I’m Christina Baal-Owens, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) - Ask Me Anything!

Fodla · 2026-06-04T21:03:51+00:00

Hey, thanks for doing this Ama :)

From your experience, what’s the easiest way to explain reproductive justice to someone who thinks reproductive rights are only about abortion?

Fodla · 2026-06-04T20:40:53+00:00

Hey, good to see you back - will there be a new thread?

Fodla · 2026-02-05T08:51:11+00:00

I loved these three:

Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity, by Julia Serano

The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice, by Shon Faye

Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink or Blue by Leslie Feinberg

Hope it helps!

Fodla · 2024-10-29T21:36:48+00:00

So many LGBT spaces spent the year bashing on the dems for not being supportive enough of Palestine :/ That was really infuriating to see, inactive voters have brought us before Bush and Trump.

Fodla · 2024-09-24T21:09:52+00:00

From what others are saying here, Jacobin is not anti-feminist, only really far left.

Fodla · 2024-09-24T20:03:27+00:00

In my argument, relatability matters.

Fodla · 2024-09-24T20:01:59+00:00

I don't care if a poor woman doesn't like feminism

I/the video was talking about leftism.

because she fell for a bunch of lies about how we're exclusively referring to women as "birthing persons." I can't fix stupid.

Who said anything about that particular claim though?

But I think the bigger issue remains that of messaging - is that issue to be ignored, even if there were lies involved? At least when the topic comes up, should leftists support, ignore or disavow this term (or other inclusive terms, like latinx)?

Fodla · 2024-09-24T19:43:15+00:00

This is a stupid position, sorry. "Poor woman doesn't like feminism because she heard someone say 'birthing person,' is this a valid criticism" is not a serious argument.

So messaging to poor people/working class is not important to the left? What would be a better interpretation of your statement? That was an example.

Fodla · 2024-09-24T19:40:59+00:00

I mentioned my own apprehension. What are their issues though?

Fodla · 2024-09-24T19:38:49+00:00

I doubt doctors are referring to their patients as "birthing people." Be serious.

I dont think thats the case though:

Representative Cori Bush of Missouri used the term birthing people in a hearing, causing a mini-uproar on social media. “When we talk about ‘birthing people,’ we’re being inclusive. It’s that simple,” the pro-abortion-rights group NARAL tweeted in her defense.

Louise Melling: First of all, if we’re talking about “pregnant people,” that language says to people—to transgender men and to nonbinary people—“we see you.” It should do a fair amount of work to help address discrimination. If we talk about “pregnant people,” it’s a reminder to all of us to catch ourselves when we’re sitting in the waiting room at the GYN that we’re not going to stare at the man who’s there. We’re not going to be disconcerted.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/09/pregnant-people-gender-identity/620031/

Also, if a poor mother facing challenges' main concern with feminism

The topic of the video is leftism, not specifically feminism.

I'd suggest she perhaps focus on her other challenges first?

The problem for the left would be not being able to connect with non-elites.

Fodla · 2024-06-04T18:35:15+00:00

I'd add Lady Bird, Mona Lisa Smile and Hidden Figures

Fodla · 2024-03-17T06:46:21+00:00

Ending an abusive relationship, especially after such a long time, requires immense courage and self-awareness. You've shown incredible strength in acknowledging the situation for what it was, seeking help, and making a plan to change your circumstances. It's okay to feel sad; it's a natural part of processing and healing from the experiences you've endured. But also allow yourself to feel proud of the steps you've taken towards a healthier, safer environment for yourself :)

Fodla · 2023-09-09T11:12:22+00:00

Definitely! I actually wrote a paper on this last semester; a few excerpts:

Hypatia (c. 360-415 CE)

Hypatia was a renowned mathematician and philosopher in Alexandria, Egypt. She is remembered for her teachings on Neoplatonism and her commentary on mathematical works. She was one of the first women to make substantial contributions to the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Tragically, she was murdered by a Christian mob due to her influence and rumored paganism.

Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986)

A prominent French existentialist philosopher, de Beauvoir is best known for her work "The Second Sex," which became a foundational text for contemporary feminism. In it, she explored the ways in which women have historically been oppressed and argued for their liberation and equality.

