I’m guessing a lot of folks I know actually already engage in these small acts. Not necessarily with a grand goal but making a point… in the vein of Stickittothemaneosis.
I like this idea a lot - when I read about it this morning, I was struck by how it *hadn't* occurred to me to do this stuff, despite identifying as a feminist. I think I'll try to incorporate some of these tactics into my everyday life now.
I have so many thoughts about this, I might have to write an essay. Stopping to think a moment before we open our mouths or act is a good policy. I was widowed at a relatively young (for widowhood) age, and the amount of discounting, mansplaining, etc. was just hideous.
I don’t know how I’ll change anything but I love that my cats have my last name and the veterinarian calls my husband Mr Mohler (not his name.) It tickles me and he rolls with it. Same with some things for the house.
With you. I've seen it. It's sad to see women taking each other down as if society has not already been structured to make life difficult. It reminds me of the way there have been intentional efforts to divide low income communities so that they do not band together and rise up.
I tend to take a more me-centric view of such actions, in that, while it may not affect the problem that I strive to counter, doing the right thing gives me pride and the ambition to do so regularly.
I appreciate this, Tom. There's this temptation to think that we're being altruistic when, evidence shows, humans almost never are acting in a way that is truly altruistic. Likely better to embrace that we are benefiting. Reminds me of gift-giving and philanthropy. It's often a huge boost for the person who is engaged in the act of giving.
I like this idea a lot, and I’m going to make an effort to do this. There are a lot of good men out there, though, so I don’t want to be rude to anyone. These suggestions are not rude, really, though. I also try to uplift people who are trans because I know this has to be a difficult time for them. One of my male friends said to me recently,”we are having a party for smart women, so you’re invited.” I had to laugh at the sweetness of that statement.
I like this idea a lot - when I read about it this morning, I was struck by how it *hadn't* occurred to me to do this stuff, despite identifying as a feminist. I think I'll try to incorporate some of these tactics into my everyday life now.
I have so many thoughts about this, I might have to write an essay. Stopping to think a moment before we open our mouths or act is a good policy. I was widowed at a relatively young (for widowhood) age, and the amount of discounting, mansplaining, etc. was just hideous.
I hope you write the essay, Donna! xoxo
I just might! xoxo
Me, too!
I don’t know how I’ll change anything but I love that my cats have my last name and the veterinarian calls my husband Mr Mohler (not his name.) It tickles me and he rolls with it. Same with some things for the house.
That's funny about your husband :)
I've had a similar experience, in fact.
I love that microfeminism promotes female solidarity. In my experience, female competition has been so intense & so disheartening.
With you. I've seen it. It's sad to see women taking each other down as if society has not already been structured to make life difficult. It reminds me of the way there have been intentional efforts to divide low income communities so that they do not band together and rise up.
I tend to take a more me-centric view of such actions, in that, while it may not affect the problem that I strive to counter, doing the right thing gives me pride and the ambition to do so regularly.
I appreciate this, Tom. There's this temptation to think that we're being altruistic when, evidence shows, humans almost never are acting in a way that is truly altruistic. Likely better to embrace that we are benefiting. Reminds me of gift-giving and philanthropy. It's often a huge boost for the person who is engaged in the act of giving.
I like this idea a lot, and I’m going to make an effort to do this. There are a lot of good men out there, though, so I don’t want to be rude to anyone. These suggestions are not rude, really, though. I also try to uplift people who are trans because I know this has to be a difficult time for them. One of my male friends said to me recently,”we are having a party for smart women, so you’re invited.” I had to laugh at the sweetness of that statement.
Thanks for sharing this, Mark.
Thanks for reading!
Microfeminism? Like: feminism for pre-teen girls? My writing's all over that.
https://www.npr.org/2024/12/04/g-s1-36686/microfeminism-ashley-chaney-sexism
Ah- checkmating microaggressions...