Feminism and the importance of dissenting opinions

International Women's Day saw a familiar argument raised (Morgan et al, 2014). What role does dissent play in feminist debate? One of the day-to-day struggles faced by feminists - on top of struggling against a patriarchal establishment and trying to gain a visible platform - is finding a way to coexist with those belonging to other branches of the feminist movement (Freeman, 2014).

Infighting between the various strands of feminism has been called 'tragic', and damaging to feminism (Filipovic, 2013). However, the strength and health of the movement comes from that diversity of perspectives. As with all progressive debate, the many perspectives serve to build the bigger picture.

'Disagreement that escalates into attacks should be expected on the left, where we value dissent and diverse opinions. The right, too, sees its fair share of in-fighting, but – being conservative – it can be somewhat insulated from it by a resistance to change and a cultural deference to authority. Progressive movements lend themselves more readily to discord – which, in the big picture, is a good thing.' - Filipovic, 2013.

Dissenting opinions are of immense importance, not just to feminism, but to all forms of progressive thought. To challenge establishments and status quo, the things we take for granted. To make arguments and look for the evidence.

Those ideas are at the core of what it means to be progressive. To not just look for what is new, or to just cast out what is old, but to champion what is evidentially better. To find those things you need perspective. Or rather, perspectives.

Diverse perspectives means allowing many voices, many eyes, and many ideas. But to be successful there needs to be civility and toleration. In trying to find that, feminists are dealing with the same problems as all progressive movements, and are aspiring to the same ends.

Getting there means welcoming diversity and open debate. This is the challenge ahead of all progressives, ahead of all those who cherish reason and liberty, and want a better, freer settlement for everyone.

==========
References:
==========
+ Robin Morgan, Charlotte Raven, Amrit Wilson, Selma James, Gail Lewis and Nawal El Saadawi's 'International Women's Day: In defence of feminist dissent'; in The Guardian; 7 March 2014.

+ Hadley Freeman's 'Feminist infighting only takes our eyes off the real struggle'; in The Guardian; 25 February 2014.

+ Jill Filipovic's 'The tragic irony of feminists trashing each other'; in The Guardian; 2 May 2013.