Changing minds
Changing minds
Curious to hear if anyone has had luck changing minds when it comes to the subjects covered under radical feminism. How do you get through to women (and maybe men, if such a thing is even possible) and make them understand just how harmful the patriarchy is for them?
I find most people function according to extremely emotional and superficial ideas and, while we're all subject to emotional biases to some degree, it just feels like most people don't even make the flimsiest attempt to examine their own beliefs, and blindly rely on authority or celebrities to tell them what to think. "You can't argue someone out of a position they didn't argue themselves into". So whenever I try to argue with people, usually by asking questions and poking holes in their own reasoning, they turn into angry pissbabies. And these are for some very basic feminist ideas, let alone anything more controversial.
I wonder if radical feminism can ever even make gains among these people. Because women automatically have less authority, I don't see them ever getting enough of it to truly make a feminist statement, beyond the most superficial, toothless liberal feminist pleas (i.e. you don't have to force us into objectification, we're actually eager to do it of our own accord!).
I havenât convinced many (mainly because Iâm still too scared to be vocal about many radfem positions given my social circles) but the biggest thing for me in one-on-one situations is meeting people where they are.
As one example, referring to TIMs as such right outta the gate will make many just shut their ears off and ignore everything else you have to say, no matter of what value. Acquiescing and referring to them as âtrans womenâ, and acknowledging that they do experience certain hardships, will make it far more likely people listen when explaining how that still doesnât change that they arenât actual women, and that many trans activism demands further contribute to womenâs sex-based oppression. Not with everyone of course (maybe not even most), but definitely more than you would going in guns-a-blazing.
Additionally, unless youâre talking about something that directly effects you (me explaining how aspects of trans rights activism has hurt me directly as a lesbian has changed some minds), do your best to stick to the facts and keep your own emotions out of it. Like a âhey, I know âsex positivityâ has helped you personally enjoy sex more after your conservative upbringing but that doesnât mean itâs been a net positive. Like, did you know that the increase in porn access and consumption has led toâŠ.etc etc etcâ
Is it fair we have to calm and rational, and give a little? Nope. And does that mean we should act as such when pushing for policy changes? Absolutely not. But when trying to convince people individually, it will increase the impact of your words if certain concessions mean theyâre willing to listen to what you have to say.