Jacques Rousseau Defends David Benatar and The Second Sexism
The Daily Maverick‘s Jacques Rousseau takes an exculpatory look at the book that’s caused something of a furore among feminists and at those who say UCT philosophy head David Benatar is wrong to focus on sexism against males when patriarchy is rife.
Rousseau argues that those who haven’t read The Second Sexism won’t know that Benatar gives evidence that you can’t possibly argue with. Rousseau, who studied under Benatar at UCT, also believes that being against all forms of discrimination does not diminish the importance of feminist work, and nor does Benatar’s book say anything towards that end.
Focusing on one manifestation of an issue can sometimes obscure other manifestations. Or, it could even obscure the fact that what we’re dealing with is a systemic issue, or even problem, with multiple manifestations. To (briefly) return to a theme we’re all sick of, treating certain cultural beliefs related to respect as normative in the case of The Spear is one thing, but if someone were to claim that the same cultural norms justified abolishing equal suffrage, we’d be less sympathetic.
Arguments that use some established norms or cultural preferences to motivate for a certain conclusion are open to these charges of inconsistency – both in terms of when the arguments are levelled, and in how we respond to them. Political correctness and the expectation that we respect the views of others tend to censor us – at least until the stakes seem high enough that silence is no longer appropriate.
Book details
- The Second Sexism: Discrimination Against Men and Boys by David Benatar
EAN: 9780470674512
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May
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