(March 24, 2014 at 6:30 pm)JesusChristIsLord69 Wrote: The most obvious thing that comes to mind when using the argument that there is a patriarchy, and then attempting to argue from that premise, is to decide first how it began. If there are so many theories flying about, then maybe feminists should get their story straight. You can't scream patriarky and just expect men to say oooh, yeah, so sorry about that. Feminism is based on the premise that there's a patriarchy yet never have I heard an intelligent theory as to its origins. It's just rubbish, an excuse to whine and get privileges.
'to decide first how it began'
I have to say, that is a very strange argument. I find it very odd. False, even.
But, if you want to talk about the problems of the feminist movement: I have been thinking a lot about that lately.
I think there are a lot of feminists who misuse the term 'patriarchy'. There can be little doubt that patriarchal structures exist everywhere is society, all the way from the family unit up to the highest echelons of goverment in practically every country in the world.
The problem, as I see it, is that many feminists are far too influenced by the polemics of the extreme left. Extremists often depend on semi-fictitious (or even completely fictitious) enemies or conspiracies in order to dehumanize the enemy to the level of sub-human scum. Fear, contempt and hatred of the enemy also helps to solidify the movement. It can easily be used to enforce orthodoxy. Members who express views that differ from the party line are labeled as unwitting pawns of the enemy.
So, a man who does not express feminist views becomes a representative of the patriarchy -- a chauvinist. He is not really a person any more.
Women who don't stick to the norm dictated by the dominant members of a certain clique of such feminists have been brain-washed by the patriarchy and must be taught proper values or be cast out. They are belittled and ignored, or worse.
Far from every feminist is like this, but I belive that the failure of the Swedish party FI (feminist initiative) can be attributed to the destructive influence of extreme leftist (i.e. socialist and communist) philosophies and polemics. This is just an example.
It is sad, since I believe that equality is a good thing.
