₦airaland Forum

davidylan: Obviously chimamanda was speaking to the hare-brained type who swallow everything without an iota of thought. lol area boys dont care if you are a madam or not... they will collect your money. Go to nigeria and watch how they worship the alhajas who shower them with cash.

so she (and other women who agree with her) are hare-brained. LOL
your own attack on feminism is getting even worse than rish limbaugh and bill o reily. u should get ur own radio talk show. entitled "bash women."
Cameroon will be the #1 caller always on the line.
I-joan will be the Sarah Palin equivalent in and of the show.

davidylan: A feminist who chose to remain married to a man who openly cheated on her? What a load of bull. Just because madeleine Bunting (an avowed feminist by the way) writes something and sticks the word "feminist" in the title doesnt make it true.

no two feminists are the same or have the same opinion on divorce or marriage. Hillary has her reason for forgiving bill clinton. that doesn't make her any less feminist. As long as she supports womens rights and is not oppressed in her marriage, she is golden. She doesn't seem like one who will tolerate nonsense anyway. Bill Clinton i'm sure has learned his lesson and is her #1 supporter in her political ambitions. he came to my city to campaign for her

davidylan: You are just all over the place... much of your argument lacks merit and i dont think you take time to think things through before jumping to post. Calm down, reason first before ejaculating.

What has gay rights to do with women liberation? So a phenotype is on par with a sexual preference?

why don't u answer the question?

why does the US law prohibit people from being discriminated (overtly) on the basis of GENDER, race, religion, disability etc? what has race, religion, gender, disability etc have to do with each other?

davidylan: that is so completely untrue. Obviously you are not any of the above for starters... but i have a mom and friends who are... they are not feminists in the least and they wield far more power and influence than the ignorant loudmouths here.

I have no reason to believe any thing u post. in fact, until your professional mom and friends come out there and claim to be against women's rights, I call u out on your BULL.SH.IT!!

Also, last time I checked, Hillary Clinton's agenda as a USA state secretary was decidedly FEMINIST.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/jan/16/hillary-clinton-feminist-foreign-policy

davidylan: Idiocy really. Why are there laws to protect law-abiding citizens? Cant we all just get along and live in sweet peace?

Now that their are laws, who is preventing women from taking advantage of them? Patriachs? lol. Sit there "gbaming" while your mates are working as surgeons, senators and now president when Hillary runs in 2016.

are gay people asking for quota? why are they asking for laws to protect these law abiding citizens?

my mates (and me) who are working as surgeon, senators and professionals are actually more likely to be feminists than women who are not working at all or relying on a man for sustenance and dependence.

I.Joan:
All these happen to women in Africa
Are you kidding me?

yes. especially this part:
In psychology, racism, sexism and other prejudices are often studied as individual beliefs which, although not necessarily oppressive in themselves, can lead to oppression if they are codified in law or become parts of a culture.

watch Chimamanda's video on the first page again.unless you are calling her a liar for her experiences and opinion of situation of women in Nigeria.

ogugua88: Who are the most and what makes their comments unintelligent? If mine was one of the unintelligent comments, then why did you agree with it?

Even if the reason is women simply not presenting themselves. Have you asked why?

Laws are not the answer. Quota systems are not the answers. The answer is psychological. While laws and policies have been tackled, psychological barriers still remain.

GBAM! And it manifests itself right here with these males (and token female) arguing to maintain our patriarchy and against women's rights.
without the negative societal mentality, there won't be any reason for laws to exist in the first place to grant rights to 'protected' groups.

davidylan: First things first... you are quite clearly an empty barrel. Perhaps you should google Virginia Etiaba before making untrue statements.

The sheer worthlessness of that comment is what I.Joan has been pointing out. Even if there have been zero female governors in nigeria's history, how is that a validation of the claim that women are oppressed? In the same nation that has produced myriads of female federal ministers?

