Prejudices
Joe Varo
vjvaro at erie.net
Wed Dec 4 09:29:08 CST 1996
NOTE: Disregard other (incomplete) version of this post...got some major
line noise and the message got transmitted before it was complete.
In a previous post, Bonnie stated:
> Oh come on now. Here on this list we are in the business of denouncing one
> another. We understand (as Pynchon has made clear in his work) that even
> among those who claim some kind of consensus, there are vast differences
> that make the claim of "unity" laughable, in the end.
>
> I am worried whenever I hear the term "feminist," and suppose that by
> proclaiming that title only serves to codify "women." Haven't we gotten
> to the point of understanding "feminisms," rather? Or simply, human rights?
I'm just trying to figure out "what is feminism(s)?" Sometimes it seems
like a perfectly justifiable postion (equal rights), sometimes it sounds
questionable (when it seems to claim superiority), and sometimes I just
can't makes head or tail out of it.
DYB, in a previous post, stated that she could recommend some readings. I
asked that she send me her list. Maybe I'll gain some insight from it.
> I've kept very silent during this whole flamefest (don't say it's not).
Yeah, it is a flamefest.
> Everyone so defensive (I'm guilty) and allegedly "concerned" over how to
> speak in light of F. Again, if Pynchon means anything to me, it's that
> we can (should?) simply speak, however. If we create a shitstorm, we
> live with it. In fact, it makes things interesting.
>
> [snip]
>
> Oh and we never squelch one another here, in the workplace, at home . .
> . It's life. I get angry when this simply fact gets dumped in favor of
> bashing F.
I'm not trying to bash feminism, just trying to get a grasp of what it is.
I get a bit perturbed when a system of thought claiming intellectual rigor
simply dismisses out of hand a competing/dissenting opinion. I mean, it's
not as if Paglia is espousing ether or orgone theory.
Just because "squelching" goes on, doesn't make it right.
> > By simply refusing to discuss individual such as Paglia, rather than
> > presenting a rebuttal, the feminists who do so are attempting to silence
> > her.
>
> Common. Heard it. How many times have you neglected to speak to an
> issue you felt was not worth mentioning, and if so, only worth a
> derogatory glance? Personally, I don't speak about her because sometimes
> she makes perfect sense, and at other times, she is raving. How can I
> speak of Paglia in one frame? Impossible. And because she's all over
> the map, I don't care to try. I *would* imagine it to be great to talk
> with her over a cup (pot?) of coffee.
Agreed. But I'd still like to hear more of a counter-argument than that
she is an asshole.
> I believe that these comments are primarily from Joe.
Joe...guilty as charged
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