You don't have to be feminist to post here, but it helps...

[MrsReasonable]

I've noticed that whenever a 'non-feminist' view is brought up, there are occasionally some posts along the lines of 'this is a feminist board, why come here if you aren't...', etc.

Genuine question - is this a feminist board, or a board about feminism? Obviously the majority of posters are feminist, but I'm not sure whether that is because feminists (surprise surprise) like discussing feminism, or because it is seen as a feminist 'safe haven'?

The OP of thread went apeshit over nothing really though- there was nothing particularly harsh in the advice given. Same old same old...

I read the 'never ask about...' and thought why the hell not? I know nothing about dogs. I am now scared.

I guess that answers my earlier question. Women who are passionate and informed about their area of interest and who don't always do "fluffy" get it in the neck across MN, it seems,

And thanks, Alice. I thought for a while that I was posting in a typeface that only dittany could read.

I've seen a reference elsewhere today to 'viscious feminists'. (I nearly posted a boohoo face but left well enough alone). Why us WWWHHHYYY when every board has a bit of aggro on it from time to time.

oh I see AyeRobot has said what I was about to say

Time to empty your mooncup, UMS?

Sorry, that was very very childish.

I feel sluggish too - it's really close here and thundery, I wish it'd lift and then I wouldn't have a headache.

So basically anyone can come on to the feminist boards, assert robustly that people who hold views they don't, are obstinate and closed minded, insult radical feminists as much as they like and we're supposed to accept it because if we respond in kind, it means we're bullies and if we say that characterisation hurts our feelings, we get slapped down for playing the victim.

I see. That sounds reasonable.

If someone comes on the feminist board and asks questions that look stupid, or says things that are straight out of the bingo cards, I think it's only fair to remember they might be doing these things in good faith. If they're trolling, like certain recent posters, it will become obvious.

The 'playing the victim' thing is just pretty sick.

It's already there isn't it dittany? Just that none of us appear to be able to read it

Well, the name calling isn?t limited to these boards. An idiot started a website recently, threatening a campaign to close down the feminist boards on MN. (I?m sure you?re all quaking in your boots) He was reproducing posts from here. Someone posted a link for it and I took a pop at him as I don?t like censorship. Having been a party to a few bunfights here, the response from him might raise a wry smile from the original objects of his ire. I nearly split my sides laughing and I quote:

?But what's your excuse for being a Man hating acrid Feminist?

Did your bloke turn tail and leave you for a prettier Woman?

Maybe you've never been fortunate enough to have a Man respond to your advances?

Thankfully you don't speak for sane Women and dance on the fringe of lunacy with the rest of the coven of woe.?

Well, can I just say that no poster on here has ever sunk to the depths of aggression and judgement that goes on in the dog house. My eyes have been opened.

ROFL Tyr.

I'm almost tempted to say Welcome to the Sisterhood.

Almost.

Should we declare war on the dog house or invite them all over here?

I've just read this entire thread with some trepidation as I don't understand most of it. As a relative newbie to MN, I have a real problem with lots of the sections, not just this one. Those of you who have been on here a long time can make new people feel that they are too nervous to post as we are not part of the "club". It's no-one's fault of course, just the nature of boards on the internet. Long-term members are comfortable with each other and new people lurk and dip their toe in and maybe make mistakes.

I have been reading threads on this section for months as I want to understand more about feminism. I just don't feel confident enough to post often as I don't know enough background stuff and don't have enough time in my life right now to spend ages reading, although I know I should. I read loads back in the 70s when I was young. But have drifted away in the last few years, before getting interested again when I found this section.

I think I had better carry on lurking as I just don't know what to say really.

Post away! Don't lurk.

Btw, teh Chat thread is nice and maybe a good place to dip a toe in teh water?

LRDTheFeministDragon I have posted in Chat and AIBU, plus a few others. There are just some sections where I feel that I don't have enough knowledge to contribute properly :)