Precisely ... discussion and debate even if heated are exactly (one of) the function(s) of lists like these, belittling and dismissal are not. The exchanges on the UK poetry list were distressing, this is boring and exhausting.
you see tim the problem is your 'joking' and sean's comment about the 'cute hoor' is the thin edge of the wedge. because this kind of language alienates people. there is too long a history of using these kind of phrases when discussion of feminism are brought up. Alison brought up the point about women not using this list and Alice pointed out that this kind of language is not helpful in making women or feminists feel like they should post and instead of actually listen you come back after hearing rumors about another list you are not on with the implication that the valid arguments put forward here was like a girl fight. so in essence you clearly show that you have not listened nor do you care.sadly the think end of the wedge is rape apologism - which is what happened on the other list in relation to the event of the Alt/Lit scene in the states. it really has nothing to do with you as you are not part of that list/community. but after spending days reading some of the most vile examples of misogyny some of us looked across to this list and saw Alice (who i don't think is on the UK list, or at least had no part in the recent problems) getting dismissed by a bunch of men who should know better.
From: Tim Allen <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, 9 October 2014, 12:17
Subject: another list trouble
Have any of you seen or been part of the hugely damaging kerfuffle concerned with gender that has erupted on the UK poetry list?
From what I've heard it makes the exchanges here, with regard to sexual politics, a minor little spat with handbags. Oh, can I say that? Can I say , 'spat with handbags'? Is that a sexist reference? Joking aside though the whole thing that has happened there sounds awful.
Cheers
Tim