Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Between a Box and Hard Place

While it crosses my mind (after mentioning boxing in yesterday’s momentous entry), here is perhaps the best feminism story ever.

A diminutive male professor friend of mine knows a Third Wave-type feminist (the kind mainly opposed to making any gender generalizations ever). The feminist kept insisting that she could hold her own against him in boxing — and indeed that it’s only societal expectations that lead to men being thought of as boxers and (most) women as non-boxers, etc., etc. (there was actually a book called The Frailty Myth arguing something along these lines, I think).

The professor kept urging her not to test this theory, but she insisted on getting into the ring with him, both of them using gigantic padded gloves and padded kiddy-helmets meant to prevent any possible injury. With about two punches, he literally sent her tumbling out of the ring, where she began crying, no doubt moving even his cold, sadistic, manly heart.

As usual:

Reality: 1. Feminism: 0.

Discussion Questions:

1. How cool was that story?

2. Did you like the part where the feminist cries?

3. What about the part where the diminutive professor clocks her in the head, which was also good?

4. What is your favorite part of the story?

6 comments:

Beavis said...

4. The word “box”

D------ said...

I think the male professor was nuts to take the challenge. Did he think of the possibility, that once losing, she might have him arrested on assault charges, try to ruin his career, etc.?

There are cases of college girls having consensual sex with male students and then the day after, thinking they made a mistake, reporting it as date rape.

In other words, it’s not worth it.

Meredith said...

Heh-heh. Heh. Heh. Heh-heh. Awesome.

Alexandra said...

I laughed, but I think I’m still a feminist. Perhaps we could duel instead.

Nick said...

Crying: woman’s most lethal weapon.

MLK said...

That story reminds me of the time I saw a negro trying to read a book. It was just so heart-breakingly ridiculous. I gave him a shoeshine kit and some watermelon, and all was right with the world again!