by Louise Livesey // 4 November 2008, 09:31
That is all I could say to this amazing piece. That and almost crying at it's power...
To comment, you must be registered with The F-Word, or login using Facebook or Twitter. Not a member? Register
Founder of The F-Word, Catherine Redfern, has co-authored a new book with Kristin Aune. Find out more at the Reclaiming The F-Word website.
There are plenty of fantastic UK feminist bloggers around. For a fantastic introduction to feminist blogging, go to the Carnival of Feminists website, which showcases the finest feminist posts from around the blogsphere, including many from UK blogs.
Got something to say? Something to review? News to discuss? Well we want to hear from you! Click here for more info
Lawtears // Posted 04 November 2008 at 11:01
It's, er, a little overly American. Not so relevant to a British audience. Or at least the male half.
Lawtears
Louise Livesey // Posted 04 November 2008 at 12:01
Hi lawtears,
Why should this be directly relevant to men? The attack on women's rights anywhere in the world is of relevance to all feminists *and* pro-feminist men. Unless you believe only the bits of feminism which are about men and masculinity are relevant....
incurable hippie // Posted 04 November 2008 at 13:24
This is really powerful, thanks for posting it. I imagine I'll be blogging it soon too!
Also don't understand why the first commenter was concerned about its relevance to men. The whole point is that our bodies are our bodies, not belonging to men!
And it is American in that she is American, but beyond that, issues about women having control and agency over our lives are pretty universal.
Thanks for posting this, Louise.
Anne Onne // Posted 04 November 2008 at 13:56
Yeah, It's American, and given what's happening in the US at the moment, it's pretty sobering.
I'd say it IS still relevant to the male half of the British population. Absentee fathers were mentioned, and that's as much an issue here as anywhere else.
Also, it should be very relevant to any man that his daughters (should he have any), wife or girlfriend if he dates women, female friends, and female relatives, and the other 50% of the populace lacking outie genitalia have access to contraception, sex education, safe legal abortions and support, and support if they choose to carry to term.
It should be important to any man that his sons, nephews relatives or friends should have access to sex education, should be informed about and use contraception, should support women through an abortion or birth if she wishes, and should a baby result, take responsibility for donating half the DNA.
Sure, it doesn't look relevant at first: if you're used to seeing sex education, contraception, abortions or child care as a women's issue only. But it takes two to tango, and things can't change until men (politicians or not) sit up and take responsibility for their part, without trying to gain control over the lives and bodies of women,
faith // Posted 04 November 2008 at 13:59
excellent! thanks for that.
Shea // Posted 04 November 2008 at 14:07
Brilliant, just brilliant. Thanks for posting this and yes women do deserve better.
Melanie // Posted 04 November 2008 at 15:59
Brilliant brilliant brilliant.
I can understand perfectly why the first commenter was concerned about its relevence to men. If something's not ALL ABOUT MEN then it can't possibly have any validity or importance whatsoever, can it?!
Aimee // Posted 04 November 2008 at 16:23
I see that as completely relevant, not only to women but also to men (not that this is pre requisite to any thing being worthwhile!).
Kath // Posted 04 November 2008 at 22:22
Fucking brilliant!!