Margaret Davis sent me Erin Prizzey's sad and compelling story, ("Why I loathe feminism") rather grim, to say the least, and not really an argument, but a plea for the embrace of a proper ideal, even though the author did not experience it for herself. I think the story above strikes me all the more today because of the resonance it has with a film I watched on Monday evening, I bambini ci guardano, The Children are Watching Us. That film does not depict Prizzy's type of abuse, but the suffering of the small boy, Pricó (played stunningly by a 4-year-old), from the breakdown of his parent's marriage (due to his mother's ongoing affair and abandonment) is heart-breakingly portrayed. The ending was one of the most powerful I have ever seen. Unforgettable.
One thing that rankles me about feminism is the ganging up on men and the preening vanity that women are the beneficent, all-reverable crown of creation. I've known to many women to believe that, myself included.
Posted by: Margaret | September 23, 2009 at 12:28 PM
I am not one to pay much attention to the 'comments' that inevitably follow an article/blog. Usually, those who comment are quite opinionated and more often than not boast a pseudo-intellectual knowledge of the subject matter, peppered by several misspelled words and grammatical errors; to my own shame, I must inklood myself. At the end of Prizzy's article, however, it is beneficial to note the outcome of the votes cast on each of the 'comments'. Could it be that they indicate a sad state of affairs?
Posted by: BCody | September 23, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Without going into too much detail, I can say that I grew up in a situation in many ways similar to Erin Prizzey's. I identify entirely with her feelings about feminism; however, as a man, I have less credibility.
Posted by: Lars Walker | September 23, 2009 at 04:34 PM
I believe that the major reason that most people -- including women -- loathe feminism is because feminists have little if any respect for a woman who decides to stay home to take care of her young children.
Feminists seem to put too much emphasis on the need for all women to work, in order to enhance the status of women in our society.
Posted by: George Patsourakos | September 24, 2009 at 08:12 PM
I read Prizzey's essay, and I'm trying to figure out the connection between feminism and her abusive family life.
Posted by: Juli | September 26, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Then you didn't read the article carefully enough.
Posted by: Michael | September 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
This seems like a pretty clear statement to me:
"This country is now on the brink of serious moral collapse. We must stop demonising men and start healing the rift that feminism has created between men and women.
Harriet Harman's insidious and manipulative philosophy that women are always victims and men always oppressors can only continue this unspeakable cycle of violence. And it's our children who will suffer."
Posted by: Beth from TN | September 27, 2009 at 07:45 AM