Look, who am I to complain? I’ve published thirteen books and thousands of articles. My first book, Women and Madness, which came out in 1972, sold nearly three million copies. In the last forty years, my work has been reviewed and I’ve been interviewed coast to coast and many times on every continent, yes, even in the London Times, the London Guardian, Le Monde, La Stampa, Il Foglio, Spiegel, Politiken, Il Globo, Yediot Aharonot, etc. and of course, in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, the Minneapolis Star, The San Francisco Examiner, the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times.
A complete unknown, I’m not.
Indeed, the Gray Lady is my hometown newspaper. Beginning in 1972, they started reviewing my every book (twice on the front page of their Sunday Book Review), and they started interviewing me. Not all the reviews were gushing, but when the review was “mixed,” countless letters appeared (written both by me and by others), and I was invariably interviewed in their pages or asked to submit a piece on the subject. Once, in 1986, I coordinated a conference in New York City about women and custody; their reporter covered the event in two separate articles.
So–how can I complain? I’ve also published numerous op-ed articles and letters in the New York Times; my goddamn photo appeared in their pages in the late 1970s and I appeared on the cover of their magazine in 1990.
How quickly they forget.
This past Sunday, the New York Times magazine published an issue which promoted a new book by one (or two) of their own: Nicholas D. Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn. It’s title: Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity: for Women World-wide. I happen to adore Kristof’s work. True, he is standing on the shoulders of all my compatriot Second Wave feminists–but that’s precisely what he’s supposed to do. Also true: He, as well as most other journalists, rarely connect the political dots as we once did and they even more rarely intone our names.
Piffle.
So here’s what puzzled me. In their infinite wisdom, The Paper of Record decided that there is only one “feminist hawk” in the entire universe and his name is…David Horowitz of Frontpage magazine. Actually, this is a giant step forward. Usually Horowitz is demonized as a traitor who left Ramparts (both the magazine he edited and the faux-fighting American left which it represented) in the dust and became a born-again, fire-breathing conservative.
Here, he is credited not only for publishing the work of “feminist hawks” but for being the only “feminist hawk” they could find to name. The article gets even more peculiar when it presumes to tell us that the “feminist hawk” phenomenon is mainly a “hybrid” invention of the “internet,” one that has “borrowed left-wing shibolleths as one way that conservative ideas can make it big in a generally more liberal online social sphere.”
C’mon: Prick me, will I not bleed?
The very articles that are mentioned in the New York Times about “female prisoners being raped in Iran…and a possible honor killing by an immigrant in New York” were written by none other than myself. Over the years, to their credit, Frontpage Magazine and Pajamas Media have continuously published serious feminist articles (many of them by feminists, myself included), which have focused on Islamic gender apartheid and on the failure of Western feminism to stand up to it–even to name it.
Misandry is very firmly esconced in feminism.
Evil Pundit,
Whether or not there is misandry, it is no excuse for the oppression of women. As Phyllis and others have documented, honor murders exist and are a serious threat to Muslim women and others. The recent attacks against women in the Afghan elections prevented a substantial portion of the electorate from voting. The Taliban has consistently tried to keep girls from ever attending school. When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, women could not visit male doctors, and female doctors were not allowed to practice. Misandry shmisandry!
Phyllis, I am confident in saying that you are picking up where Orianna Fallaci left off. So, remember what she endured, especially at the hands who benefitted from her the most, namely her fiercest critics.
Not to give credit to your work is the epitome of being debased. By mentioning only your works, but not by you, is only slightly better.
Frankly, I do not hold much expectations in regards to your detractors, so I have shaken the dust off my feet, instead of trying to look for the lost lamb as a Roman Catholic Bishop recently said on a show televised in Canada.
Gee, am I missing something here? Evil Pundit asserts that misandry is very firmly ensconced in feminism. If that is so, why did Dr. Chesler (who mentions that she was part of the vanguard of the second wave feminist movement) congratulate a male (in this case David Horowitz) for being named the one and only “feminist hawk” in the world? Dr. Chesler’s writings do not reflect a hatred of men in the least and when the situation calls for it she is not reticent to condemn other feminists for assuming a “politically correct” posture at the expense of other women’s lives.
