Is arguing against male-only conscription really arguing for equality?

ladyskins · 2009-07-05T14:10:23+00:00

True or not, the usual response comes in the form "we are against the drafting of both men and women and therefore most definitely support equality."

Although that response is sidestepping the hypothetical debate over who should be drafted, many people of all sorts of gender beliefs think that eliminating conscription altogether is a larger political issue, as it would be a general equalizer for the sexes, at least legally. Since legal inequalities are a large part of the backbone of the men's rights movement (divorce laws, custody laws, sentencing laws), shouldn't that take precedent? Societal views are a totally different monster and should be dealt with differently. Laws and social norms don't change at the same time or in the same ways.

Another interesting thing to think about is the huge amount of male soldiers who vehemently don't want women or anyone from the LGBT community to be allowed to serve amongst them. They bring up reasons about inherent physical differences and the physical, sexual and emotional dynamics within such small confines in extremely stressful situations. Are those soldiers going against the men's rights movement?

Edit: I didn't get to the second part of my comment. I'm not trying to avoid the subject. If there were another mandatory draft, I do believe that everyone who's physically able should be included. I also think that positions should be based upon a person's usefulness in said position, as to not compromise the well-being of their fellow soldiers. In some cases that would put a disproportionate number of men in some combat-type situations. However, in today's warfare, it's not like we're out there bludgeoning each other to death with axes. Women can serve just as well.

Also, if you're of the mind that women should be drafted as well in that situation, would you prefer separate housing? Do you believe that women would be somehow favored if separated or there would be more false rape charges if housed together?

rmbarnes · 2009-07-05T19:04:24+00:00

As much as I think removing the draft is great (I wouldn't want to have to go to war!) I'm not sure how viable it is. True most western countries like the US and UK (where I live) are sitting pretty at the moment, there may come the day when this isn't true and we are under the threat of invasion. Or many other countries start getting invaded and we can't sit by and watch any more. In this case we're probably going to need a draft to get adequate troop numbers. In this case I think men & woman should be drafted (for front line duty) in equal numbers.

But that does leave a problem. I honestly believe that so few woman could get into certain regiments (e.g. the paras, Royal Marines) that there's no point in even letting them try the recruitment process.

Saydrah · 2009-07-05T08:39:01+00:00

I'm completely for women being allowed to fight on the front lines, and that's actually been a feminist issue as long as I can remember. My own sister joined the military briefly but was able to request and receive a discharge when she learned that she would not be able to request active combat duty-- they granted her a discharge because the recruiter had told her she'd be able to serve in a combat unit, which was untrue.

I am not for extending the draft to women because that would be a step away from repealing the draft entirely, which is the direction I'd like to see things go. Draft repealed and anyone, gay, lesbian, straight, bi, male, female, who wants to serve in combat is allowed to do so and is guaranteed a good future and education when they return home.

kanuk876 · 2009-07-05T00:37:20+00:00

You are basically correct. The feminist response to the draft issue is to refuse to debate the issue and instead divert attention elsewhere.

BestServedCold · 2009-07-05T05:45:44+00:00

They think conscripting men is unjust and that conscripting women as well would be even more unjust. I would argue just the opposite. IF it is an injustice, then it is a much less severe injustice when everyone is exposed to it.

And by the way, you will never do away with the concept of conscription. You can only hope that it is used sparingly, and for just reasons.

I agree with Zoombas. Expose women to combat duty (and I mean ground infantry, not just fighter pilots) in equal numbers and the problem of conscription takes care of itself.

And I have never heard a good reason why women are exempt anyway. This isn't the 1860s where a combat soldier might have to carry heavy gear on a 1,000 mile march.

2009-07-05T03:05:17+00:00

Agreed. If you are going to bring this up in a debate be sure to mention the following:

The issue is not that women are not part of the draft. The problem is that women are exempt from combat duty, and therefore exempt from the draft. By eliminating the draft they do not fight for equality. Equality can only be achieved if women are to be a part of combat duty.

Note: Feel free to correct me if "combat duty" is not the right term, I am fairly certian it is though.

Title	Is arguing against male-only conscription really arguing for equality?
Author	[deleted]
Upvotes	14
Comments	29
Date	July 4, 2009 11:10 PM UTC (17 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/8y9ia/is_arguing_against_maleonly_conscription_really/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/is-arguing-against-male-only-conscription-really.1053637 https://theredarchive.com/post/1053637

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