Mormon feminists...

[SoonerCoug]

My definition of Mormon feminist would be an LDS woman who recognizes that she is not treated equally, and that she has almost no meaningful voice in Church dealings. She would be motivated to share these views, even if it means sharing them in subtle ways that wouldn't jeopardize her membership in the Church.

This "Mormon feminist" would at least have the courage to express her feelings during discussions with friends and family, and maybe a few select members of the Church. She would have to bite her tongue in Church, since she would be excommunicated if she shared these views at Church meetings. She would have no fear about sharing her views online.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by MudphudCoug

My definition of Mormon feminist would be an LDS woman who recognizes that she is not treated equally, and that she has almost no meaningful voice in Church dealings. She would be motivated to share these views, even if it means sharing them in subtle ways that wouldn't jeopardize her membership in the Church.

This "Mormon feminist" would at least have the courage to express her feelings during discussions with friends and family, and maybe a few select members of the Church. She would have to bite her tongue in Church, since she would be excommunicated if she shared these views at Church meetings. She would have no fear about sharing her views online.

There are a fair share of those women, and those women I respect. Or would if they would speak up.

[non sequitur]

Originally Posted by MudphudCoug

My definition of Mormon feminist would be an LDS woman who recognizes that she is not treated equally, and that she has almost no meaningful voice in Church dealings. She would be motivated to share these views, even if it means sharing them in subtle ways that wouldn't jeopardize her membership in the Church.

This "Mormon feminist" would at least have the courage to express her feelings during discussions with friends and family, and maybe a few select members of the Church. She would have to bite her tongue in Church, since she would be excommunicated if she shared these views at Church meetings. She would have no fear about sharing her views online.

This is like asking, "Why aren't there more pro-choice republicans?" If you're a woman and you reject the patriarchal structure of the Church, you're probably not going to stick around the Church long enough to be a feminist Mormon. It's not like the Church goes out of its way to embrace divergent thought. Those who do not conform are marginalized and ultimately lost.

[RedHeadGal]

I don't agree that there are no feminists in the church. I do agree, however, that it is very difficult for them to have or find a voice because there are no meaningful leadership roles for women within the patriarchial system.

There are as many different definitions for feminism as there are feminists, I would say. And I don't think it's at all a common title for women to take upon themselves when they are active in the church. But many would, nevertheless. This fact does not necessarily make them prime for excommunication. You don't have to directly criticize the bretheren to believe that the church discriminates. I don't even see how anyone would be able to say the church doesn't discriminate. (Hello? separate but equal is not equal)

I used to think women were the problem. That more women don't care more, want to change, embrace the power that is within them, etc.

Then, I came here, and I have to say the level of misogyny can be palpable.

[BYU71]

Originally Posted by RedHeadGal

I don't agree that there are no feminists in the church. I do agree, however, that it is very difficult for them to have or find a voice because there are no meaningful leadership roles for women within the patriarchial system.

There are as many different definitions for feminism as there are feminists, I would say. And I don't think it's at all a common title for women to take upon themselves when they are active in the church. But many would, nevertheless. This fact does not necessarily make them prime for excommunication. You don't have to directly criticize the bretheren to believe that the church discriminates. I don't even see how anyone would be able to say the church doesn't discriminate. (Hello? separate but equal is not equal)

I used to think women were the problem. That more women don't care more, want to change, embrace the power that is within them, etc.

Then, I came here, and I have to say the level of misogyny can be palpable.

I don't want to take time to look it up. What is misogyny and can I still do it at my age?

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by BYU71

I don't want to take time to look it up. What is misogyny and can I still do it at my age?

In a nutshell, a hatred of women.

[Sleeping in EQ]

Originally Posted by RedHeadGal

I don't agree that there are no feminists in the church. I do agree, however, that it is very difficult for them to have or find a voice because there are no meaningful leadership roles for women within the patriarchial system.

There are as many different definitions for feminism as there are feminists, I would say. And I don't think it's at all a common title for women to take upon themselves when they are active in the church. But many would, nevertheless. This fact does not necessarily make them prime for excommunication. You don't have to directly criticize the bretheren to believe that the church discriminates. I don't even see how anyone would be able to say the church doesn't discriminate. (Hello? separate but equal is not equal)

I used to think women were the problem. That more women don't care more, want to change, embrace the power that is within them, etc.

I agree with much of what you are saying. That women hegemonically internalize their subordinate status is not surprising.

[exUte]

Originally Posted by MudphudCoug

My definition of Mormon feminist would be an LDS woman who recognizes that she is not treated equally, and that she has almost no meaningful voice in Church dealings. She would be motivated to share these views, even if it means sharing them in subtle ways that wouldn't jeopardize her membership in the Church.

This "Mormon feminist" would at least have the courage to express her feelings during discussions with friends and family, and maybe a few select members of the Church. She would have to bite her tongue in Church, since she would be excommunicated if she shared these views at Church meetings. She would have no fear about sharing her views online.

No meaninful voice? Name one other organization in the world that tries to aid those in need and suffering than the Relief Society. Does your wife consider herself a feminist?

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by RedHeadGal

I don't agree that there are no feminists in the church. I do agree, however, that it is very difficult for them to have or find a voice because there are no meaningful leadership roles for women within the patriarchial system.

There are as many different definitions for feminism as there are feminists, I would say. And I don't think it's at all a common title for women to take upon themselves when they are active in the church. But many would, nevertheless. This fact does not necessarily make them prime for excommunication. You don't have to directly criticize the bretheren to believe that the church discriminates. I don't even see how anyone would be able to say the church doesn't discriminate. (Hello? separate but equal is not equal)

I used to think women were the problem. That more women don't care more, want to change, embrace the power that is within them, etc.

Then, I came here, and I have to say the level of misogyny can be palpable.

Hillary is NOT a symbol for all women.

Just because we dislike her immensely means we dislike women?

We like Babs, Farrah, Mrs. Funk, SARS, Marsupial, mindful, even you, but to judge us for some our great distaste for Hillary is inaccurate.

There are aspects of the culture within Mormon culture as it affects women that we dislike. Personally I prefer women from outside our culture, or the more, not politically speaking, but culturally liberal and professional women. Frankly, misandry is much more prevalent than misogyny. For the most part men respect women and desire their company. For a large part, women detest men except to fleece them.

[marsupial]

Originally Posted by RedHeadGal

There are as many different definitions for feminism as there are feminists, I would say. And I don't think it's at all a common title for women to take upon themselves when they are active in the church.

I agree. How do you define feminism? I believe in many ideals that would probably be considered feminist, particularly in the Church, but it's all relative. Julie Beck would probably consider me a feminist, Betty Friedan probably not.