[Marxism] Last World On 'Whore' And Farewell

[Jscotlive@xxxxxxx]

After giving the matter due consideration, I have decided to unsub from the
list. I think that since the other party involved, Louise, has unsubbed then I
should do likewise. Before I do, however, I have a few things to say.

The vitriol which came my way for daring to disagree with a female comrade on
the use of the word 'whore' has been despicable. It was the equivalent of a
cyber-lynching and has nothing to do with any kind of Marxism that I have
experienced or am familiar with.

My disagreement was reasoned and considered, regardless of whether or not it
was correct in the opinion of others. To equate that disagreement with me
being no better than an abuser of women is frankly ludicrous.

The moderator of this list originally used the word not because he oppresses
women, but because it has now become part of everyday language applicable to
both men and women. The same goes for the word 'slut.' Some attempted to
compare the world 'whore' with the N-word with regard to Black people or the 
F-word
with regard to Gays. This is ludicrous in my view, based on, as I said, the
fact that 'whore' can be used in various contexts, both to dehumanise woman who
are victims of society, but also victimisers, those who sell out others for
personal gain - for example, every CEO of a global corporation. Today, in the
centre of Edinburgh, I attended and spoke at an Irish Republican march and rally
in commemoration of the great Irish revolutionary, James Connolly. This is an
event which attracts both men and women and the word 'cunt' was banded about
liberally (sidenote: in this part of the world 'cunt' is both used as an
expletive and term of endearment, applicable to both men and women).

If we go around like the religious police in Saudi Arabia upbraiding folk for
using a word that some - not all - women find offensive, we will recruit NO
ONE to our politics. I regret that Louise was offended by the use of the word
and by my comments. However, I stand by my analysis that this goes too far when
our focus is on the symptoms of prevailing material conditions rather than on
the causes. I believe Marx alluded to this in his views on religion.

Alienation affects all of us, and we each reflect the contradictions which
are prevalent in society. We may be Marxists but we are still human.

And with that I shall ask Louis to kindly unsub me.

Respectfully,
JD
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