I'm sorry, but I have something more to say.
>Hey, it's a battle to beat back sexism, but give it a rest, girl! Fight,
but keep your sense of humor. Life just isn't that serious.
It's so easy for you to say 'give it a rest', isn't it? What do you have to worry about? One of my personal principles is that Life is too short to spend living it in fear. I don't always dwell on the negative BUT, the fact is, "one out of every six college women will be the victim of a rape or attempted rape while an undergraduate", and by the time I graduate (I'm nearing my third year), I will probably be raped. At least according to chance, and common statistics. Now, I think my danger is significantly less because of the way I live my life and my 'training', but in all likelihood, I might be one of the many victims I know of. Living with the constant threat. How do you think that feels?
By the way, I don't want to "battle to beat back sexism", I want to END it for good, along with any other form of oppression. I intend to spend my entire life trying to do so.
And a question: Why is it that for as long as I can remember, every time I get upset about injustice towards women and sexism as a whole (as you know, I can get pretty fiery about the issues I care about) I get the equivalent of "Settle down, Kristy."? Just curious.
And why do I rant so much? Because I want to be heard. Silence is our worst enemy.
"Sexism: Discrimination based on gender, especially discrimination against women. This also includes attitudes, conditions, or behaviors that promote stereotyping of social roles based on gender."
"The roots of sexual violence are deep. They are part of the very foundation of society. Addressing racism, sexism, heterosexism, and classism is essential to undoing the practice of rape [...] Rape is the reality. It is the final expression of sexism, a perfectly designed weapon for social control." [1]
"Most men of course, do not batter, rape or kill. But this doesn't mean, as many seem to think, that they have nothing to do with violence against women. Each of us in our daily lives helps shape the cultural images and assumptions that define the limits of what is permissible. Where sexual violence and misogyny are concerned, however, the majority of men just don't seem to get the connection between the destructive aspects of sexist socialization in media and violent behavior towards women. [...]
Challenge sexist attitudes that make rape and other forms of violence towards women acceptable. Attitudes which suggest that women exist primarily for the pleasure of men or that a woman's role is to improve the quality of a man's life become part of a rapist's or batterer's justification. Confront people who do not see women as whole persons with the right to define the limits of their bodies.
Don't make or laugh at sexist jokes about women. People who make abusive comments or use degrading language to describe women contribute to the cultural climate that makes violence against women so widespread. Have the courage to voice your opposition to such language.
Those who understand the connection between sexist attitudes and sexist acts, in particular acts of violence against women, have a moral obligation, I believe, to help others understand. They must teach their peers, teach their children. We cannot be silent, because silence makes it possible. So use your voice." [2]
Is this humorous to you? My understanding is that your response to *my* response to misogyny and sexism was something to the effect of, "Don't take it so seriously; lighten up." Still think I'm overreacting?
~kjs
[1] Twenty Years Later: The Unfinished Revolution; Peggy Miller & Nancy Biele [2] author, Judith Scott; FROM GENDER BIGOTRY TO GANG RAPE: MAKING CONNECTIONS ON A CONTINUUM OF SEXIST BELIEFS AND BEHAVIORS