Self Harm as a Feminist Issue?

[doricgirl]

Hi there

I'm a long time lurker but not much of a poster and I have been very informed by these boards as I've got older and realised how unequal so many things still are for women.

I wrote this blog as part of my job and wondered if anyone here had any thoughts/feedback - it's my first foray into blogging etc.

All views welcome as they really help me expand mine

www.feministtimes.com/silly-attention-seeking-girl-self-harm-feminist-issue/

In answer to your question. Yes, undoubtedly. Not just because numbers (even recent research) are skewed towards more women self-harming but for the reasons why they self-harm and as you eloquently put the responses they receive.

Coincidentally I was having a twitter conversation today with two women about this matter and the broadening of what encompasses self-harm, which you also point out. Also the long term reverberations throughout their lives.

Both agreed talking about it and the root causes is what is needed.

Thanks for this.

Hi doricgirl,

I think that self harm is most definitely a feminist issue, and as you so eloquently put it it extends from 'pressure' being put upon women and girls to perform some sort of emotional labour to please other people with a modification of their physical / outward presentation (I've got more than a few bug bears with sentiments from unknown men such as "smile, you're too pretty to be sad!").

I think your blog post was brilliant, thank you for writing it!

Emily