Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!aero-c!nadel From: bradford@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca (Bradford Rodriguez) Newsgroups: soc.feminism Subject: Re: Radical (and Other Types of) Feminism Message-ID: <27FE2636.10564@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca> Date: 6 Apr 91 19:49:10 GMT References: <27F26F4E.6963@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca> <9104030712.11574@mydog.UUCP> Sender: news@aero.org Organization: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Lines: 41 Approved: nadel@aerospace.aero.org Status: R Originator: nadel@aerospace.aero.org The best statement I've found (so far) for individualist feminism: "Feminists want women to be free -- free of the domination of men, free to control their bodies and psyches as they see fit, free to make their own decisions about their own lives independent of the coercive domination of others. . . . [Individualist] feminists believe that we can't achieve a non- authoritarian society by authoritarian methods. If our goals are personal autonomy and individual freedom, we can't achieve these goals by taking away individuals' rights to choose for themselves. If we pass laws that force _our_ values on others, we are no better than men who have forced _their_ values on us through legislation. We merely substitute our tyranny for the tyranny of men. Women's liberationist Susan Brownmiller advocating anti-obscenity laws is no better than Conservative James Buckley advocating abortion laws." -- Sharon Presley and Lynn Kinsky, as quoted in "Freedom, Feminism, and the State", edited by Wendy McElroy "Freedom, Feminism, and the State" is being reprinted by Holmes and Meier, 30 Irving Place, New York NY 10003. You should probably inquire of them directly as to where and when it can be found. For more of the history of individualist feminism, I strongly recommend the introductory essay of the book, "The Roots of Individualist Feminism in 19th-Century America." You might also investigate the writings of the 18th and 19th Century feminists Mary Wollstonecraft ("Vindication of the Rights of Woman"), Voltairine de Cleyre, Sarah Grimke, or Lillian Harman. - Brad P.S. Thanks for pre-criticizing the book, Jym. Would you like to read it sometime? (Talk about pre-judgment...sheesh.) Brad Rodriguez | brad%candice@maccs.uucp (God willing) B.RODRIGUEZ2 on GEnie | brad%candice@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca "Shoes for industry!" | bradford@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca (archaic)