AstroTurfing AntiFeminism: The Myth Of Feminist Self-Destruction

One need only assess the sorry state of modern feminism today to realize the movement is in pretty total disarray.  From the schism between so-called second and third wavers exemplified by the shenanigans associated with the latest National Organization for Women’s election, to the current elevation of Sarah Palin, and to an extent, Michelle Obama, to the status of poster girl for modern womanhood, to the suggestion that Barack Obama somehow exemplifies modern feminism, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out something is very, very wrong with this picture.  The question is, what?

Let me once again be very clear, I have never considered myself to be a feminist.  I have never taken a Women’s Studies course, or really paid much attention to the movement at all.   At least, not until recently.  Lately though, I’ve been doing my own brand of research in an attempt to try to get a handle on just what the heck is going on, especially as it relates to the PUMAsphere.  Because as things stand now, whatever’s happening is something I don’t quite like.

So, in my meager efforts to scratch the surface of the vast subject that is feminism, imagine my surprise to find that there is an equal and opposite counter-movement called “anti-feminism.”  Now, I was aware that there have always been factions opposed to the concept of gender equality on a variety of bases, but the idea that their efforts rose to the level of  separate, and equal,  movement was a bit disconcerting.  I suppose it would be akin to finding out that their was an acknowledged, coordinated, and accepted anti-Civil Rights, white supremacist movement that openly advocated the defeat of all minority gains.  I imagine if such a coalition exists, it is relatively underground, if not in their efforts, at least in their advertising.

The End Of Men?

Researchers, specifically, sperm biologists, (who knew there was such a field?) claim that eliminating human males from the reproductive process is not their goal.  In fact, quite the opposite is the case.  In attempting to create viable human sperm outside the testicles from embryonic stem cells, they insist they’re trying to help infertile men produce children who are genetically their own.  However, without letting one’s imagination run too wild, it’s possible to envision a new Amazonian master race capable of reproduction without the assistance of men.  Especially if some intrepid scientist were to resume research into developing sperm from XX chromosomes, previous attempts at which were unsuccessful, and prevail.  Of course, attempting such a thing would be unethical, probably immoral, and currently illegal.

However, British scientists are claiming success at creating quasi-sperm from stem cells in spite of the current restrictions in place:

A team of British scientists claimed Wednesday to have created human sperm using embryonic stem cells, in a medical first that they say will lead to a better understanding of fertility.

Researchers led by Professor Karim Nayernia at Newcastle University and the NorthEast England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) developed a new technique that allows the creation of human sperm in the laboratory.

They stressed that the sperm, developed from stem cells with XY chromosomes (male), would not be used for fertility treatment, as this is prohibited by law and in any case is not their main interest.

“This is an important development as it will allow researchers to study in detail how sperm forms and lead to a better understanding of infertility in men — why it happens and what is causing it,” said Nayernia.

“This understanding could help us develop new ways to help couples suffering infertility so they can have a child which is genetically their own.”

Dang That Sarah To Heck!

So, Sarah Palin managed to knock weeklong news reports about Michael Jackson’s death, reminiscent of Saturday Night Live’s running gag about Generalissimo Franco, and the usual compelling Obamessiah stories ranging from his upcoming slap-in-the-face trip to Africa to his predilection for proper name pronunciation, right off the front pages on what’s usually a slow news dump day by announcing her resignation as Alaska’s governor, out of the clear blue.  And, to tell you the truth, it pissed me off.

After spending most of yesterday researching and composing what I consider to be a rather interesting, and certainly lengthy, post, I finally managed to publish the damned thing, only to find myself scooped by Palin’s news.  What’s up with that, Sarah P.?

Dang that woman!

I mean, really!  And, to make bad matters worse, it forces me to admit something sure to put me at odds with my fellow PUMAs.  I really don’t care.

Now, I know that to march in lockstep with my anti-Obite sisters and brothers, I should be up in arms over this latest development, but I’m not.  Frankly, I don’t even understand the overabundance of SarahLove I see daily in the PUMAsphere.  She’s okay and all, and, I certainly respect her pluck in the face of the manufactured adversity she’s had to endure since Day One from the right and left, whether such controversies and attacks were personal or political in nature, but…well, that’s about it.  I’m not all emotionally invested like some of my colleagues seem to be about it, though.

Frankly, I find the “support Palin because she’s a woman” stance so many advocate so passionately to be puzzling, and, to tell you the truth, a little hypocritical.  The same factions who so adamantly denounced African American support for Obama based solely on skin color, seem all too willing to devote themselves to Palin simply on the basis of gender.  I didn’t buy that crap when it was pushed on me about “voting for the brother,” and I won’t buy it on feminist grounds regarding Palin.  Seems to me there’s a difference between a willingness to defend any woman against sexist attacks and misogyny, and full-fledged political support for someone whose policies you can’t endorse.