While Benjamin Ramprasad's letter ("Feminists' Focus Issues Serve Self-Centered Goal," Jan. 26) is genuinely misinformed, he is correct on some broad points.
I agree that feminists' "viewpoints on many issues are both inconsistent and self serving."
First, nearly any statement beginning with, "Feminists agree that..." is a false one.
Feminists notoriously disagree, especially on hot-button issues like the one that Mr. Ramprasad raises: abortion.
There are liberal feminists as well as conservative ones, and many other sorts, and their views on abortion cover a spectrum of political, medical, philosophical and psychological viewpoints.
Additionally, I agree that "abortion is an extremely traumatic experience," but I only know this by knowing women and men who've had to make such a decision.
Yes, men do have a say in abortion, assuming that the woman's pregnancy occurs within a loving and respectful relationship.
I have never known a woman who wouldn't listen to the opinions and ideas of men they respect, but I know a great many who don't want men making decisions on their behalf.
Finally, while I will never claim to speak for all feminists, I hereby, at Mr. Ramprasad's request, will tell you this feminist's "true motivations": not only gender equality but equality across the board; gender, race, class, nationality and religion.
Until that happens my motivation is to promote a constructive discussion on how to best accomplish that. And please, don't try to tell me about my own motivations.