this is why these threads shouldn't be deleted, I can't remember exactly who said what So it's aimed at anyone who said, or thinks that employing domestic cworkers is exploitative. And anyone who doesn't understand that domestic labour is part of the cycle of poverty alleviation. Do you know how much money is sent back home in remittances, in many countries it's more than foreign aid...and a large portion of it proceeds of unskilled labour. I say unskilled labour because in my opinion domestic wirk is actually a very acceptable (don't knopw word to use) form of unskilled labour compared to other forms of work.
It's irritating and offensive always being told what to do, how to do it, what to say, what's wrong, what's right etc by westerners. FFS. For 40 years my mum has worked with governments to formulate policy to emancipate women, to give them equal employment rights, equal property ownership rights, domestic rights, lobbied against domestic violence, started a fund worth £40m that supports the poorest of women set up and run enterprises, is now advocating for gay rights iin countries where they want to institute the death penalty, has recently begun an organisation that works with young women to bolster their self esteem and give them the confidence to enter into skilled employment. You are going to sit here and tell me that because she calls them houseboy/housegirl she's wrong to call herself a feminist. There are times I get irritated with her, because she's so busy fighting for women's rights that she sometimes doesn't spend as much time with us as I'd like. This woman who has selflessly fought for women, girls and homosexuals should not call herself a feminist?
Please. Don't be insulting now. Have a sense of perspective here.
As I said before, I'm willing to be educated on terminology. And indeed I will have this debate IRL. But I think you (Tether) and others arguing that domestic labour is exploitation and not alleviating poverty need to re-examine your beliefs. Of course no one's doing anyone a favour. It is an exchange, a mutually beneficical arrangement. I don't deny that I'm benefiting from th ework they do for me otherwise I wouldn't employ them. And as I've said ad nauseum, I pay and treat them more than fairly, as is ithe norm as far as I'm aware.
This issue of referring to domestic workers as possessions. When you're at work, do you not say "My team". That's possessive, because you're proud of your team and want to express ownership/close association. What's the difference with saying my insert term of choice?????