Nigeria has equally produced ZERO teenage governors... therefore all teenagers are oppressed in nigeria and i wish to register my fledgling teenage movement.

yea i'm pretty sure you had to google that yourself since she was governor from November 2006 - Februrary 2007. Nigeria had a female governor for a solid 3 months. WOW impressive. she wasn't even a real governor. she was only warming the seat while Peter Obi was being cleared of corruption charges (he was then re-instated) hahah what a shame.

I'm sure we've probably had child governors for longer then if we add up all the "governor for a day" tenures of kids all over nigeria over the years.

souldust: bill gates is doing a good work but that cannot be used to black mail some African governments anymore. The number of African govts that are becoming empowered is increasing by the day. Democracy is being entrenched the more. The people are holding their leaders to account the more. This means their resources are being used more properly as the day goes by. Africa is becoming more independent. There is still more to be done but we are getting there.

let's just hope that as they become independent, they also develop a sense of responsibility for its people and also work to improve gender inequalities. otherwise, I can only hope and pray for intervention.

and to be honest, africa can never reach of state of independence if it doesn't change its system of governance anyway. Our society and culture has to change for us to develop. this is the truth.

I.joan, I sincerely hope the above isn't too much for you to read.

I.Joan:
Do you know the meaning of 'oppression'?
You just use the word loosely concerning women... I am surprised i'm alive!

merriam-webster:

op·pres·sion
/əˈpreSHən/
Noun

Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.
The state of being subject to such treatment or control.

----

Wikipedia:

Oppression is the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.[1] It can also be defined as an act or instance of oppressing, the state of being oppressed, and the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, and anxiety.

The systematic, socially supported mistreatment and exploitation of a group, category, or team of people by anyone.

"Institutional Oppression occurs when established laws, customs, and practices systematically reflect and produce inequities based on one’s membership in targeted social identity groups. If oppressive consequences accrue to institutional laws, customs, or practices, the institution is oppressive whether or not the individuals maintaining those practices have oppressive intentions.

In psychology, racism, sexism and other prejudices are often studied as individual beliefs which, although not necessarily oppressive in themselves, can lead to oppression if they are codified in law or become parts of a culture. By comparison, in sociology, these prejudices are often studied as being institutionalized systems of oppression in some societies. In sociology, the tools of oppression include a progression of denigration, dehumanization, and demonization; which often generate scapegoating, which is used to justify aggression against targeted groups and individuals.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the concept of "human rights" in general were designed to limit oppression by giving a clear articulation of what fundamental freedoms any system should allow to all of the people over whom it has power.

souldust: i have not said i have issues with human rights. I only pointed out that the west is losing ground and thats a fact!

ok. and what is your point? what solutions do you have?

souldust: @99cents yes, becos we live in a more organized world, there should be laws protecting people. But the age old oppression of the percived weak by the percived strong, the percived small by the percived big, the percived few by the percived many... Will continue. Its just the way the human being is programmed

exactly. that's why feminism is about empowering girls and women.
although the word "feminist" has been pretty much demonized in our male-dominated society (patriarchy). there are still many women who still are not ashamed to be called feminist and others more who still support and actively work for women's rights whether or not they claim the feminist label. as long as we are working toward the same goal of women's rights.

at the end of the day, activism works. that's why gays are getting married all over the west today. just a few decades ago, that idea would have been laughed at as being impossible. in fact it was a punishable crime at some point to be gay (openly at least).

souldust: do you realise the west has lost so much influence in Africa? Update your knowledge about happenings on the continent

last time I checked, western influence is just as great as ever and increasing. The nature is just different. Corporations are becoming more powerful than some governments so that is translating to how the west interacts with Africa.
ex. now it is Bill Gates (microsoft CEO) that is building maternity hospitals in Africa. not a colonial government etc.

what's your issue with women's rights anyway?

ogugua88: Did I say anyone stopped anyone? I simply pointed out that saying two female presidents from a continent of 54 nations isn't worthy of boasting.

that patronizing talk irks me. "hey we gave you two presidencies, you should be grateful.what else do you want" etc.
50-50 is way way too much. it's like taking their "birthright" away from them. outrageous. how dare feminists even think such a thing possible. LOL

I.Joan:
I.Joan believes 'racism' is not an excuse!

alright, I see that you are improving. because last time, If I remembered correctly, you were doubting the fact that racism exists at all!!

souldust: The last time i checked, the church gives far more than any other organization and govt you can ever think of. To the African woman, you think you are better than becos you can speak english, you @99 have never given them anything before to help their lot. But the church has being able to do more than you can think of.

