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.

This is turning into a general discussion on the Nature, Theory and Practice of Discussions. We all know what we should do. We can't control other peoples' actions, only our own. Generalisations are pointless.

you find feminism too serious for your liking

not feminism! Some of the threads under its banner, that's all.

Yeah, I don't have an agenda, really, I don't. Certainly not shit-stirring, who's got time for that? I just got caught up after the Palin thread and felt really sorry for the people on there and have continued to be involved in the issues it opened up. I wish I could step away!

I reported MarySue's thread - I felt the trollhunting was going to far and it was bordering on being bullying towards her

The email I got didn't imply it was pulled because MS was a troll though - more to do with the hunting

There has been one long thread (split in two) but it's not getting anyone anywhere. Which is a shame as the huge majority would like to discuss topics in the feminism section but are still being put off

Maybe Lenin's right then. Nothing to be done but point out crap when you see it.

lenin, I know I keep saying this stuff is better dealt with on the relevant thread, but I never said you shouldn't feel intimidated or that there was anything wrong with feeling that way.

I do think it is a real problem that some people feel hurt and get pushed out of posting. I don't think it's unique to feminism, though. And I don't see how discussions like this don't make the problem worse.

So right lenin. I am sick of my choice of religious clothing being accused of oppressing women thousands of miles away.
Puts me right off the feminist section which is wrong as im as much a feminist as anyone here. I have had to hide threads cos of religion bashing. Im not all clever with words so feel oppressed, bullied and i timidatex.
Anyway, its ramadan soon and i will be taking a month off the internet. Maybe things will be nicer when i get back.

I dunno Lenin. I think we are facing the problem of being on a self-moderated forum. How that goes always will depend on the different posters. I can only say look at CiF and how that has gone.

I think you are right to insist on the rules. I would say from my own experiences that I would also recommend that posting while angry can lead you to regret it. Some people will disagree with me and that's fine.

Last week I started a solidarity thread in which I stated my support for all feminist who post on MN; regardless of what they personally think of me, or the differences in opinion we might have. I stand by that still.

MsC, FWIW, I reported that thread as I thought MarySue was obviously trolling, and the reply to me from HQ was that they were already on that poster's case. So I'm not sure what the true reason for it going was.

yes it is about stifling debates Lenin-rad fems have been getting it in the neck for extreem views!

excellent post Proles!

I'm dying to know if she was Jamez or not. We should be told.

Extreme views are fine - it's the telling other people their views don't count and calling them names that upsets people!

hully - yeah, I wish they'd tell us. All this cloak-and-dagger about trolls and pulled threads just makes the speculation more prolific imo.

tbh I thought at first that MarySue was an obvious troll. But then she started conceding points and I thought Wow! an actual conversion before my very eyes...

Proles - have to say again, read the Palin thread. Jam-packed.

'Which either means it's not happening and I'm going mad or you're all just not ready to agree with me yet '

Er ... or it's happening, we know it's happening, we've all dealt with it before on threads you say you don't like to read to the end of, and we feel a bit fed up that you seem to be accusing us of not doing enough?

Sorry, lenin, I like your posts but I don't think you realize how crappy you're making me/possibly others feel with this stuff.

"I would also warn people* that posting while angry can lead you to regret it"

"all feminists who post on MN".

I hope there isn't a rule about previewing messages before you hit post. Because quite frankly I am not obeying it just now.

lrd - isn't it the same as being challenged in a feminist or indeed any other way? Sometimes things are painful. You can choose to think about it or not. And having thunk, you can decide whether you feel it applies to you or not. If you feel it doesn't, shrug it off, if you feel it does, decide whether or not to change behaviours. No?