Saturday, July 3, 2010

Extremism

Recently a few readers have expressed concern about the extremist bent of my posts. To be honest, I was shocked, confused and upset about this perception about what I'm trying to do with this blog and about my beliefs about choice in general, and I'd like to clarify a few things.

Being actively pro-choice, especially on the internet, is very difficult. I am a rational person, and I am certainly aware that there are those who are critical of or opposed to abortion are evil misogynists trying to oppress women. Not even close. On the other hand however, coming across post after post about the antics 'pro-life' activists is frustrating. For example - cajoling men into feeling like abortion is a direct affront to their masculinity (that can and has lead to murder), promoting religious leaders who believe excommunication is a suitable punishment for 9-year-old rape victim who terminated her pregnancy (she was carrying twins, courtesy of her stepfather) or a nun who suggested a life-saving abortion, actively misleading women and lying to them about potential 'consequences' of abortion, attempting to bomb clinics, murdering of Dr. George Tiller, and shaming and blaming women who choose to have abortions. Over time, it becomes difficult to see the shades of gray. These stories go on and on, and it wears on a person. I let their fanaticism get to me and I recognize that this is my shortcoming, perhaps due to youth and inexperience.

I want to drive home, however, the idea that I am not like these people. I'm not about to go blow up a Crisis Pregnancy Center or shoot an anti-choice activist. I am not a radical, I am not an extremist. My writing here is not a manifesto. I'm just a girl with a blog who believes (to paraphrase) the radical notion that women are people who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and as autonomous human beings capable of making decisions about their bodies. I let myself get worked up by the extremism that plays out on blogs and news sites, which is again probably due to my young age.

I'm sad and frustrated that my posts were misconstrued. The image of scary baby-killing bra-burning feminists appears over and over in popular culture and I don't want to perpetuate this myth in any way. I don't really know what to say now, how to appropriately express my belief in choice and exasperation with those who will use any means necessary to prevent women from having a choice. I'm feeling a little defeated, to be honest. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Kisses and contraception,
Naomi

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