Usually a movement starts because there are victims, they have reached a critical mass and a leader or leaders of sorts have emerged. Initially the movement starts because the objective is to assist the victims, slowly that transforms into an assessment of the core problems that lead to the current situation (e.g. lack of laws or the draconian and/or biased nature of the laws themselves). As the movement progresses and succeeds there is a strong desire by some to exaggerate the very criteria that are leading to success, twist the truth when beneficial, and expand the definition of those criteria so that victim count increases. Radicalists emerge and the movement takes a new turn, disillusioning the early pioneers. This is exactly what has happened to the feminist movement in many ways. Two prime examples (there are many others) are:
Erin Pizzey, who founded the world’s first shelter for battered wives in 1971challenged the belief system dictated by radical feminists, who colonized her shelter and made her presence untenable.
READ MORE HERE ABOUT ERIN
Madhu Kishwar, one of the original feminists in india who was originally targeted as a feminist, is now targeted by feminists
Madhu’s insightful view on dowry vs. disinheritance
CAN WE EXPECT THE MEN;S MOVEMENT TO TAKE A SIMILAR COURSE? PROBABLY
2 responses so far ↓
Rajesh R // April 20, 2008 at 11:06 pm
What can I say.
Great Analysis.
True and right. Tells us we have to be mindful of these things as we grow big.
The problem is that once politicians seize it they will abuse it like no tomorrow. Even orissa women commission members are being hounded by congress party for not being feminist enough…. (That orissa assembly speaker case)
Thanks,
Rajesh
niceguy // April 21, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Good articles.