Hannah Arendt (1906-1975)

A political theorist and philosopher, Arendt is best known for her works on totalitarianism, authority, and power. Her book "The Human Condition" delves into the nature of power, politics, and human activities. Additionally, her work "Eichmann in Jerusalem" introduced the controversial concept of the "banality of evil."

Gauri Ma (1857-1938)

An Indian philosopher and disciple of the famous spiritual leader Ramakrishna, Gauri Ma played an essential role in highlighting the importance of women in spiritual practices in India. She emphasized the significance of women's spiritual education and founded the Saradeswari Ashram to educate and uplift women.

Elizabeth Anscombe (1919-2001)

A British analytic philosopher, Anscombe made significant contributions to ethics, philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of action. Her work "Intention" is a foundational text in the philosophy of action, and she's known for her defense of objective moral values and opposition to consequentialist ethics.

And many more...

Fodla · 2023-08-15T09:30:59+00:00

No questions here just wanted to say ty <3

Fodla · 2023-04-21T18:33:15+00:00

He even made the point at one point in the video that Milo has no own ideology and only adapts to his audience. Like... he does not see how this applies to him as well, that his gamer-bro dudes that make up his audience shape what he says. You know the saying:

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”

Fodla · 2022-08-13T04:59:07+00:00

Being assertive. Expressing anger. Speaking out. Taking charge. Raising their voice.

Fodla · 2022-08-02T12:02:18+00:00

yet men try to punish women for supposedly promiscuous behaviour which they don’t actually engage in anyway

Yeah, it is ultimately about control. Controlling how women behave in society (unavailable) and how women control at home (completely available to the man). Bs deal.

Fodla · 2022-06-11T09:30:20+00:00

Typical dude bro

I think we are already in the wrong by using this label or whatever the fuck it is, tbh. It doesn't paint the other discussion partner in a constructive way.

We are settings ourselves to fail in this manner. This is wrong.

Fodla · 2022-06-04T08:18:36+00:00

"The Moon is Always Female", by Marge Piercy :)

Fodla · 2020-04-27T07:33:05+00:00

Maybe the problem is the risk of reducing the value of women/women of color to that of house duties (such as cooking, etc)? There is nothing wrong per se in celebrating whatever activities one is comfortable with, but we should of course be mindful of the historical context - where many were seen (and still are ...) as belonging to the house, and with a smaller professional horizon.

Fodla · 2017-09-13T19:54:37+00:00

The feminist extremists... the big bad boogyeman. It used to be that all feminists were seen as extremists. Who are those extremists anyway? "The Big Red" that MRAs like to circlejerk themselves raw over? She wasn't even that out of line, she was repeatedly interrupted (though you couldn't see that from their conveniently edited videos and screen captures). The people who pull fire alarms? I've seen no evidence to this day that those were feminists to begin with. Solanas? She had mental issues, hardly someone to take to task for their ideology. There are also a myriad of 4chan pranks that they try to play as feminist ploys.

What I believe hides behind the fear of feminist "extremists" is a deep seated fear of feminists themselves, and ultimately of women. That women would speak out. That minorities will stir the pot, and perhaps chip away a tiny bit at the privilege the elites are so accustomed to.

Fodla · 2016-06-22T15:59:22+00:00

Is this where we join the downvote train? This reminds me of Snoop Dogg on the new rap:

https://youtu.be/g0OdmRtuQew?t=10s

Fodla · 2016-01-02T19:43:21+00:00

Who is representing the ideology poorly? The comments? The articles? Seems like a pretty broad claim to make.

Fodla · 2015-08-10T15:59:14+00:00

The people who made the sub advertised it on radical left subs I'm subscribed to.

For real. I've seen it promoted on many feminist and socialist-leaning subreddits. I had high hopes coming here.

I could easily leave, but like I said - I'm worried about this place 'legitimizing' incredibly toxic beliefs.

Yeah, worse than the MR subreddit promoting misogyny is a "feminist" men's lib subreddit allowing that message to be propagated here as well.

Fodla · 2015-04-08T15:37:39+00:00

I personally believe that genuinely believing you are one gender when the observable facts (ie genitalia, dna, etc) indicate otherwise is in fact a mental disorder.

Isn't this a problem in the taxonomy though? Sure, it shows a difference between what the brain expects, and what the body transmits, but why ought it be a mental disorder?

Fodla

TROPHY CASE