Are free speech absolutists ever on the side of feminists challenging sexism and misogyny? Or have they recently jumped on the anti-gender bandwagon purely for their own benefit?
I am a free speech absolutist, but I cannot see how pornography (i.e. videos and photographs) is "speech". It takes quite some slight-of-hand to get to that position, in my opinion, and I will not support it.
I think labeling laws in intellectual content would be fascinating though, wouldn’t you?
“Warning: trans is a severe form of clinical delusion which has led to self-harm, child genital mutilation, violent physical confrontation, and suicide. Proceed at your own risk.”
“Warning: gender ideology includes denial of legal sex-based rights, including assembly, privacy, safety and security for women. Proceed with caution.”
“Warning: the language used in this discussion which reduces women and mothers to anonymous organs, holes and incubators may intentionally create distress and depression. Continue with caution.”
“Warning: this class contains training with both theory and praxis [practical exercises and demonstrations] for children in adult fetishes, including extreme sexual roleplay, BSDM including binders and genital crushing. transvestic fetishism, extreme body modification, chemical and surgical castration and emasculation, chemical and surgical female genital mutilation, graphic verbal sex play, as well as homophobic bullying, denial of same-sex attractions, and enforcement of stereotyped negative male behaviors (aggression, bullying, depersonalization, dominance, unwanted attention and emotional alienation), and stereotyped negative female behaviors (submission, promiscuity, weakness, irrationality, superficiality). Parental consent is recommended.”
The uneven playing field of so-called free speech is evident in Australia, where free speech seems to be the slogan of the privileged and entitled (usually men).
I really appreciate and respect what you are saying here Julie. Although, I’m the acceptable face of Women’s sex based rights in pushing back against men claiming “breastfeeding mother gender identity” I sometimes find my “free speech” and “conservative” supporters don’t share my feminist values. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to clarify I am a feminist!
Half of this m sentence (at the end of a paragraph near the top) is missing:
"Other feminist friends and other progressives, such as the redoubtable Maryam Namazi, a brave activist who campaigns against religious fundamentalism and the effects of sharia law on women and girls."
I THINK You meant to say that these other Women were silenced/canceled along with You, but just wanted to make sure.
Great essay! Thanks for pointing out that free speech only really works with a level playing field, and how that free speech absolutism can be used against women re pornography. And while men - as a class - still hold most of the power of speaking (discourse), the women's free speech will always be contingent. It won't change until the world considers women to be actually fully human. One of my university lecturers back in the late 70s said to us "You only have the rights you can fight for." I think she thought that 40 years later, we wouldn't need *still* to be saying that.
Could start selling these t-shirts or mugs? I want them for xmas presents.
"But for those not in the know, I am one of those feminists that do not think it is possible for a woman to have a penis, or a man to give birth to a baby. My extreme ‘transphobia’ is apparently responsible for thousands of suicides across campuses."
Hi Julie, A suggestion about your being blackballed from a university. Why not offer to give your talk over Zoom or one the other online websites of that kind? Then those who want to hear what you have to say could do so, without harassment because they were dispersed, not in some single room which can be attacked? And you could have adult discussion as well afterwards, which you implied you want?
That way you get around the thought controllers, eg at Durham University. You wouldn't be subject to their attempts at censorship. they'd simply look stupid, that you had to take such precautions.
I think it would be valuable if you did succeed in this way.
Please check out our new documentary: DWORKIN (https://jaxsplacetv.vhx.tv/). She was brilliant, compassionate and courageous in her fight for women's freedom...and SILENCED at every possible turn. Ridicule, slander, threats, her deeply insightful books out-of-print - some of the most vicious attacks coming from the so-called: 'LEFT'. Now Macmillan/Picador is reprinting (3) of her books that have been OUT-OF-PRINT for decades!!! Cause she was right: we haven't fought hard enough for real equality between women and men; her insights are as relevant today as ever and her passion is energizing and inspiring!
I am a free speech absolutist, but I cannot see how pornography (i.e. videos and photographs) is "speech". It takes quite some slight-of-hand to get to that position, in my opinion, and I will not support it.
Crisp, and reasoned as we expect and enjoy.
I think labeling laws in intellectual content would be fascinating though, wouldn’t you?
