BY DEBBIE LIEBENBERG
According to extensive research, feminism is about fighting for equality for women. According to certain activists at Rhodes, Feminism is about fighting. As a journalism student I am tired of having to explain why we are asked to deal with sensitive issues such as rape and sexual harassment. I am tired of being chased away by certain “authorities” on these issues who refuse to speak to me because I “don’t understand”. Damn straight I don’t understand!
I don’t understand how certain “authorities” can claim to fight against gender-based discrimination and in the same breath make a statement like “all tomboys are lesbians”! I don’t understand how certain “authorities” can claim to fight for gender equality and at the same time say that “all men are rapists”! I kid you not, friends, this is the truth and a bitter one at that.
I have a friend (hmmm, friend is a strong word — let’s go for “acquaintance”) at Rhodes who surprised us all this year by bringing her girlfriend to meet everyone. Let me just say that last year this same girl was infamous for her “charming” behavior with many men so the girlfriend was a bit of a surprise. Nonetheless it seems her newly discovered sexuality is the golden key to “understanding” because suddenly she is a self claimed “authority” in the field of gender activism!
Many like me have tried over and over again to participate in seemingly good intended events only to be met with aggression and intimidation because we “don’t understand!”. Correct me if I’m wrong but it doesn’t make sense to think that the reason for attending such events is to gain understanding. Aren’t events such as these supposed to attract the masses (not chase them away) to raise awareness for the cause?
Feminism, as I have come to understand it though observing practices at Rhodes, is all about fighting. It’s wonderful to be passionate about a cause you’re fighting for but not to the extent that you chase away people that are trying to help you! Strong passions can be a dangerous thing because as The Platters said, “When your heart’s on fire, smoke gets in your eyes.” Don’t be blinded by your rage. If this aggression and hate embodies what feminism is then I think a new approach needs to be adopted. I recommend humanitarianism, and here is your first challenge: Since you claim I “don’t understand”… MAKE ME!
Debbie Liebenberg is a Journalism & Linguistics student at Rhodes University.
Tags: feminism, gender activism, rhodes university