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Matthieu Miossec

Doctoral Student - Genetic Medecine (Congenital Heart Disease),

TEDCRED 100+
TED TranslatorAssociate

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Would you call yourself a feminist? Why or why not?

Is there something about feminism you don't agree with?
Is the problem you perceive with the people in the movement or the idea behind feminism?
What are the most important priorities for feminism today, what are the least?
What would feminism be like if you had your way?
Is there something you'd like to propose instead that is altogether not feminism?

Topics: Gender Gap Gender equality equality feminism gender neutrality human nature social construct
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    Fritzie Reisner 100+

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    Sep 1 2012: I agree with you, Matthieu, that claiming that there are no physical differences between men and women is not reasonable, as there are obvious differences. What's more, there are obvious differences among men and among women, with lots of overlap in the distributions almost regardless of what attribute you measure.

    What is important in terms of opportunities for people is that teachers, parents, employers and so forth not draw invalid conclusions about what people are like or can do on the basis of gender or other broad category.

    Not only has there been plenty of evidence over time that humans do draw incorrect conclusions based on stereotypes of one kind or another, but even legitimate statements about what some category of person may be like "on average" tend to interfere with opportunities for people who may be not particularly like the average.
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      Matthieu Miossec 100+

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      TED TranslatorAssociate
      Sep 1 2012: Yes, I take particular offense to people who say that a woman doesn't belong somewhere because the average woman is this or that or the other. When considering if a woman is apt for something, only that woman should matter.
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        Fritzie Reisner 100+

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        Host
        Sep 1 2012: Indeed- and the same for men, for youth, for older people, for American or French or Chinese or Kenyan, and so forth.
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          Matthieu Miossec 100+

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          TED TranslatorAssociate
          Sep 1 2012: Of course ;-)
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          Colleen Steen 500+

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          Sep 1 2012: Hi Fritzie and Matthieu:>)
          I do not call myself a feminist because I do not like labels, and what you are both touching on in this part of the conversation is exactly why... stereotypes. I have a great deal of admiration for the women who sacrificed so much early in the feminist movement, and I believe an effort like that needed to happen for women to get basic rights.

          Now, however, the movement has taken on a life of its own for some people, in some respects, and sometimes, it feels like we're leaning too far in the other direction. I also know that sometimes happens before we find the balance.

          As you point out Fritzie, we are all people, and I believe all people should have the same rights without prejudice or violation of human rights.

          Nice to "see" you Matthieu:>)

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