Feminist Rants on the Internet
Everyday my dashboard is loaded with links to different feminist articles that pop up spirited debates among the women here on tumblr. I truthfully enjoy reading these posts, and I like to see the discourse between the different posters since most of them have something relevant and intelligent to say.
That said, is the Internet really the best place to be doing this? I mean don’t get me wrong, the Internet is the perfect place for a free exchange of ideas, and thus a good medium for this discussion. But there is a part of me that feels that harping on such issues over Tumblr is like playing music in a sound proof vault. Those of us who are already enlightened, agree with your proactive attitudes towards the equality of sexes, and will enter your vault to listen. But that doesnt go for those outside. They are free to skip over and ignore you, ignorantly blissful because of the millions of other choices on the Internet. I guess its the irony of it all that gets me the most. The thought of feminist issues being aired on the same medium that is overwhelming devoted to the incredibly female degrading profession known as porn perplexes me.
Talking amongst yourselves is all fine and good, but eventually, if you really want the social change and recognition you talk about, you are going to have to play your music outside the vault. You are never going to pull Joe Jerkoff away from the boob websites long enough for him to stop seeing women as a $9.99 a month commodity, if all you are offering him is another - boob free - website. I say get out there and slap some men. Be headstrong and assert yourself in relationships. Hold both men and women in your life accountable to your standards. Making yourself an example of an intelligent, independent woman is the best way to truly force change. People can see words and still not read them, but no one can see strong woman and not take notice.
- But please ladies, lets not be too quick with the old “knee him in the balls” retort you so love to throw around. You can not imagine what that does to our central nervous system.
The reason why the internet is the exact right place for this discourse is because it is a forum where many voices can be heard that aren’t out there in more mainstream media. More issues can be discussed in more depth. It’s hard to clearly be able to articulate one’s feelings about certain issues while engaging with the real world. People don’t like to listen to women make impassioned arguments against sexual harassment, gender stereotyping or other such things — you’re written off as crazy, a bitch or someone who just doesn’t know when to shut up.
Walking the walking and talking the talk of feminism is hard day in and day out, when you identify as a feminist and are vocal, many scrutinize you in those terms. Does your boyfriend pay for you most of the time? Oh then you’re not really a feminist! If you let a man pay for your dinner then you’re saying this or that… I mean it’s ridiculous. Plus there’s plenty of people who think women should know their place, be content with the strides they’ve made. They believe feminism is a dead cause or movement and do not see why it’s needed anymore. When you try to have debates in person with others, it can get out of hand or personal too often and little is accomplished unless both parties fight fair. I know I’ve been told many times that my intense passion and emotion for issues can cloud an argument and make it hard to take me seriously. My voice raises, I talk with my hands and I lose my train of though. But being able to use an outlet such as a blog as a way to work through ideas is beneficial and makes me a stronger advocate in person.
As someone who enjoys feminist discourse, studies rhetoric and enjoys writing about women’s issues, my views and my blog do not stop me from being a strong independent woman who implores men and women to think outside the box and who pushes the envelope on what a woman can and cannot be — at least I try to.
