longer frequenting The Pub because I found I spent too much time there

It's rather interesting how even talking about what the FWR boards are or are not incites such… passion

And yes, I agree, the fact that so many women do not identify with 'being a feminist' is a feminist issue in its own right IMO.

I think it's a shame that many women do not consider themselves to be feminists.

I am a feminist but I don't bother with the Feminism Boards because I don't understand the arguments on there. Also I disagree with some of the generalising & very extreme views.

All movements have their extremists & Feminist movement is no exception.

I find it all a bit over whelming. I dont think I agree with some hardcore stuff Im not sure I am able to articulate myself very well. It can all seem a bit academic. There are some things I think that are in principle 'wrong' but in reality seem correct. Im too scared to voice these things for fear of being made to look and feel a loon. Im quite well educated - Ive studied gender and identity but not feminism.

"I am always amazed when women say they are not feminists, given the dictionary definition: "advocating the rights and equality of women"."

I'm more into show than tell (i.e. "practical feminism", which I think is a great term). My experience with "feminist" online activity has been that it's a combination of tell and preaching to the converted.

I avoid it like the plague as I find it full of frothing self-righteousness.
The only other place Ive seen like it has been a unschooling home ed group (not on MN).

In both of these there was a group of hardcore rabids who decimated anyone who didn't follow the party line. Not my idea of fun.