his perspective

It is always a great pleasure when I get feedback on a blog post I have written. I write to share my thoughts and experiences, to create a dialogue, a conversation. The post Neo Feminism 17/07/2015 birthed numerous conversations, the most interesting of these was with Thabo Dikgle aka Dixy.

He is smart and intuitive, the sort of man who knows how to back up his opinions with fact. He considers all the components of the discussion before voicing his perspective, however he is unafraid to ruffle sum feathers when he does not agree with an opinion. I love his confidence and assertive nature. He walks through life sure of his position in it. He has the determination and focus of a man who not only understands his dreams but is also willing to work towards making them a reality.

This is an extract from a conversation we had on Friday night via watsapp this is a response to my blog post.

vuyisani: Look it all needs to be viewed in context. The freedoms afforded to women in 1st world countries are far more tangible than those of women in 3rd world countries. The fact that in some countries women are possessions n have no right to their own bodies is alarming

Thabo: I know that, I just feel that Feminists advocate for equality by seeking structural or systematic advantages which then in essence disadvantage men. Unless what they are actually seeking is restitutionary equality or justice but even that cannot be perpetually pursued.

Hence I started by saying in the current South African milieu. I guess it’s all relative, there will always be instances which require the intervention of feminists and the like, and moreover there may be ample situations and cultural practices or societal norms which disadvantage women. I guess my point is not the existence of discrimination against women but rather that there are various policies and laws which not only protect but they also advantage women. My ideal vision for women is to see them competing on merit and getting recognition on merit, that will earn them respect and the recognition they deserve. However I have to concede that we are not yet an equal society.