More to the point, if feminists were indeed misandrists why then are they not willing to speak out against Muslim men who honor murder their wives, sisters and daughters? After all, Muslim men are still biological males and I would presume to the misandrist, all men, irrespective of national origin, race, color or creed would be subject to the same vitrolic contempt.
If anything, Dr. Chesler makes it clear that if anything is firmly ensconced in the feminist movement it is hard core sexism directed against other women. Perhaps the premise should be: Is misogyny firmly ensconced in the feminist movement?
I read that article and instantly thought “this is weird.” The Times always seems to cover any “conservative thought” (at least to them) in a strange “look, we’re on safari” kind of way. My sense was that they were deliberately avoiding recognizing Ms. Chesler and the others she names. You know it’s like they want to shed a little light on a topic, but not so much that the “cockroaches” (my thought at the distaste they must feel) will scurry in unmanageable and uncontrollable directions.
I have only one question: may I steal this term (with due accreditation, of course) for my blog? Please, please, pretty please.
“How, dear reader, did I ever fall afoul of the New York Times?” Dr. Chessler, I think I would consider that a good thing! You have more integrity than they do. And I for one thank you for what you do.
Feminism?
I can no longer support a bizarre philosophy which, on the one hand, protects viscous packs of wolves (PETA)while on the hand, protects the vicious practice of sucking out human beings with sterilized vacuum cleaners (NARAL).
Feminism is the fraud which liberated women will vote out of power.
This article could be clearer. The author suggests that she herself is a “feminist hawk,” but doesn’t really explain her own position. All I see is a reference to the “war against women.” Does she or doesn’t she support US military action in pursuit of feminist goals?
Phyllis,
A wonderful article.
I wrote what I thought was a very good, long piece for Commentary about culutral revisionism in European Leftist opera and theatre but was summarily rejected. As the editor in question had already said he would not commission me ‘until we inspect the goods’ I had a feeling these were not the most cordial of folk but now that you have explained the mysogyny it all makes sense.
A complete unknown, I’m not.
I beg to differ.
Jealous, much, Moho?
” I’ve published thirteen books and thousands of articles. My first book, Women and Madness, which came out in 1972, sold nearly three million copies. In the last forty years, my work has been reviewed and I’ve been interviewed coast to coast and many times on every continent, yes, even in the London Times, the London Guardian, Le Monde, La Stampa, Il Foglio…, etc., etc.”
Ooooo, your mama must be kvelling!
I’m sorry, but that was unintentionally hilarious. I’m trying to picture a Jewish man in a nun’s habit. Mel Brooks would be proud.
Dr. Chesler:
I gave up on “mainstream” feminism years ago. Their battles are not my battles; nor are they the battles I think Western women should be fighting.
A friend of mine freaked out last year when a movie made from a kid’s book swapped out the book’s female lead for a male lead. She whined and complained endlessly about little girls’ bruised feelings and wounded self esteem. In the face of thousands of “honor” killings each years, tens of thousands of young girls suffering through horrible genital mutilation and tens of thousands more girls being forcibly married off to men four times their age only to be raped on a near daily basis, my friend was horribly bent out of shape because some pampered little American pricess had her feelings hurt by the changing of a female character to a male. THAT is the battle American feminists are fighting while women around the world endure unspeakable conditions.
Keep fighting the good fight, Dr. Chesler. Not every woman in America has her head buried in the sands of today’s feminism.
4. Fern Sidman, no one said that Dr. Chesler is currently a second-wave feminist in good standing. And to answer the question, there’s a difference between accepting men in their ranks as useful idiots…er…supporters, and accepting them as equals. Does the term “house ni–r” mean anything to you?
You sound like the voice I’ve been looking to hear. Can’t wait to read your work.
SO where’s the photo of D. Horowitz stripping off his suit with the Superman logo beneath, a la the honorary feminist like the Obama cover on Ms or whatever magazine that was a few months back? At least he’d deserve the honor instead of the new pres, don’t you think?
Really, there is so little difference
between men and women, that I am surprised
at all the fuss made about it. George Sand
And yet the potential contributions to society
of the more human half of the race are often
unrealized, because society does not allow,
or encourage, girls to grow up.
