AboutMichael FitzGerald Expertise I am an expert in German history between 1918 and 1945, particularly with regard to the Nazi era. I am also very knowledgeable about most areas of philosophy (I have an honours degree in the subject) and am able to answer questions on that subject too. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about poetry. One of my hobbies is also politics, mainly British and European though I follow the US political scene as well. Another one is the history of crime and punishment and British social history (the two often overlap!) I am willing to answer questions on all the above issues.
Experience Author of two published works, 'Storm Troopers of Satan,' an account of the lunatic fringes of Nazi ideology, and 'Adolf Hitler: A Portrait,' a biography of the German dictator. 'Adolf Hitler' was published in July 2006 by the top history publisher Spellmount and was named historical biography of the month by the Good Book Guide. I correspond with Ian Kershaw, Peter Stachura, Jeremy Noakes, Roger Moorhouse and Stan Lauryssens. I have undertaken research for radio, television, newspapers and magazines
Organizations Society of Authors
Education/Credentials I have an Honours degree in philosophy.
Awards and Honors LT prize for poetry
Historical Biography of the month, Good Book Guide
Question What is your opinion of feminism? Has it gone too far or not far enough? Which of the changes it brought in do you think are good ones and which do you think are bad?
Answer Dear Kay,
Thank you for your most interesting and challenging question. I will do my best to answer it for you.
In the first place, I suppose it all depends on what you mean by feminism. I have never believed that a person's gender should make any difference to how they are viewed or treated any more than the colour of his or her skin. I have always supported the idea that both men and women should be free to marry who they choose or not as the case may be, and to work at any job they like regardless of their sex.
When I was at school, and wanted to learn to type, I was told that only girls were allowed to learn typing. At the same time, a girl in my class wanted to attend classes in woodwork and metalwork. She was told that only boys could do that. I ended up teaching myself to type (I can do 100 words a minute) and Pauline got a job as an engineer. A boy in my class wanted to go to domestic science classes and was told that only girls could do that. He is now working as a chef.
In principle, then, I do not believe in rigid gender roles. I take it for granted that you do not believe that I would support the lunatics who want to repeal the constitutional provisions that allow women to vote or stand for public office. All these things are positive achievements that would be supported by the majority of people. In so far as feminism stands for equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women, I support it wholeheartedly.
Has feminism gone too far or not far enough? This is a very difficult question to answer. I believe that in most ways it has gone about as far as it should, but that in some respects it has gone too far. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that many women who claim to be feminists do not uphold the principles of equality but could perhaps be referred to more appropriately as 'female chauvinists.' To say, for instance, that 'every man is a potential rapist' is as absurd and insulting as to say that 'every woman is a potential prostitute.'
The main areas in which I take issue with the kind of 'feminist' who makes statements like that is, first of all, the sexism they display in a casually brutal way, which if applied to Jews or black people would correctly be regarded as racist. I also feel that men do not get a fair deal in family court. It is automatically assumed that the mother is always the appropriate parent regardless of her behaviour. As I was physically abused by my mother for many years as a child, I feel very strongly on the issue. My first wife was also unfaithful to me and subjected me on a frequent basis to domestic violence. In the end she left me for a younger man. I had to give up my job and look after two teenage girls on my own. Fortunately the court gave me custody, but only because she did not contest it. Had she done so, I am certain that she would have been awarded it. I think, then, that the demonisation of men and the automatic assumption of the superior caring abilities of women over men is a myth, and one without foundation.
I am a strong believer in equality and fairness, and it seems to me that too many feminists have ceased to value either of those qualities. For whatever reason, they have become engaged in witch-hunts and name-calling, and have, in my opinion, forfeited the right to be called feminists at all. 'Female chauvinists,' my suggested name for them, is more appropriate for these particular individuals.
I do not want to close on a negative note. I believe firmly that the achievements of feminism far outweight its negative points and that in general it has been a profound influence for good within society.
I hope my answer is satisfactory.
Please feel free to ask me any other questions you wish.
