Backlash Times at Media High
I remember back in the late 70s, early 80s there was what some people called a Feminist Backlash. A resurgence of the Old Poop Patriarchy that pretty much said, "Okay. You've had your fun. But we have all the power and we liked it better when the natural order of things wasn't being questioned. So. Beat it, sister."
"No. Literally."
It was really weird for girls my age because we went from high school in the 70s, which was pretty in tune with the flares and shags of the 60s, to university of the 80s, which was, well, Uptightsville, Man.
But now I realize it was just more... obvious - The Backlash of The 80s. Because we're always in Times of Backlash. With every progressive step we take - there is an equal and opposite Backlash.
I call it "The Kneejerk".
Fortunately, the step, once taken, cannot be taken back. It can only be railed against, decried, argued about endlessly in all forms of media.
Kneejerked.
That's what we call - progress. And it all really happens in court. Thanks to the evolution of our justice system, real progress happens in legally binding court decisions that can be railed against, decried, argued about endlessly in all forms of media - but not be taken back.
Precedent. Gawd, I love that word.
That's why Feminists like the Law. Law and Order, as it were. Because we realize that with every bit of progress in life (and, let's face it - progress and Feminism go together like banking hours and bank profits) there is an equal and opposite Backlash in the media that has no REAL effect on anything except the blood pressure of the various combatants.
This is a good thing. Because there really is no denying progress, in fact. Just in emotion. And that's fine. People need to think they are having their say. Because we also live in a democracy.
So, what happens when democracy is at odds with progress. Like when, for instance, Canadians elect a New Conservative Government of Canada and the Prime Minister of that government, and his Cabinet, are largely at odds with Feminists.
What happens then?
Well, normally, you'd have a vigilant media. A media ever watchful that the government isn't attempting to stack the system in any way unfavourable to progress. Because surely the media is always in favour of progress. More rights for more people. Expanded freedoms for all. All legally entrenched. Lots and lots of freedom of expression, guaranteed under the law.
Surely.
So why does it seem like so much of our media is just Backlash?
Because Backlash isn't good. Backlash is a return to Patriarchy. And Patriarchy means more rights for FEWER people, restricted freedoms for MOST OF US. All legally entrenched - like it used to be. Less and less freedom of expression, or you will face the full force of the law.
Why, in 2007, do we have newspaper editorial boards arguing on behalf of Old Fashioned Standards of Morality, Freedom, and Legal Rights in Canada?
Because we do.
Why?