As to Misogyny; The Original is reviving as
an excuse for our current economic mess:
“The woman tempted me, and I Spent.”
Phyllis, it never ceases to amaze me that whenever a man does something, someone manages to make it look like he moved a mountain. But women……well that’s another story. Women could move mountains, and are given credit for moving an ant hill. How many ant hills must women move to get the credit they deserve?
Damn, you changed the entire landscape for women in the field of Psychiatry! Until you published your book, the average person thought it was ok to just tie women up, throw them into institutions and electrify their brains! Not to mention the other wonder works that you have written.
What really annoys me is that men are now standing on the shoulders of feminists. I guess they see feminism as a mponey maker. Otherwise they would never bother! So call me a misandrist.
Dear Phyllis Chesler, you’re far more than a Feminist, Term which I actually dislike. I prefer Female. You are a Psychologist, and I am sorry for Moho (which like every Moho is “simply” Ignorant, but we have to understand them, they are kept Ignorant in the Name of “Whatever”), who doesn’t know you, or rather, who doesn’t want to know you (more appropriate, Actually!).
Evil Pundit that starts taliking about Misandry as soon as a Woman righteously asks to be respected, well, he remembers me that Kids who as soon as their Mum look Away from them, they start crying Aloud. They want Mum’s Attention Aaall for them, juuust for them. They’re afraid to loose the One Who cleans their *** as soon as they *** in their Napkins. Again, there is the Need to understand them: they have been taught that undependant Women are a Danger for their own Life …. Yes, they won’t be there Anymore cleaning their ***, the Flat they live in, their Clothes, …. Do you imagine? They will have to keep themselves clean, their Flat and their Clother, All of that by themselves! They will have to become undependant, too! Blaaasphemyyy!
Well, Now, back to your Article. Oriana Fallaci is mentioned there: there is an Association in Italy, ruled by a Man (!), Armando Mannocchia, built in Honor of Oriana; there is another Woman (free from Political Parties), in Italy, which is a Female (remember: I prefer to avoid using “Feminist”), which works hard for our Equality and against Misoginy, who is Adriana Bolchini Geiger (I think she experienced several Times What you are Now experiencing: total Disregard toward Everything What she does), and I am glad to know you’re considered Oriana Fallaci II. I was actually wondering Who took her Place! Thank you for your Job and thanks to All of those Who supported Oriana, Who certainly support you, and Who work hard in Favour of Human Rights of Women.
I Anyway reward you as Psychologist of Islam, and I like you for your Writings about the Subject, and about this I like Ali Sina, too, for his Writings about the (same) Subject. I reward Nonie Darwish and Tawfik Hamid as Humanists of Islam: and I like their Writings about the Subject. [I then like Historians of Islam, like Fjordman and John J. O'Neill]. I then remember Altogehter Abul Kasem, A. H. Khan, Ayesha Ahmed, and not to forget another great and hard working Female: Pamela Geller. I know there are other Names of People engaged in protecting Human Rights of Women, which maybe “simply” work in the Criticism of Islam’s Field, showing – more or less indirectly – their support to … us, I Now think about Bill Warner of Center for Study of Political Islam or Pat Condell. Watching in FaceBook, about the Subject I find the Person administrating Stop Islamization of America, Who’s an important Supporter of Bill Warner, and Who is a Woman (Hurrà!). FaceBook, Islam and Writings remembers me the Blog Women’s Against Shari’a, and therefore Muslims Against Shari’a, Who – a Part of their “general” important Engagement in Informing People about the Danger of Totalitarian, Anti-democratic, Anti-human and Mysoginist Ideologies – gave Start to the Campaign “Stop Honorcide” – Whose you are a very important Contributor -. Well, there are so many (even if they’re still few!) People engaged in this very Important Issue Which is Human Rights of Women, and Who are so dear and important to me – and not just to me! -, and who are so inspiring for People like me! I personally thank you All, very much, and I really have to say you All, that you are so precious to me and to Human Race! Thanks G-d we (Humanity) have you, too (and not just Banana Heads like Moho and Evil Pundit …).
