A Message from the Silent Majority

[smugaboo]

To those of you that post in this topic time and time again. Who challenge bigotry, misconceptions and sexism where you see it. To posters like StewieGriffithsMum, Dittany, HerBex, AyeRobot, Himalaya, garlicbutter, seeker and countless others who take the time to post insightful, thought provoking comments that challenge deep seated mysoginistic views. I just wanted to let you know that there are many of us out here who don't post much (due to time restrictions/willingness to learn rather than talk right now etc) who support you and learn more all the time. And pass it on.

You take a lot of shit but I think you are making a difference. You may not be waving placards, jumping in front of horses or 'burning bras' (I know, a myth) but this (the internet) is the new medium for thought exchange and activism and you are making a difference. And the MRA know it too, or they wouldn't send in their trolls in every now and then.

Don't let the bastards get you down.

Sorry if that seems 'crawly bum lick' but I have nothing to gain for giving you support. Just needs to be said sometimes.

As a feminist beginner, I am ever so humbled to be name-checked among so many MN posters that I am in awe of on a daily basis. It's all their fault that I have a new-found consciousness and found the words to express it and even then I am still only comfortable within a very few subjects. Thank you all. And thank you lurkers. Knowing you are there keeps me posting in the face of hatred.

If I were at all woo, I would say that I willed a Yorkshire meet-up out of the ether. I'm up for it.

Wem, there won't BE any wise words at the meet-up, there will be drink and hilarity.

Another lurker here. Would just like to add that these threads make me stop and think, and look at things differently.

Excellent. Drink and hilarity I can do.

PH - that hostel on Mickelgate, if it's Ace York, is really good, isn't it?! Teeny tiny shower rooms but gorgeous otherwise - only hostel I've been in with chandeliers and a view of a medieval church. not that I am pushing this York thing.

Oooh. A meet up really near me! Shall come, gladly. Has a date been proposed - have speed-read the last two pages of the thread so may have missed it ...

Nope not yet. Are we thinking school hols or better before we they break up and we potentially go on holiday?

Another lurker here. This section has really made me re-consider things.

So pleased to see that this thread seems to have inspired a possible meet-up. I'm actually one of the overseas feMNists (Sydney), so won't be able to join you unfortunately! Make sure you report back. Unless you want to come down here? Not too far I hope?

I'm a member of the fb book group. How should I go about making myself known enough to join the group - should I PM you or do something via FB? Sorry, clearly I need to be bossed about a bit.

I love this thread.

swallowedafly thanks so much for saying that about my abortion thread, in fact it was partially inspired by your anger on Prolesworth's original abortion thread. God we were so angry.

Dittany- I love your post on this thread. Up there with my favourites of yours 'burlesque is just stripping for chubby middle class goths' and your shamefaced admission that you have read Jilly Cooper . In all seriousness, your emphatic and informed debates on porn have been the absolutely the most important threads on this board imo, I have learnt hugely from them.

Yes please can I come to the meet up - prince plkease can you PM the facebook whatsit.

PM you with what details though?

Yea me too - whenever I get depressed about something I have read in the Daily Mail comments section, I head on over here for some affirmation that I am not going crazy and it's great ....

Another lurker here, adding my nods and I agree to this thread. I have learnt such a lot thanks to all these clever articulate women on here. Would feel like a fraud at the meet up as I have no children but would love to come and get drunk quietly in a corner.

I will be a childfree zone, dd is 15.

I will bring my cats then