message 3144
From: Anne LeVeque, subject: Feminism sure is extraordinary!
Let me address a few things here: first, does feminism equal "the whole socio-political and resentful agenda" that Peter describes? I hope not! Feminism means equality of the sexes. What this implies is both a matter of interpretation and debate. I don't think we need to take up too much space here on this, but part of the problem is that the word 'feminist' has become so politically loaded that people are afraid to use it. I would like to see it reclaimed by those who believe in equality, rather than used as an expletive by ultra-conservatives or, at the other end of the spectrum, as the exclusive property of radical separatists.

What exactly is the Ransome matrix? As I said before, and the further explanation of the Kazumi incident does not contradict this, that incident is simply typical of academia, not necessarily feminism. One of the remarkable things about my own college education is that at times I was required to look at issues and ideas from others' perspectives. To exercise the mind in this way can cause the mind to open (this can be a painful experience for small minds!). There have been a few occasions when this sort of exercise has actually caused me to *gasp* change my mind.

Your examples of "half-baked gender theories" being applied to AR are instructive. I think Nancy Blackett and Jo March have a lot in common, and their commonality would certainly be worthy of analysis. "Brothers under the skin" is a little silly, but it gets the point across: both Jo March and Nancy Blackett defy the sex stereotyping of their cultural milieu and are high-spirited young women that some would call 'tomboys.' The "Titty is eccentric" title could mean anything, but hey! read the stories! This girl has always got fantasies going on in her head! And that whole Peter Duck thing! Excuse me, eccentric is Titty's middle name! Do you think eccentricity is a BAD thing? Finally, 'The G-A throws overboard Timothy's female cargo' has me completely baffled. Without further explanation, I can make nothing of this title (I know the reference, just not what the author makes of it).

I am STILL tired of feminism being trashed! When I see my 3 1/2 year old daughter charging down a hill yelling "Swallows and Amazons forever!" my heart just bursts with pride and love and the knowledge that my daughter will have the kind of confidence and self-direction exemplified by Nancy Blackett.

Anne LeVeque
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