Freeda, I very much appreciate and agree with your explanation/clarification of "aggression" and of "patriarchy." And I, too, feel that we need greater levels of mutual respect (and: support and cooperation).

So when you write that...

>I guess I don't see the
>general lack of respect
>for all males here

...I want to point out several instances that could (at least) be construed as blaming "all men" for various injustices in the world. It doesn't mean that some of the examples I'll offer are without merit, just that the way they are stated is such that it easy for a reader to feel as though they are reading a blanket attack against all men, rather that against patriarchy.

* "men are not morally or intellectually competent"

* "most men are unfit to rule"

* "who do we [women] need protecton from? MEN!"

* "many men who posted defensive responses for their violence"

* "Overpopulation is caused by men"

Personally, I try to be aware of class/race/gender dynamics in all of my social interactions, and to work, where I can, to reduce/eliminate oppressive differences. Where I'm not able to actually change the situation, I can at least try to be aware of it, tell others about it, and think/talk about how we might choose to change things for the better if given that option.

But it helps to get a little solidarity instead of being told that I'm part of the problem.

These hurtful remarks certainly don't make me question whether I'm a feminist... OF COURSE I'm a feminist. It just makes we sad for others who, in their rage and pain, may not be able to clearly distinguish friend from foe.

=================

people, we are standing at ground zero
of the feminist revolution
yeah, it was an inside job
stoic and sly
one we're supposed to forget
and downplay and deny
but i think the time is nothing
if not nigh
to let the truth out
coolest f-word ever deserves a fucking shout!
i mean
why can't all decent men and women
call themselves feminists?
out of respect
for those who fought for this

Ani DiFranco, excerpt from "Grand Canyon," 2004