• CON

    However, even if i were to disobey the rules i set forth...

    Feminism is about equality.

    I would like to thank my opponent for her response, however, I do not accept the definition that she has provided. As stated in the first round, when i was laying out the rules for this debate: Definitions Feminism: Definition 1: the theory of political, economic and social equality of the sexes. Definition 2: organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests Equality: the quality or state of having the same rights, social status, etc. -from merriam-webster.com Burden of Proof will be shared. Above definitions are not subject to change. While i did explicitly state that Round Two is not for refutations, i find it strange that my opponent does not take into account the definition that i provided in my argument. I also find it strange that she does not provide any evidence to support her argument. Given that feminism is an ideology AND a form of activism, i presented a definition that would encompass both of these to further the goals of this debate. My opponent attempts to argue for only one piece of feminism. As with any ideology or philosophy, simply defining the ideology does not explain it's effects, nor does it actually express what the ideology actually expresses. Were I to state that "racism is a feeling of pride in one's nationality or ethnicity", that would not explain the results of said ideology. As the Burden of Proof is shared, i request that my opponent provide evidence of her position; simply defining a term "feminism" does not show that feminism is actually about equality, especially given the fact that (per merriam-webster.com) feminism can be referring to two separate ideas or topics. It seems to me that this is a fallacy of equivocation on the part of my opponent, as she conflates one definition of feminism to be the definition which we are to be debating, despite me having defined Feminism in Round One, as i was outlining the rules of this debate. The main reason i combined the definitions in my Opening Statement was to ensure that my opponent and myself had a reasonable definition of the term we are debating. However, even if i were to disobey the rules i set forth when outlining this debate, and allow the definition my opponent provided, my argument will still hold. **Using my opponents definition, rather than my own, my argument remains sound. Please go back and read the argument i have provided, you will see that this is true, as any legislation, organization, or people who "advocate for women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men" would be dubbed feminist by both my definition and her definition.** Despite this, i request that my opponent follow the rules of the debate as they are laid out. As she was unable to construct an argument, i would also like to request of her an Opening Statement. If any audience members/voters would be so kind as to allow this slight bending of the rules, it would be much appreciated. I do this in the hopes that my opponent will be able to provide evidence that supports her claim and position. There is not much for me to refute in her opening statement, as it is simply a re-definition of the term, an assertion that my definition is not applicable, and an assertion that i have not provided evidence that is contrary to the resolution "Feminism is about equality." If my opponent would be so kind as to provide evidence to support her claim, as well as give a refutation to my own claims from Round Two, i believe this debate may become more than a simple game of the meaning of words. I look forward to recieving a response from my oppenent, and thank her in advance.