From education for them and their children to women empowerment, from medicare to all good things you can think of. The church has given to these people. But you, you've done nothing to help these women. Who is better? You or the church?

you ask someone not to insult you yet you insult me by making a false claim against me. Do you know me? so how do you know that I have never helped women before? I help women all the time and spend a great deal of time doing it.

besides, even slave masters can claim to be kind givers because they give their slaves 3 meals a day. pfftt...
anybody can be a "giver" of gifts and material goods but freedom is the best gift. give the woman the FREEDOM to make her own decisions for herself. that's all what the reproductive debate is about.

souldust: @fellis when was that poll taken? I am Nigerian, i wasnt consulted yet, the poll says 34percent of Nigerians.

Let me be very fair here so that you dont accuse me of denying the obvious. Yes, there are still people who feel a woman should not occupy the biggest position there is. These people are muslims mainly. I have actually asked some muslims here at the university that if a lady contests the presidency of their department, would they vote for her? All of them said no! I asked why and they said becos she is a woman. I find it very offensive too. Their women also think the same thing. I cant say they are being brainwashed, it is a matter of their faith. And we know that religion is not democracy! Telling them to make amends would mean infringement on religious freedom. Afterall, every one has the right to allow his religion shape his thinking

people said the same thing about twins being killed at birth. it was religion and culture. lol
until mary slessor, ONE SINGLE PERSON representing the west, came in and asked them to change their culture and they agreed! makes u wonder.
with feminism, i am 100%sure it will take the intervention of the western countries as well.(it already has!). ex. UN millenium goals has specific mandates dedicated to women's rights (economic, social, health, political etc). without it, we probably will see even less issues affecting women being addressed. To get foreign aid from western countries, many african countries also sometimes have to promise to address women's issues. etc.

yes, every one has the right to his religion and thinking. but that doesn't mean that it should be automatically immune from criticism. no one is forcing anyone to become feminist. we can only appeal that's all. no one forced you to click on this thread and make a post for example, or were you forced to post on this thread?

davidylan: Like I.Joan has been asking... where are the laws that say a woman should not run for president?

do you realize that you are making the exact same argument racists make? where are the laws that prevent blacks from becoming more successful in society?
I just thought that i'd point it out to you that I.Joan doesn't believe that racism exists in the USA. LOL
just so show what kind of thought process is involved with the arguments you are putting forth.

CAMEROONPRIDE: your almighty USA(+300yo country) :------>As of January 3, 2013, thirty-six women have served or are serving as the governor of a U.S. state (including one from the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico). Currently, five women are serving as governors of U.S.

Lwkd. 50 governors and only 5women , damn American women are oppressed

why do you think feminism exists in USA?
in Nigeria, there are ZERO female governors. past and present. at least I haven't heard of any so far!
so things are bad in the west but even WORSE in Africa.duh

women are oppressed everywhere. some countries are just worse than others, that's all.