Well Phyllis Chesler, I hope your Writings will never end, and that you will go on producing them, you are an Ocean of Wisedom (and Compassion): People like you are a Basic Need for Humans like me, Who really wish, one Day, to see “a better World for Everyone” coming true. Yes, Well, David Horowitz isn’t Unknown to me, but Well, Phyllis Chesler, I know your Name and your Writings far more than those of him: it is very Important to have Men Who respect Women, and if David Horowizt is (or I sould say “were”) one of them, I will be very thankful to him, too. But you, Phyllis, being a Woman and a Female, you’re doing – as Usual, When it comes to Women – as twice as he – as Usual, When it comes to Men – does: you must comeover Prejudices, you must fight for your Basic Human Rights, and you – almost Alone, or just with Fews – must fight for the Basic Human Rights of many other Women, Who have not the Opportunity or the Power or Whatever to fight for their Basic Human Rights by themselves.
Yes, let me tell you just a little Something, Dear (Dr. and Professor) Phyllis Chesler: YOU ARE GREAT! [Sorry, my Message was too long, written in a poor English, but Well, I needed you to know I admire you - you - very much].
Sorry, among Psychologists of Islam I was forgetting Wafa Sultan. My G-d, What a Mistake I did! She is actually unforgettable, too!
Go Phyllis! We love you, lady! Especially in the third world. “In a place where there are no (wo)men, be a(wo)man!”
Persia. You must have used all of your magnetic poetry on that one.
There’s plenty of misandry in the comments here.
“M Report” refers to women as “the more human half of the race”, which of course relegates men to being less than human.
Yet not one of you feminists criticised that statement. There’s your misandry — you whine about women being “objectified”, but when someone comes right out and says men are less than human, you give it a pass.
Islam and feminism — two halves of the same coin. One hates women, the other hates men.
That’s where zero-sum thinking takes you. There’s been a lot of that lately, particularly wrt race. If you want to guarantee perpetual war, just keep thinking that identity politics is a zero-sum game.
Truly, a prophet is without honor in her own country.
David Horowitz: isn’t he the guy who used to do a syndicated TV program called “Fight Back” devoted to advertising rip-offs?
I print your articles for my granddaughters. I want them to know who you are and why I admire you so very much. You have become one of their principled teachers.
Ms. Magazine refused to publish an advertisement with talented Israeli women. They showed they anti-Semitism and gave a bogus excuse for refusing to run the ad which included Israeli women in the government. The Far Left – including the so called “feminist left” hates Israel and also hates pro lifers and Christians. Gloria Steinem is more a hard leftist than a “feminist”. She could not care less about Islamic women who are stoned to death. She does not want to “hurt the feelings” of the Islamofascists who are doing it. The Left hijacked feminism long ago.
Evil Pundit,
Two halves of the same coin? Where are the women who commit honor murders against Muslim men? Where ae the women who prohibit boys from attending school?
How fitting it is to see one of my heroines Marcia Pappas commenting on the site of one of the few remaining actual feminists left in the USA who hasn’t sold America’s (and the world’s) women out for politics. So it goes with Ms. Pappas, who is one of the few remaining leaders of NOW who actually does her job without regard to political backlash.
Ms. Pappas, you remind me of the days when feminism was real and progress was made. You are a beacon of light in a time when so-called feminists have given up many gains and have capitulated to extremist Regressives who call themselves Progressives and who whittle away at women’s rights daily — like the hypocrites they are.
May I say Thank You for being there amongst the weak. It’s an honor to be in your presence even if it only means I get to post in the same thread as you.
@ 27. Evil Pundit
Men are the _less_ human half of the race.
Women are the drivers of _human_ civilization.
As Dr. Pournelle put it:
“Left to themselves, men would still be
living in caves, and scratching themselves.”
See also Heinlein, Twain, or Henry Adams, who
asked his men friends in government:
“Honestly, now, which of you will not admit
that his wife could do his job better than
he can ?”
Or Musashi: “When fighting for your life,
use both swords.”
We are sure as shinola in a life-or-death
fight to save our society; we need all the
help we can get.
