If We Are Feminists

If we are feminists we surely have a duty to raise up and support our sisters whoever they might be. We do not have to agree with them on everything. We should be able to politely engage in any debate, and learn from one another, and who knows occasionally change our minds after such a discussion. This is how ideas - particularly controversial ones - get full exposure and we can gain a greater depth of understanding of one another as a result. Robust and healthy debate is a vital thing in a civlised society. However, today nearly every contentious issue is reduced to binaries: there is a "right" or a "wrong" way of discussing things. And woe betide you if you expresss an opinion on the "wrong" side of any debate. We all know where that leads.There is no room for nuance, and the fact that most things in life are fantastically complex, and there are many many shades of grey is conveniently ignored.

If we are feminists we need to take a lead here. We should respect our sisters' views, even if we don't share them. We should be able to discuss without fear why we think differently without resorting to petty insults and abuse. We should have the humility to be able to change our minds and alter our understanding as new facts present them to us. And in the words of the brilliant human being that is Michelle Obabma, When they go low we go high.

If we are feminists it shouldn''t matter to us that our heroines don't share our views on certain matters. Just because we like their books, their acting, their work we shouldn't spurn them for actions or words that don't tie in with our perceptions of them. They are their own people, and not ours to control or demand the ways they behave. What does it matter that Jodie Comer is apparently dating a Republican? Not my busines, or yours. I might dislike Maxine Peake's political views, but I still think she is a fine actress. Many feminists, particularly young ones, are distraught by JK Rowling's views, and feel betrayed by her in some way. They are entitled to feel like that, but they don't own her or her ideas, just because those ideas don't fit their view of JK Rowling as a person. Similarly, I've seen disappointment among feminists with Margaret Atwood for seemingly holding views that don't chime in with their own. I have been a lifelong fan of Margaret Atwood, I think she is a sane voice of reason in a mad word, but if I disagree with her it doesn't mean I won't stop reading and enjoying her wonderful books, which have given me enormous pleasure over the years. And nor should you.

If we are feminists, we should I think rejoice in the fact that these two bold, brave and brilliant women are using their significant platforms to open an important debate to the wider world and present their views intelligently and without hysteria so that they can actually be discussed properly. It is to the advantage of all of us that they are doing this, and both are getting abuse for it. Because well... you know. God forbid an XX person should ever have an opinion on anything.

If we are feminists, we should respect and take the opportunity to debate these matters without resorting to abusing those we disagree with. And maybe, just maybe we can all learn something from one another.