I.Joan:
Due to this fact!
African women are oppressed!
Wonderful deduction...

you are the one making nonsensical deductions here.
first u can't tell a continent from a country. then you seem not to realize what the significance of a presidency is and the symbolism behind it. either you do and can't articulate it or you just don't. either way, that's ur problem.

let's agree with you and say that african women are not oppressed. they are equal to men. are u happy now?
Chimamanda Adichie is just lying through her teeth. same with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , BOTH female african presidents we have, and other women who have recognized the situation of women in Africa and around the world. things are perfectly fine and all women are enjoying their position in society.... because you, I.joan, says so

souldust: In your reply to my last post, you said that the church is against planned parenting. That is absolutely untrue! That they said dont use contraceptives doesnt mean they are against family planing. They are saying do it the natural way (bilings method)

Read the post before typing. I didn't say "planned parenting" I said "Planned Parenthood" and even posted the website of the organization majority of people who use the organization aren't catholic.
and when I say "catholic church" I'm referring to the institution as it involves itself with national politics. There are catholic feminists out there and local catholic church branches that are pretty liberal in their views.
just the leadership at the top is what I'm criticizing.
hope this clarifies things for you.

I.Joan:
Africa has produced 2 female Presidents and America none!
Just thought you should know.

Africa is a continent (with 56 countries). USA is a single country.
Just thought you should know.

maybe if u compare the number of female governors in USA to the female governors in Naija, u will make better sense.

chei: However, its very unnecessary to go that far but if the need be and it happens, then that will be a sad moment.

yes, it will be very sad indeed. But I have faith in [b]man[/b]kind not to do that. feminism is not about women having power over men. Just even equality that's all.

chei: hehe.
Its men who do the sharing(of power and authority) not the women, even in a democracy. It has always been that way and it will remain so for a long time. Women(most) are not worried about occupying positions of power(like men do) in society. Most of them just want to live their lives, get married, have good jobs and kids etc. Its only on internet you hear of women wanting to become the pope, presidents of all countries, army generals etc.

The MRA is not a political party or a hate group like the KKK. They're a civil rights movement thats trying to promote gender justice and fairness in the ultra-feminized system(especially in courts). They wouldn't exist if not for the high level of injustice against men in the American society. For example, they don't need such movements in Pakistan. Lol
their demands are very reasonable and legitimate.

Men don't need to join such groups in large numbers for them to create an impact. The Al-Qaeda is not a big organisation but they can shake the world.. If you know what I mean.
However, its very unnecessary to go that far but if the need be and it happens, then that will be a sad moment.

Are you implying that women were inferior to men before the era of technology and science?

women are physically inferior to men which makes them vulnerable to physical violence and such. and threat of violence is a way to control women. Women also bear children which makes them vulnerable.
but technology is not new. Because of technology, Europeans were able to colonize and enslave Africans who were physically stronger. Also because of science (birth control pills etc), women can have ownership of their reproductive system (unless politicians and courts try to control it) and decide for themselves if they want to have kids or not, when and how many etc. Women can now decide things for themselves that they previously had no control over (although in Africa u still have women giving birth to 5-10 kids against her own personal will). Technology like the washing machine, microwave, fast food etc enable women to have time for other things like career.
These are the main things pushing down the inequality barrier between male and females.
u have some career women nowadays even going so far as having surrogates to deliver their baby for them. that's technology for you.

it will be almost impossible for there to be a successful MRA backlash or whatever.
it's not as if women are going to men and demanding stuff. Women are just becoming more empowered and refusing to play the old traditional roles that subordinates them. Women are saying NO and becoming more engaged and active on matters that affect them.

about the court system thing, it is NOT ultra-feminized at all. It is not perfect but it is much better than what it used to be. Considering that women do most of the child-rearing, it makes sense that the courts give custody to the mother and have the father pay child support. Most fathers don't mind giving custody to the mother. In fact, data shows that fathers spend MUCH less time with their children than the mothers. What these men are angry about is the fact that they are still responsible for the financial upkeep of their children up to the age of 18. I am not too well versed on the detail of custody battles (men wanting custody only so they can avoid paying child support)but i'm sure there are things that could be done to make it better. Maybe in the future, men will spend more equal time (as women) with their kids so that the courts will be less hesitant to give custody to the husband.
ex. while I know that many single moms exist, I don't know that there are many single fathers (men who are singlehandedly raising children) in existence which influences the way the courts make their decision.

Some how I feel that the MRA's agenda is much extreme than that though at least from what I know about their organization.