Phyllis, you are the mother of all women warrior hawks! We are all blessed by your courage, fortitude, clarity and intellect!
Moho,
You really are pathetic. I see you all over this site just waiting to toss in another ridiculous comment. Always lacking anything of import or interest – just trying to get a rise. Why don’t you run off with your little friend vivo and form your own little circle jerk. Ignorant tosser.
Many women commit murders against men through the sexist family law system, which drives men to suicide.
Feminists deprive boys of education by running a misandrist education system. As of now, the majority of high school and university graduates are female, yet feminists still demand more discrimination in their favour.
Feminism is to men as Islam is to women.
Moho, your Comment just drives me to repeat exactely What I already said about you and People like you, in my previous Post. Brainwashed People: of Course, in an Analysis like mine, for Brainwasheds like you there are just few Possibilities. Either one is an Infidel, or a Hypocrite, or a Poet. I am still very Sad for the Bad that the Doctrine you follow makes to you and to People like you. Anyway.
Evil Pundit, Women and Feminine are associated to Heart/Humanity/Compassion, since “the Beginning of the Times”, it is also called “Maternal Attitude”. There is Nothing Misandric in that Issue, Men are usually called more Thinkers than Women. Possible that you Never heard about this??? Anyway, I just metaphorically agree with Female = Heart; Male = Head. Altogether we are Human Beings (and here comes the – past – Need of Feminism – the Fighting for Human Rights of Women, as Human Beings and against considering them Subhuman Beings -), and both Women/Females and Men/Males HAVE TO develop Heart’s Skills and Head’s Skills; become Sensitive and Thinkers, Ethical and Logical, Compassionate and Wise. Well, a Woman like Phyllis Chesler, (maybe) started like Feminist (see the Need of Feminism as above described), then are Females (see my previous Post) and eventually will hopefully be (considered), like it will hopefully be FOR ALL OF US, “GILS AND BOYS”, simply a Human Being. Right Today I met one of these Girls segregated at Home, in the West, these Immigrants’ Homes Where several Generations live together, Where she has practically to work as Maid, Servant, almost being not allowed to step out from Home, While she is Young, Beautiful, Mother, Alive, and Else. I cannot tell you (you All) How Angy am I about that MYSOGINY existing on Earth, and supported by Speeches of People like you, Which instead of adressing the Problem related to Women like the above mentioned Girls, as soon as People starts talking about Human Rights of Women, they start shouting about “Misandy”. You make me throw up: and this is a very Human Reaction ….
AGAIN: MOST COMPLIMENTS TO PEOPLE LIKE PHYLLIS CHESLER. AND THANKS TO THEM. KEEP EXPRESSING YOUSELF AND WRITING, PLEASE. THANK YOU.
M Report: “Men are the _less_ human half of the race.”
Thank you for once again proving my point.
Your misandry is noted. I will certainly oppose all those like you, who try to devalue one gender. You are the enemy of freedom, as much as the most radical imam.
Phyllis,
Stay the path and yes, ring the bell when they overlook your and others’ accomplishments. In my opinion, David Lincoln said it all.
Quoting you today:
http://syd4.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-leftie-rags-are-our-friends-again.html
And linking.
As always, you are on the cutting edge.
Phyllis Chesler,
Forget the term “Feminism”. It’s become like Nazism. You may object, but the Limbaugh coined term “Feminazi” fits way to well.
Every person you listed as a “Feminist Hawk” are people I happen to respect, but I consider not one of you to be feminists.
Feminism implies Female Centric notions of justice and rights. By its very nature it denies both Humanity and Reality. It is, without question, a man-hating philosophy. It denies that men and women have biologically imposed psychological differences and sociological roles.
So, you have my respect for your common sense approach to issues of the day. But you’ll not catch me calling you a “Feminist.” That would be like calling you a Nazi. IMHO, you’re neither, thank God!
PS. the day the “Newspaper of Record” dies will be a day to celebrate…
Another fine article, Ms. Chesler.
I became aware of Islamic treatment of women in a visit to Libya in the mid 70′s and have watched the issue flip during the presidency of GWB. Before the invasion of Afghanistan, the NOW site had quite a few articles about the mistreatment of Afghan women. Then, suddenly there were no new articles, even though Americans immediately restored all kinds of rights to women, stopped the stonings and set about building schools for girls.
