Does it seem to anyone else...
... that the current DU backlash against feminism and women-centered concerns...
...sounds a lot like the backlash against LGBT equality issues from a few years ago on DU?
I mean, a LOT like. The whole "not a priority," "you're overreacting," "stop whining," those mean ol' LGBT folk are "bullies" trying to "push an agenda"... all of it sounds awfully familiar.
What's next? Women are just out to make everyone on DU miserable because we "didn't get a pony?"
Remember that? I sure as hell do.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Glad to see you're still kicking asses as required. 
and I have been an ally to my GLBT brothers and sisters as long as I can remember
... but the fact that Pres. Obama himself eventually, finally, voiced unequivocal support for marriage equality.
I'm not sure there really can be such a clear-cut moment of clarity around women's issues, though the President has certainly been a staunch and solid advocate from the very start. Just doesn't seem like there'd be an opportunity for a specific, here's-how-it's-gonna-be kind of statement.
So I think, in terms of what's okay on DU and what's not, it might be a more drawn-out process. Still, I hope you're right that the site will come out on the other side better, scars or no.
Misogyny and homophobia are still present on DU. Look to the fact that we have 40 DUers hiding the LGBT Group as a whole currently.
Be that as it may though, we must always rise above--homophobia, misogyny, and/or any other form of anti-egalitarian message. We cannot be consumed by petty arguments and name calling. We must fight back with facts. We will never single handedly turn a bigot or a misogynist (et. al.) to our point of view. But so long as we keep the high ground, bring to them intelligent, swift, and brutally effective debate, we will win the hearts and minds of those on the fence. In this, we will alienate them from DU and their words will fall on deaf ears. And they will be banned. Rise above the pettiness. Rise above the hate. If you do this, we can overcome any obstacle.
I mean, there are people here now "debating" whether white privilege exists who clearly don't understand the concept of privilege, to begin with. And yet who'd probably burst into flames if ever confronted with the notion of intersectionality.
Sigh.
In all seriousness, though, I do agree when you note that the discussion is not actually with the bigots themselves, but with those looking on who are undecided, open to new ideas. My fear is that this latter group is vanishingly small on DU today, while the voices of ignorance grow ever more strident. Ineducable and unbannable, it seems.
Still, I do respect your optimism, as well as your dedication. I'm running out of years to spend fighting, so it's good to know the fight still goes on, and in such capable hands.
If you don't want to read what's being posted in a particular group forum, just don't go there. Seems simple enough. But why a hide? 
