The following is a recent conversation between fellow contributor Marc Loi and I via Facebook. I am posting this to generate conversation about this subject because maybe I'm the only one who thinks this way? Please let us know what you think! :
Marc L is going to bring lots of Plan B to Iraq, in case an female soldiers need it, but do not have access to it! 6:03pmAmy Twisdale at 7:26pm March 15 :um..
Marc L at 9:28pm March 15: Um?
Amy Twisdale at 9:57pm March 15: who says the female soldiers are going to be having sex in IRAQ .. and personally i think that's really their own business unless you plan on knocking up female soldiers while they're there. think before you post something marc
Marc L at 9:59pm March 15: Well, it does happen in Iraq - and around military bases in global south nations where abortions are not available. Sex is a matter of life - and suppose a soldier gets pregnant, isn't it better that she has access to plan B, since, well, the military does not provide abortions?
Amy Twisdale at 10:16pm March 15: you mentioned two things. 1. military bases in the global south- are you talking about prostitution.. in that case you should bring condoms 2. i don't think a female soldier needs you to rescue them from pregnancy. a.pregnancy is not a bad thing always b. don't you think many u.s. women are on birth control c. i don't think it's any of YOUR business to provide plan b for anyone. let them deal with it personally. i appreciate and respect your feminism, you know that marc. but sometimes i feel you go a little too far and overstep your boundaries as a man. yes i said it.
Marc L at 10:22pm March 15: Well, considering the number of military women being sent home based on the fact they are pregnant, there IS a need for Plan B. And as you say, it's not my business, but it's there as, well, Plan B should they ever need it. I merely see a need, and thus, doing something about it. It's good that you told it as is, though - because, well, it allows me to see things from your perspective. Although I have to ask: how is this any different than, say, a male politician requiring that the military provide Plan B at their medical facilities? Would HE be out of line?
Amy Twisdale at 10:38pm March 15: unfortunately the government controls such things so in this case that is how policy is created. but you're not a politician (yet) and even if you are going to bring plan b (which by the way is $40 a pill.. how many are you bringing?! you must be rich!) i feel it was inappropriate to put that in your status update because plan b... and abortions for that matter are completely personal and emotional and shouldn't be talked about like you're gonna be passing out candy. it also makes it look like female soldiers are promiscuous or something.. also, how are they going to know you have it? what makes you think anyone's going to tell you 'hey marc, do you have any plan b, i think i'm pregnant'
Marc L at 10:45pm March 15: Well, then our conversation ought to focus on how society slut slams women, right? It seems that the perception if promiscuity is a bad thing. This, I see, is both a policy issue and an issue of how we view women. Anyway, I am calling around to see which pharmacy will allow ME to buy it without a prescription. My plan was just to keep it with just Soldiers I know, both males and females. For me, this is not about rescuing anyone, but changing a culture and mindset within the military. I am not a rich man, Amy, but I do live with Spartanlike, and thus, whatever the Army pays, I can use for things like these. Thanks for pointing out what seemed like "rescuer" and "damsel in distress" situation, though - and thanks for not being mad at me. :)
Amy Twisdale at 10:47pm March 15: lol just constructive criticism i still love you marc
― ('_') (omar little), Sunday, 22 August 2010 18:55 (thirteen years ago) link