Phil Nice
Phil Nice
Aug 31, 2018 · 1 min read

No, a word doesn’t mean X because it says so in the dictionary. The dictionary definition doesn’t dictate usage. It’s the other way round: the dictionary definition is an attempt to keep up with a complex web of meaning through usage. So the question of whether one is a feminist is absolutely contingent on definitions as a premise for understanding what’s being asked.

The fact that “equality of the sexes” can mean either equality of opportunity or equality of outcome (two mutually exclusive things), the definition of feminism already hedges between vastly different understandings, so answering the question 1. clearly and without ambiguity, 2. with consideration for the person asking it and 3. with respect for the quality of the conversation one is having really depends on agreeing on some fundamental premises as to what’s being talked about.

When you criticise the above and reduce it to “it sounds like you’re not listening,” what you’re criticising is nuance and the desire for meaningful conversation and debate. Is this because you only want unconditional support and shallow virtue signalling?

But if feminists only want “yes”or “no” as an answer to “Are you a feminist?” then sure we non-feminists can oblige. It’s then up to you feminists to ask some intelligent, supplementary questions in order to probe deeper into a nuanced understanding of the given answer and its context. Perhaps we would if you did. Do you wonder why we don’t?

    Phil Nice

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    Phil Nice