Why "Yummy Mummy" is still a sexist term, even if *you* personally don't mean it that way

[Aphie]

I don't think it's possible to add anything to Kate Harding's most fabulous address of just why this American Vogue cover
is racist - and about why it's not okay to insist that those of us who do get it are hypersensitive, overreacting, "looking for racism everywhere, etc."

BUT
I would really, REALLY like to point this article out to those whom I've had discussions with re: Feminism in the past several months who felt that I was being irrational, hypersensitive, over the top, 'looking for sexism everywhere' or similar.
Please go read it. Please.

She gets that you don't get it.
No, really.


And she respectfully points out that by those of us who notice these things bringing them up we get to see all the grey areas of privilege brought out in the open: those of us who try to be anti-racist [or sexist] and educate ourselves accordingly but still missed the racism [sexism] there until it was pointed out to us; those of us who sorta see it once it's pointed out but still think people are making a mountain out of a molehill; and most importantly, those of us who missed it in the first place and, on the basis of that, continue to insist it is not there.

She also explains pretty damn clearly that last category of people, with regard to sexism... are FUCKING INFURIATING.
Srsly.
I really, really want to hit several women of my acquaintance over the head with this post. Especially the bits about choosing what to do about racism [or sexism] fatigue, not having a particular interest in the topic under discussion (and how that's Okay. And possible to do. But why pretending it's not there is not okay) and why your personal non-experience of prejudice as you express it; as a justification for "it therefore does not happen/is not the case ever" is not helpful to the conversation or to the anti-racist/sexist cause.


Plus, it's just a great article. With pretty pictures!

[Heidi]

I love love LOVE Kate Harding. That was indeed a fabulous article.

I do get fatigued by racism/sexism, but not because I think it's unimportant and that everyone else is over-reacting. It's because I care so much, and they're so important and so damn pervasive that it's tiring to care so much all the time! But I wouldn't dare use my fatigue to try and suggest that other people's opinions and reactions are invalid or oversensitive, and those who do are absolutely infuriating.