General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Yes, I am a Feminist. Deal. With. It. [View all]BainsBane
(53,034 posts)I never heard the term radfem before being maligned as one countless times on DU. Someone pointed out that radical feminist simply means that one sees patriarchy and sexism as a factor not entirely attributable to class. Ideologically, I'm more Marxist than anything, but I am not a reductionist. I understand that gender and race are not simply manifestations of false class consciousness but factors in their own right that play a role in the structuring of society.
I certainly don't hate men, but I do have issues with people--men and women alike--who oppose feminism and other civil rights movements, who think feminists, people of color, and LGBT Americans are engaging in "gender wars" or "flamebait" for simply posting about issues that concern them. The idea that feminists and members of other subaltern groups shouldn't be "loud" (how one is "loud" on a message board, I haven no idea) or speak out is a highly reactionary one based in worldview that elevates power and privilege of white men above the majority of the population. It is not one shared by most white male liberals and entirely antithetical to the principals and demographic of the Democratic Party. Of course some of those most hostile to the voices and experiences of women and people of color are also those most critical of the Democratic Party and some have even expressed their intent to not vote for Democrats in upcoming elections, which only contributes to the electoral success of Republicans. If it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it's a duck, even if it believes its a swan.