Why can't we speak openly about feminism in public?

[D]

Over the weekend having debates on feminist issues and the way they are people steered clear of the topic.  

Why can't we openly crriticize the issues without fear?  What's holding us back?

[Bender]

Its all psychological.  People fear public humiliation more than death.

[Quasimodo]

Dan,
Where were you? At a bar? In your living room? At a barbeque?

There are places were people shy away from serious discussion. And men, cowards that so many of us are, are loathe to criticize feminism -- or women for that matter -- in mixed company.

[FEMINAZIHATEMARTYR]

The rude, loudmouthed, "in-your-face" strategy worked for the feminazi stormtrooper Gloria Allred so why wont it work for us? (Doh!!)  :Yikes2:

[neonsamurai]

Why can't we openly crriticize the issues without fear? What's holding us back?

I think this depends on how it is done. I personally critisize feminism at every opportunity and my sister used to argue with me about it until we were both blue in the face.

Thing is, most women (and men) feel that insulting feminism is insulting the female gender as a whole. They can't dissassociate the two, which is what I'd like to think that most of us here are capable of doing. Thankfully my sister can see where I'm coming from now, but most people can't.