The stubborn polarization of points of view is in tune with the times. The real problem is that it is a veritable manufacture of dialogues of the deaf.
Nourished all the more by the “echo chambers” of the web, it is the worst extinguisher there is. Because it evacuates the slightest nuance, it makes any reasonable debate impossible.
It multiplies the bombastic trials of intentions. It even substitutes insult more and more often for discussion.
Polarization always pits so-called “good guys” – those who share our own opinion – against supposed “bad guys” – those who don’t. In doing so, she transforms any exchange into a very bad western.
Even International Women’s Day, it seems, is no exception. How terribly unnecessary. In Quebec, for the past few days, a surreal fight has indeed taken shape.
On the one hand, feminism that could be called “just short”. The one whose objective is to achieve greater equality in rights 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 according to their economic or social status, their disability, ethnic origin, religion, skin color, etc.
At the same time, it does not establish a hierarchy or meritocracy among women. It’s nothing radical either. He simply observes reality and tries to suggest possible solutions.
Don’t deny reality
Well beyond this artificial polarization that is 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.
Demonizing so-called intersectional feminism is as harmful and fallacious as demonizing so-called feminism.
This is why in this troubled era, where verbal, physical, marital, sexual, political and economic violence still strikes many women – and some more than others –, the time should not be for a fake polarization. .
On this same March 8, the long-awaited TV series is released on Crave Disobey: Chantale Daigle’s choice. I dare to hope that we will also find an inspiring lesson there for 2023. That of essential solidarity.
Harmful polarization
In fact, the heroic fight waged in 1989 by this young 21-year-old woman for her right to abort, challenged by a violent ex-spouse, was also that of many feminist activists who, well beyond this or that current, supported Chantale Daigle with all their might.
In addition to her own determination, this iron solidarity is what made Chantale Daigle’s victory possible. But also, by extension, of all the women who, since then, have been able to regain, like her, final control of their bodies.
The moral of this story ? Solidarity in respect of the different currents of feminism remains vital. Because they feed off each other, pitting them against each other would be a big mistake.
In other words, whether we are “intersectional” or not, I wish us all a very happy International Women’s Day.
Exit all this polarization which is so damaging to us. Let’s be proud. Let’s be determined. Let’s be united.