“Warning: trans is a severe form of clinical delusion which has led to self-harm, child genital mutilation, violent physical confrontation, and suicide. Proceed at your own risk.”
“Warning: gender ideology includes denial of legal sex-based rights, including assembly, privacy, safety and security for women. Proceed with caution.”
“Warning: the language used in this discussion which reduces women and mothers to anonymous organs, holes and incubators may intentionally create distress and depression. Continue with caution.”
“Warning: this class contains training with both theory and praxis [practical exercises and demonstrations] for children in adult fetishes, including extreme sexual roleplay, BSDM including binders and genital crushing. transvestic fetishism, extreme body modification, chemical and surgical castration and emasculation, chemical and surgical female genital mutilation, graphic verbal sex play, as well as homophobic bullying, denial of same-sex attractions, and enforcement of stereotyped negative male behaviors (aggression, bullying, depersonalization, dominance, unwanted attention and emotional alienation), and stereotyped negative female behaviors (submission, promiscuity, weakness, irrationality, superficiality). Parental consent is recommended.”
The uneven playing field of so-called free speech is evident in Australia, where free speech seems to be the slogan of the privileged and entitled (usually men).
This can be used as the perfect template, you've covered it so simply and clearly, enjoyed reading and thank you.
Well said, Julie. Stick to your guns, gal. Keep publishing - and be damned.
Another excellent summary Julie - and thank you so much for your relentless fight for Women & Girls 👏💪
I really appreciate and respect what you are saying here Julie. Although, I’m the acceptable face of Women’s sex based rights in pushing back against men claiming “breastfeeding mother gender identity” I sometimes find my “free speech” and “conservative” supporters don’t share my feminist values. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to clarify I am a feminist!
This is helping me to form an opinion on "free" speech.
It is useful to be able to point to an unequal balance, and ask those questions : who benefits?
I am also uneasy playing the "but we must have free speech" when threatened with cancellation or silencing for that reason.
Half of this m sentence (at the end of a paragraph near the top) is missing:
"Other feminist friends and other progressives, such as the redoubtable Maryam Namazi, a brave activist who campaigns against religious fundamentalism and the effects of sharia law on women and girls."
I THINK You meant to say that these other Women were silenced/canceled along with You, but just wanted to make sure.
Great essay! Thanks for pointing out that free speech only really works with a level playing field, and how that free speech absolutism can be used against women re pornography. And while men - as a class - still hold most of the power of speaking (discourse), the women's free speech will always be contingent. It won't change until the world considers women to be actually fully human. One of my university lecturers back in the late 70s said to us "You only have the rights you can fight for." I think she thought that 40 years later, we wouldn't need *still* to be saying that.
Could start selling these t-shirts or mugs? I want them for xmas presents.
"But for those not in the know, I am one of those feminists that do not think it is possible for a woman to have a penis, or a man to give birth to a baby. My extreme ‘transphobia’ is apparently responsible for thousands of suicides across campuses."
Words are not violence.
I'm on your side.
Hi Julie, A suggestion about your being blackballed from a university. Why not offer to give your talk over Zoom or one the other online websites of that kind? Then those who want to hear what you have to say could do so, without harassment because they were dispersed, not in some single room which can be attacked? And you could have adult discussion as well afterwards, which you implied you want?
That way you get around the thought controllers, eg at Durham University. You wouldn't be subject to their attempts at censorship. they'd simply look stupid, that you had to take such precautions.
I think it would be valuable if you did succeed in this way.
Ian Mordant
Hi Julie, Glad you liked my comment. Maybe you'll try Zoom or one of those? Best of luck with it.
Ian M
Keep telling it Julie!
Please check out our new documentary: DWORKIN (https://jaxsplacetv.vhx.tv/). She was brilliant, compassionate and courageous in her fight for women's freedom...and SILENCED at every possible turn. Ridicule, slander, threats, her deeply insightful books out-of-print - some of the most vicious attacks coming from the so-called: 'LEFT'. Now Macmillan/Picador is reprinting (3) of her books that have been OUT-OF-PRINT for decades!!! Cause she was right: we haven't fought hard enough for real equality between women and men; her insights are as relevant today as ever and her passion is energizing and inspiring!