The stubborn polarization of standpoints hits the nerve of the times. The real problem is that it is a real production of dialogues of the deaf.
Feeding it all the more from the web’s “echo chambers,” it’s the worst quencher there is. Because it obliterates the slightest nuance, it makes any reasonable debate impossible.
It multiplies the bombastic attempts at intention. In fact, she is increasingly replacing discussion with insults.
Polarization always pits so-called “good guys” – those who share our opinions – against supposed “bad guys” – those who don’t. She turns every exchange into a very bad western.
Even International Women’s Day seems to be no exception. How terribly unnecessary. A surreal fight has indeed been unfolding in Quebec over the past few days.
On the one hand, feminism, which one could call “only briefly”. The one whose goal is to achieve greater equality between women and men. On the other hand, so-called “intersectional” feminism.
The one whose ultimate goal is the same while arguing that there are also various forms of discrimination against women based on their economic or social status, disability, ethnic origin, religion, skin color, etc.
At the same time, it does not establish a hierarchy or meritocracy among women. It’s also nothing radical. He simply observes reality and tries to suggest possible solutions.
don’t deny reality
Far beyond this artificial polarization imposed between these two perspectives, the reality is therefore much more nuanced. Feminism actually encompasses all of these struggles. To deny it is to deny reality.
The demonization of so-called intersectional feminism is just as pernicious and deceptive as the demonization of so-called feminism.
For this reason, at this troubled time when verbal, physical, spousal, sexual, political, and economic violence still affects many women—and some more than others—the time should not be for feigned polarization.
On the same March 8th, the long-awaited television series Désobéir: Chantale Daigle’s choice was released on Crave. I dare to hope that we will find an inspiring lesson there for 2023 as well. That of fundamental solidarity.
Harmful polarization
In fact, the heroic fight this young 21-year-old woman waged for her right to abortion in 1989, challenged by an abusive ex-spouse, was also that of many feminist activists who, well beyond this current or that, supported Chantale Daigle with all her strength.
Alongside her own determination, this ironclad solidarity made Chantale Daigle’s victory possible. But more broadly, also of all women who since then, like her, have been able to regain ultimate control over their bodies.
The moral of this story? Solidarity with the different currents of feminism remains essential. Since they feed on each other, it would be a huge mistake to pit them against each other.
In other words, whether we are “intersectional” or not, I wish you all a very happy International Women’s Day.
Leave this polarization that is so damaging to us. Let’s be proud. Let’s be determined. Let’s be united.
