Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 12:10:05 +0000 (GMT)
From: Imran Markar <im204-AT-hermes.cam.ac.uk>
Subject:  non-Western feminisms


Hi Sushma,

I think its good that you have tried to identify those who really want to
participate in the dialogue. Its important to know with whom we are
interracting. Otherwise the entire project becomes so impersonal.
I also agree with many of Atefeh's views.  However, we may have to be
cautious if we decide to go back into history to identify how "feminism"
grew in "our societies". To begin with we don't all come from one specific
socio-cultural location (though we may consider ourselves
"non-western", "coloured" etc. etc.). Hence it is difficult to talk of A
history. Once again, when we talk of an East and West are we not creating
problematic definitions?? Or are they broad categories, used to recognize
"difference"? Starting with our own practice(s) may help to uncover some
problems of the "process". 
I still feel that having a specific point of discussion (in the form
of an essay, article, ideology etc.) will help to direct our dialogue. 

Nazreena