We are all feminists now

We are all feminists now

09 May 2006

The panel debate the motion: We are all feminists now. Chaired by Jonathan Freedland.

Arguing in favour of the motion are Tim Lott, Philip Norman, and Howard Jacobson.

Tim Lott suggests that the vast body of secular opinion holds that women are equal to men. He then runs through examples of inequality, and takes them on individually. He states that there are few societal restrictions left on women and that any remaining inequalities stem from much more than just gender discrimination.

Philip Norman declares himself to be a male feminist and explores the reasons why that is possible. He points out how the feminist strategy has changed throughout the ages – female independence is now expressed in clothes that were previously the targets of feminist outrage. In short, he believes the fight is now clearly over.

After pointing out that the more persuasive the male panel's argument, the closer the motion edges to defeat, Howard Jacobson sets out to lose the battle, but in so doing, win the war. What follows is a humorous concession to the victory of women: he points out that he has always been losing to women, apologises for the behaviour of men in the past and concedes to the power of the opposing panel.

Arguing against the motion are Kathy Lette, Mariella Frostrup, and Beatrix Campbell.

Kathy Lette launches a humorous assault on the idea that we are all feminists. She insists that it is still a man's world, before outlining numerous situations in which this is plainly obvious. They suffer from facial prejudice and ageism, as well as the long-suffered accusation that women have no sense of humour.

Mariella Frostrup begins by exploring the global inequalities and abuses suffered by women. The fact that women's rights are restricted globally suggests that the men on the other side of the panel offer a picture of misguided new manhood. She says we need a society in which both sexes can flourish, but we remain stuck in a patriarchal world.

Beatrix Campbell reaffirms Mariella Frostrup's examination of global inequality suffered by women and suggests the issue is far more serious than many take it to be. Campbell ends by stating that the journey towards equality has stalled and that we now live in a neo-patriarchal world.

First Vote: 218 For, 293 Against, 196 Don't Know

Final Vote: 238 For, 447 Against, 31 Don't Know

The motion is defeated by 209 votes

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