Why do (many) women try to play both sides of almost gender every issue?

Question

And by 'almost every' issue, I mean ALMOST EVERY issue. Just to get started- how about p**n or erotic modeling. Feminist groups and other women will jump up and down -"this sexualized society perpetuated by men has made our young girls think their value is only between their legs, look at how many young girls are going into p**n today. This society has distorted our girl's value systems and sexual identities". Ok sure. But then...

Then say the next day you come up and ask a question- 'why are so many women in p**n/stripping and such? - does it have to do with them having low self esteem and seeking validation from men?' >> Now the feminist and other women respond "What? Why are men always trying to shackle women from their own sexuality? This male driven society is trying to tell young women that s*x is only supposed to be enjoyed by the man, and that the women are there just for his needs? Why do you men have a problem when women want to star making their own sexual decisions?" ... Wow ?? (these quotes aren't from anyone in particular btw)

I'll let you guys come up with some more common ones, I just wanted to get the dialog started on the issue.

Answer 1

well maybe i think different cause i love that feminism has meant women dont have to hide tehir sexuality. i love watching p**n etc as much as men so i would hate it if it was teh odl days and girls couldnt do stuff like watch p**n etc.

they women who say that men 'forced' them into expressing sexuality are uptight prudes please dont think all women are like this cause me and my mates definitely arent. without feminism we couldnt enjoy s*x like we do now i think we are all very lucky to live in the age we do.

Answer 2

Because they are different people answering. It isn't just 'the spokesperson' for a particular group, people have all different views.

Answer 3

They're hypocrites, it's well documented. Look at marriage being 50/50 for the better part of 50 years now-- yet at the same time women are talking about how disadvantaged and ultimately UN-EQUAL they still are in relation to men? See.... how can marriage be 50/50 if women themselves admit to being less than men? That seems to be an obvious bias towards women>> and it's been going on for years!

Answer 4

There are different groups of feminism.  Like politics, there are several groups-- each with its own opinions and values.  Would you say that Republicans and Democrats MUST have the same opinion since they are both in "politics"?  Yet "politics" is the same central group name and with two groups that push opposing views.  Just like "politics", feminism is broken down into several groups--each with its own name: liberal, independent, radical, s*x-positive, etc.  

So really what you're arguing is a debate held by two different groups of feminism-- most likely radical or mainstream verse s*x-positive.  A lot of "mainstream" feminism disagree with p**n, stripping, prostitution, or the like.  However, s*x-positive feminism is on the opposite spectrum, citing that women should be free to express themselves however they see fit and that it is their own body and own choices (s*x-positive feminism usually does NOT lay any blame on men but mostly society-- especially radical feminism.  s*x-positive feminism was created to battle against the sect of feminism that vilified s*x and heterosexual s*x).

So really, there is no hypocrisy here-- just two (or more) different groups voicing different views.  I may call myself a feminist, but I will say that I'm independent and s*x-positive so that those who know anything about feminism will have more of an idea of my views and so that they will not associate me with the vies of radical feminism.

Answer 5

Well there are two sides to every issue, but I am not sure if women (or men) are plying both sides as much as taking a stance on them while still feeling compassionate toward or feeling some understanding in the other side.

Answer 6

One word: insecurity.

Answer 7

Everyone does that, not just women. It's all about whatever helps your argument and defends you at that moment.

But that way of thinking applies to women, men, whites, blacks... It's just a blame game and taking the good, but not the bad.

In the example of the stripping/p**n. Those women made that decision. It can be very lucrative and let them live the lifestyle they want. If they are able to emotionally detach themselves and make money from s*x or taking off their clothes, that's their prerogative. Men like s*x, but that doesn't mean women have to provide those services. They have chosen to as a means to an end of supporting themselves, paying for college, becoming famous in some cases, etc.

Answer 8

Different women have different opinions; even among feminists, there are no universal agreements. Some women believe that p**n is degrading and that society views women as s*x objects, other women believe that any free choice is empowering. So, of course you'll see different views around.

It'll also depend on the exact case or female described in a question, and how happy she seems with her choices.

I tend to take the view that we're all responsible for ourselves... if a woman chooses to be a stripper, I'm not going to blame a man for that. Some people do like to think they're always the victim, but I don't think that applies to women in general.