This is fascinating and echoes what I've read in several feminist books. (I highly recommend Sacred Pleasure by Riane Eisler - she talks about the loss of these smaller, supportive structures of community as systems of oppression became more common.)

And you're right - this is exactly why I struggle writing mine, too. This is stuff that needs to be in a book or thesis. It's too big for essays.

In any case, if you feel you weren't presented well or fairly in any way, please let me know. I will do some edits, because that is not my intention. I have nothing but respect for you and how brave you are to talk honestly about this stuff in the volatile world of the internet. I tried to present what you said exactly how I felt about it: grateful that you are willing to share this and with respect for someone who is obviously doing a lot of introspection. (And I don't mean that in a patronizing way - we all need to do some deep thinking about this, including women, as I hope I made clear in my essay.) I can even remove any reference to you if you are uncomfortable with it. My intention in including you was to give you credit for making this issue a little clearer for me. But what's most important is that I don't cause harm, put anyone on the spot, or create stress. So truly, please, let me know if there's a problem. And if you don't want to say anything in public, you are welcome to email me (my address is in my bio). I consider this a viable professional use of email! :)