You and I are talking about two different kinds of generalizations. I’m talking about the kind where I don’t have to say #notallmen every time I talk about systemic gender imbalances or sexism in an article. I’m talking about a black person being able to talk about our culture’s systemic racism without having to say #notallwhitepeople all the time.

I think marginalized people should be able to speak about systemic oppression without having to SO PRECISE as to call out EVERY SINGLE EXCEPTION. To me, that’s another unjust burden that is placed on those populations who should just be able to talk about what they are experiencing without constantly having to argue with people who accuse them of generalizations.

I’m NOT talking about saying things like “All men are sexist,” “All white people are racist oppressors,” etc. Those are true generalizations in every sense of the word and I will NEVER employ those.

But I write a lot about feminism, and you’ve read my work before — I think you’d say it’s pretty fair, based on the fact that you’re still here. You know I don’t speak in damaging, judgmental generalizations, and I try to be as precise as possible. But I STILL have people criticize me for making generalizations about gender imbalances and sexism, and I don’t think that’s fair. I think that’s just people who want to uphold the system as it is and not allow space for people to speak up against those systems. THAT is what I won’t apologize for anymore.

Thank you for the thoughtful comment. ❤