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[–]Nosce_te_ipsum 15 insightful - 1 fun15 insightful - 0 fun16 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

In general, I think women (especially young women and girls) are more supportive of SJW movements because it is expected of them to do that. Women are socially expected to be kind and tolerant, and the punishment for a woman who doesn't play into that role is harsher and more immediate than the punishment for a man. I suspect that, for many of these young women, this is mostly a performance put on so that people do not gang up on them to accuse them of being "mean". Especially when women who fall out of line are publicly and viciously made an example of (think of "TERFs").

I'm not sure if this would apply to women being more enthusiastic supporters of dictatorships, for example. We don't really have statistics for that, but I suspect that if we did, we wouldn't see much of a difference in terms of who is more vocally in support of it between the average man and the average woman. What we would see though, is that the majority of positions of power and authority in such regimes are held by men and that it has been men, historically, who have created, ran and expanded extreme ideologies.

Which brings me to Trans activism. I'm sure you've noticed that the current hierarchy of TRA has "transwomen" at the top. As a matter of fact, "transmen" are merely an afterthought for this movement. Sometimes they get mentioned, usually (and ironically) when they give birth. So, while there might be more women engaged in this type of activism out of a wish to not appear bigoted or unkind, its most ardent supporters and the ones who hold the real positions of power are still men.

Another point to keep in mind is that women tend to be more supportive of social reform. Look at the LGB movement. Historically, it has seen a lot more support from straight women than from straight men. And, generally, homophobic women tend to respond to LGB people a lot less violently than homophobic men. The current environment of woke social activism is taking advantage both of women's genuine desires to help those less privileged, and their fears of being perceived as "unkind" and "bigoted". I mean, we are talking about people who were threatening JKR with death and telling her, in graphic detail, about how they would like to rape her with their "girldicks". And they did this with no restraints, in a public space, to an author that has a large underage following. Do you really think less powerful women didn't look at this and realize what awaits them if they speak out of line?

[–]Rationalmind[S] 6 insightful - 1 fun6 insightful - 0 fun7 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Agreed. All your points are excellent and you brought up solid examples I didn’t consider like the JK Rowling leading to intimidation and fear to speak out in other women. I could not agree more, you’re correct.

I wonder if there is anything we can do as women to protect other women and girls. Maybe we should speak up more and defend women and girls who hold contrary opinions? Maybe if we did this more, then other women and girls would feel brave enough to explore their ideas and will not fear being put down or socially ostracized. By “we” here I’m referring to me (and anyone else who wants to do this too). I’m not really sure, but if you have a suggestion, please let me know because I would like to help women and girls feel comfortable in exploring who they are and what they think. I think this will help us longterm as women.

[–]Nosce_te_ipsum 7 insightful - 1 fun7 insightful - 0 fun8 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I think (I hope) this situation will reach a breaking point sooner rather than later. But I'm afraid it's not going to be women who will bring an end to it. I think it will take a few high profile men to put their foot down (when things will start affecting them personally, or when they will feel emboldened to play the hero). I also fear feminists, alongside the LGB, will bear the brunt of the backlash when it will happen. People won't care that there were some of us who opposed the situation.

I would like to be wrong. Perhaps the average woman realizes what is going on and we all come together to put an end to this insanity. The problem with that scenario is that most of the current "SJW" activism (and, specifically, trans activism) is being debated at an academic level, by youngsters of a relatively high socioeconomic status, and the average woman has neither the time, nor the interest to follow that debate.

I suppose, in the meantime and as you suggested, speaking up and coming to the aid of women who put themselves out there is the least we could do (if we have the possibility to do so safely). But even that has to be done in a careful manner, lest we be accused of being irrational, shrieking harpies and forever remembered as such, even when time proves us right.