To all those who say on threads 'I am too scared to go into feminism' - this topic isn't scary!

[GetOrfMoiLand]

I think it's a shame when I see threads where the OP says 'I am too scared to put this in feminism' or something.

I am certainly not knowledgeable about feminist theory, but have never felt that my opinion on this thread wasn't wanted or I was vilified for stating what I believed.

I think this topic is pretty inclusive - yes some people are forthright with their opinions, but nobody's word is god, and I would hate to think that mumsnetters were put off contributing to threads in this topic because they mistakenly think the posters on here are viragos.

Agreed. Really can't see why some people are worried about posting here.

I think it's a shame (for want of a better word) that some people feel more comfortable posting in AIBU than here. Shows what a good job the wider media have done in vilifying feminism, I think.

I went on a feminism thread yesterday.

I just wish they were a bit, ya know, funnier. I must confess I oft get bored after 20 or so earnest posts.

Where's ol MarySue, she should be along any minute.

SGM - see? Humourless response already.

Every thread isn't about rape and dv, is it?

I knew I'd get jumped on, but often they are so worthy, just saying.

Who is Frankie Boyle? Is she a famous feminist?

Gloria Steinem was funny. And ol Germaine often quite a wheeze.

SGM

i'm a long time lurker on this section and agree somewhat with Hully, especially when you launch in with that...a bit of a low blow and harsh I think.

is that all you want the feminism section to be about?

Its not for me, i like to be able to throw "cunt" into the odd sentence without getting the hole whole reduction of women to genitals spiel.

Proles - is it DISGUSTING?

I'm not scared of the feminist section!

Ha!

And I am officially a scaredy-cat.

Proles - that's an interesting point though. I am thinking about it. I wouldn't say that feminists are humourless at all (see egs above), my friends (feminists to a wo/man) are amusing and witty and funny on the whole, but maybe that's because when we discuss things it's in the private sphere? I don't know.

It wasn't meant to be insulting (honest), simply that I'm not good at serious so on the whole I have to stay away or I get told off.

"I think it's a shame when I see threads where the OP says 'I am too scared to put this in feminism' or something."

You're right, it is a shame. However, much as I agree with most of the opinions on here (as a fellow feminist) I don't post that much and pick my topics carefully because it can be, well, a bit exclusive.

Some posters are rather quick to announce that perhaps X poster should stay away from the feminist board, or that maybe they're not really a feminist -this has happened to me under a different name- which just makes open debate quite difficult. (Obviously debate isn't for all threads, I can see their point if it's more a of a support topic).

I am more scared of the breastfeeding topic, actually.

There are some funny threads in feminism, I am sure the 'was Ross on a break' thread from ages ago was in feminism. And it was great - Shoeofhands came along and ripped Ross apart from a feminist standpoint.

Threads on here don't necessarily have to be highbrow to be entertaining and informative.

Fuck me I sound as pompous as Lord Reith

Thing is though, if someone says to you on the femisint board (or any come to that) 'you don't belong here' I would say right back 'I belong here as much as anyone does' and argue back. And I think that anyone's opinion on this thread (sexist wankers not included obv) is as valid as anyone elses.

Mind you, I say that as a long time poster, is easy for me to say, I do remember being intimidated by lots of the moldies when I first came on mumsnet.

Anyway Getorf, you could be considered a bit of a poster girl (sexist, i know) for the way you've succesfully conducted your life. When you've been a totally happy sahm for the last 15 years it feels like an alien place.

I'm just glad to have a "traditional" set up and the freedom of choice to be a wife/mother. I have the vote, I was never paid any less in my working life than any male in a similar position. I actually don't see what is left to bang a drum about in the UK in 21st century. Believe me the feminist section really doesn't want me.

hully wouldn't Gloria Steinem be considered a bit liberal for these forums?