The left cannot stand the fact that GWB did more for women than any figure in history since Jesus Christ. President Bush said the three people who mattered the most to him were Laura, Barbara and Condeleeza. We should change the names of our wars from “Overseas Contingency” to “The Wars for Women”.
It is such a shame GWB was vilified by the left. I’m cursed by foul-mouth leftists any time I post about this. It will be rich when these wolves turn on Obama. It is already starting to happen.
In defense of my NOW sisters, I will tell you all that we have new leadership in DC and they are picking up the torch for our sisters in the Middle East. See this link http://www.capwiz.com/now/issues/alert/?alertid=13935851
#45 Ms. Pappas
Didn’t NOW support Obama as a candidate? If so, your org. supported the candidate who supports the countries who oppress women the most. Doesn’t say very much about you and your “sisters” does it?
Ms. Pappas thank you for your comment. I know we have new leadership and I know you will excuse me if I take a wait and see attitude about happenings here in our country. If you were in charge I would feel immediately more certain. But I hold out hope and may join yet again.
Lynn, might I suggest that you google Marcia and her work, as she stood alone on man occasions without regard to her own life. Please do not include her into the old guard of NOW until you learn about what she has done and the ways in which she has spoken out against islamofascists. I am very happy to see her teaming up with Phyllis in some quarters.
I am not some great intellectual, certainly not a lib and don’t vote dim, but I have often wondered at the tolerance of the feminist left for all the evil against women on the left and in the muslim world. Truly strange, I would think they would be screaming bloody murder in support of womens rights.
I watch the attacks on Sarah, why do the feminist just ignore it totally. A women has shown leadership and has a bigger pair then most of the guy on the R team, does she get any support, any credit, nope, just hate and lies told about her. Must be this Conservative thing, I am sure that good Ole Clarence T could tell us all about this.
Thank you for your consistency of opinion and thought Phyllis. In every sentence or two of yours I echo “Preach it sister!” or “Amen!”. I look for your columns religiously and appreciate the commitment you’ve made to the humanity of women the world over. G-d Bless you!
“26. Moho:
Persia. You must have used all of your magnetic poetry on that one.”
LOL! That is actually very funny! Clearly you attempt to be bitchy but succeed only in reminding me of the heady delights of magnetic poetry, and how the lady you disparage, with her (not neecessary to apologise for) poor English manages to exude a greatness of spirit that you, Moho, will never achieve.
Boy, are you a kvetch!
#44, Nancy I think you have put your finger on it. The Left simply cannot bear to find itself on the same side of an issue as GW Bush and the other born-again Christian social conservatives. Unfortunately, being united on any social issue (such as championing women’s progress in Afghanistan, the right to go to school, work, dress freely, travel freely, etc) with American social conservatives makes their heads explode and many abandon what would be , and should be a consistent position, in favor of distancing themselves from the American Right.
However, more importantly there is also the addition of race issues on the Left which has tooken precedence over women’s rights. Women have been thrown under the bus in favor of multiculturalism, in favor of men’s racial causes. People like Van Jones, who divide the world into white and People of Color. So-called progressives, the “people of science” which they like to think themselves to be, have wholeheartedly embraced a completely unscientific and archaic notion of Race. Their champion causes today are based solely on these notions of Race, and it all basically means, any non European, non white culture must be defended and supported in it’s most traditional form. Ironically, this also means that Western societies have the advantage, of being critiqued, to move forward, to adapt to new ideas, but “women of color” end up being stuck in the past, unable to move forward with their Western sisters because the Left thinks they know whats best for them. This is the soft bigotry of lowered expectations. All they are really doing is holding women back, and protecting the ego of groups which cannot stand self criticism. Women have been abandoned by the Left. In addition to Chesler, Tammy Bruce has also written most saliently on this subject.
The Danes and their king never wore the Star of David in defiance of the Nazis. It is a pretty legend….but it is only a legend. However, many righteous Danes did help the Jews and put themselves at risk by hiding them and/or helping them escape across the sea.