Phyllis Chesler - Woman's inhumanity to woman (2001)

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I would like women to understand that although women love and depend upon each other, we are, collectively, also inhumane, sometimes even cruel and sadistic to each other.

Phyllis Chesler
Many women tend to choose peace over conflict. This often means accepting the status quo and punishing anyone who dares challenge it.

Phyllis Chesler
The bullying girls blame the victims for having done something annoying, indiscreet, or aggravating, or for having started the conflict, thus bringing it on themselves. This is known as the Provocative Victim explanation.

Phyllis Chesler
Women are often quick to believe the worst about another woman.

Phyllis Chesler
Gossip reinforces traditional morality, solidifies group identity, excludes "outsiders," and serves as a warning that one may become the focus of gossip if one behaves anti-normatively.

Phyllis Chesler
Gossip reinforces patriarchal ethnic and class solidarity. The prohibition against female gossip serves also as a prohibition against female solidarity.

Phyllis Chesler
We expect mothers to be good; they are all that stands between us and death in a cruel or indifferent world. So we are terrified and outraged when a mother is not only imperfect, but abusive.

Phyllis Chesler
Sisters may control or hurt each other in subtle, rarely visible ways. Some may do so through a raised eyebrow, a turned back, or a sharp, sarcastic tone.

Phyllis Chesler
I now understand that, like marriage, one must consciously work at friendship; it is not a given; it cannot be taken for granted.

Phyllis Chesler
Within a span of thirty-five years, a visionary feminism has managed to challenge, if not transform, world consciousness. Feminist ideals are battling patriarchal institutions and ideology, the world over.

Phyllis Chesler
Competition among women for token positions at prestigious male-dominated universities is very intense.

Phyllis Chesler
Girls and women are as competitive as men, but mainly toward each other.

Phyllis Chesler