Sunday, December 2, 2007
Race, Gender and Labels
Here's an article about Obama versus Hillary as far as progressive/ feminist values go-- which apparently aren't the same thing, as the article notes-- some woman had to trade in her "feminist" ideals in favor of her "progressive" ones in deciding on Obama rather than Hillary. Not only does the article treat "feminism" like it's the man-hating plague, but acts shocked that Obama, as a man, may actually be a more "feminist" figure than Hillary. Didn't know we were still stuck in the 60s.
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4 comments:
i still disagree that obama or any man can be a "feminist." humanist? sure. pro-woman? yes.
because obama was raised by a single mom or married a businesswoman (who quit her job when he decided to run for pres) doesn't mean he's a feminist. because he's, um, not a woman!
i also don't believe it's fair that hil can't say "hey, i'm a feminist." because if she did, people would be scared. so instead, she has to remain gender-neutral and remain married to a man who can't keep his dick in is pants in order to be elected.
elsa quant
no way. Men can be feminists. When we assign labels based arbitrary classifications like gender rather than belief systems and actions, we do a great disservice to the cause and prevent progress. No one's calling him a woman, they're calling his actions in line with feminist goals.
And I don't think it's fair to make assumptions about Hillary's not wanting to remain married to Bill just because he cheated. As far as I'm concerned, we should know as little about a politician's personal life as possible; it's all a media tool and we know nothing for sure.
i guess for me feminism is such a contrived title that takes on whatever meaning popular thought/media give it. It would be much easier if we could individually tailor words for each candidates' stands on issues (womyn-risghts associated or not). As Derrida observes: writing is inherently an instrument of subversion. Calling someone a feminist, for me, doesn't actually give me a good enough grasp on what will change. And there's no way Hillary is getting extra points for being a woman, maybe if she had a wooden leg. sorry mrs rhodam clinton.
Yeah, I think acknowledging the nebulous nature of language is definitely key. Words are tossed around and their meanings ultimately manipulated to serve the whims of the speaker or writer. And as all cliches eventually prove themselves relevant: actions are more revealing of "truth" than labels are.
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