An issue I will say is of concern to me for boys though is education. In USA, it has tipped over in favor of women (women started going to college in large numbers since the 60s when many decided they wanted a career rather than be homemakers. coinciding with the second wave feminist movement). Now, there are more women in college than men. Also girls outperform boys in grade school. There needs to be programs in place to engage boys in school.
But overall, when women do finish school, they end up earning less than men on average. so something needs to be done about that also.

some of the pictures look a bit scary.
reminds me of the so called Chinese ghost towns/ ghost cities.

I feel claustrophobic just from looking at them. ughh

massive chinese built town in the middle of Angola (Kilamba, Angola)
https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/4ff30f09ecad04255a000013-1200/.jpg
https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/4ff313a16bb3f7da0d00000f-1200/.jpg
http://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-built-ghost-town-kilamba-angola-2012-7?op=1

how can you say igbo girls suck and still ur looking for igbo romantic names to call your non-igbo gf?
this topic is full of senselessness. R u desperately trying to keep ur gf by showing her that u are exotic or what? why not just be urself?

I've revised/added to my post above a bit since I originally posted it so you might want to take a second look.

chei: Lol. Be realistic. Women can't usurp power and authority from men. Thats a monopoly owned by men.
There are mens rights movements in the US but they are not as aggresive and outspoken as their feminist counterparts.
The day they'll become as numbered, aggresive and outspoken as the feminist, thats when the world will end(for women). Lol

LOL.
The point is not about usurping power. it's about SHARING power. why should men have a monopoly on it?

MRA is a fringe movement. Comparing MRA to Feminism is like comparing Ku Klux Klan to Civil Rights groups. One is about maintaining their power over others while the other is about underdogs changing the status quo and gaining power.

I don't think the situation you describe will ever happen. USA will turn into a 3rd world country if that ever happens.MRA members also are tea party republican type characters I can't picture men joining that sort of group in large numbers. Trust me, the 1960s is the worst it probably will ever get. in terms of backlash against feminism and other rights movements in general that became very outspoken and radical in their demands (black americans, gays, feminist, african nationalists etc). the world didn't end then, did it?

Also, not all feminists are extreme or aggressive. I am pretty aggressive on this thread and that's because i'm dealing with block headed folks some of whom have pretty disturbing ideas about women (or support men who have disturbing ideas about women) so I have to be strong and outspoken to argue them all at once. In USA though (where I live), more and more men are actually claiming to be feminists and supportive of women's rights. This is a move in the right direction.

when men cease to view women as some sort of inferior gender, then there will be no need for feminism.
in fact, feminism is surging now after the recent presidential campaign where we heard some republican candidates and politicians say some very disturbing things that proved to us that feminism is still very much needed. of course, the nation voted democratic many thanks to women (literally).

Another key point is technology. without advances in technology, medicine and science in general, women would not be where they are today in the west. Of course politicians try to control the technology as well which is why feminism is needed for political advocacy. Gone are the days of the hunter and gatherers in primitive society where physical strength was all that was relevant to attaining power. Today, it is not. Men also recognize this which is probably why they are conceding and accepting women as equals (except the republicans still stuck in the 1600s of course). again, I am only speaking about the west in the assumption that third world countries will catch up eventually.

This thread probably applies more to people who buy a lot of stuff or love to shop (yea I know someone who shops at least 2ce a week!) you have to throw things away frequently if u shop a lot otherwise, ur house will be full of junk.

also, it is a good advice thread for hoarders. people who just have a psychological problem with letting things go.

chei: Thats not possible

yes it is. even though they are few in number,the mere fact that we have female head of nations, political and financial leaders today would have been deemed impossible 100yrs ago. it won't happen overnight but of course it's possible. I believe it is possible.

in fact, more and more women are breadwinners in many families in the west today as well.
who knows, many yrs from now (if the balance tips over), it will be men who will be forming rights movements. and that will be perfectly legitimate. the goal is for there to be a balance between men and women.