Reading Kristof's column reminds me of Mary Daly's death this week. Daly the self-titled "radical, feminist, lesbian" pushed the envelope of Christian theology about as far as it could go in terms of feminism. I disagree with Catholic critics and others who dismiss her legacy. I believe she was a revolutionary who was far too radical for many--myself included at times--but who nonetheless made room for other feminist voices who otherwise would never have been heard. Reading Daly was never fun for me as a white male, but then when is reading about your culpability in a universal system of oppression ever fun? I think there is a line between protesting oppression and matching the oppressor's tactics that she crossed at times and also I think feminist writers of color rightly point out that despite her experience of oppression, she still held a position of privilege compared to them--BUT it takes someone radical to bust down the doors and let others in.
(I'm sure that Daly would find my compliments and criticism soaking in misogyny and patriarchy--and they probably are.)
From Kristof's article and Daly's writings, we are all reminded that the world needs more revolutionaries to change the place of women in the world's religions.
Grace and Peace,
Chase
2 comments:
"also I think feminist writers of color rightly point out that despite her experience of oppression, she still held a position of privilege compared to them--BUT it takes someone radical to bust down the doors and let others in"
Well -- not so much when that first radical person is actively trying to keep others out. The issue is not that privilege always intersects, but rather that Daly is well known for some rather racist actions, only working towards liberation for white women, and a whole lot of transphobia. She is in many ways responsible for the horrid state of health care for transgender people via her work with Janice Raymond. Not exactly the kind of person I feel like celebrating for her social achievements.
Really, though, how do you respond to a person who is doing important and good work in one area, but espousing virulent and hateful speech in another area?
Anon--thanks for your comment. It sounds like you know Daly's work better than I do--for example I'm completely unfamiliar with the work with Janice Raymond you mention, if that's the case and her work is one more case of discrimination against transgendered people, then my respect for Daly lowers greatly
You raise a good point regarding how do you deal with someone who is helping liberate in one area but contributes to oppression in another? the same dilemma is faced for me with African-American churches that are doing great work with poverty and justice in African-American communities but then contribute to homophobia and prejudice towards GLBT people.
It's a great question and I don't have a good answer.
Chase
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