I really doubt that the author of "Thy Outward
Part" feels that his masculinity is threatened
by the fic.  Richard simply objected to the implied
message "Women are inherently better than men" as
detracting from the story.  I agree.  And I wouldn't
enjoy a "women are inferior and men must lead them"
story either.  Also, if Ranma was misleading Kodachi
to push her away, then why is everyone else
convinced that Ranma will stay female?

No offense, but Richard and I don't see eye-to-eye on
a number of things.  One of those things is a
philosophy called political correctness.

True, but this debate have never been about political correctness.  At
least, not from my end.

The problem that I see is that it pretends to show
respect for other peoples without even trying to
understand the mindset behind those other people.

I just couldn't let this slide by unchallenged.  I violently disagree with
this statement and all its connotations.  It's not about pretending to
have respect; it's about having respect.  I *do* try to understand the
mindset of "those other people", and I very much don't appreciate the
implication that people who are PC do *not* try to understand.

The message that Ranma uses against Kodachi
isn't "women are better than men" but "I do
not like turning into a man."  These words
are normal for the role that Ranma is trying
to play while at the same time scaring Kodachi
from attacking in the future.

Nick, can you understand that your words *read* like "women are better
than men"?  That's all I'm trying to say.  Do with that commentary as you
will.

You, like Richard and Gary, are seeing this from
a male perspective.  Try to look at it from the
perspective of the combatants.

You're assuming an awful lot her, Nick, that isn't true.  I *was* trying
to see it from Ranma's perspective, and I don't think Ranma would think
that male is evil.  She'd think that female is better, but that's all.  At
least, that's my perspective on how Ranma thinks in this story.  You, of
course, are free to disagree.

And how do you know all the pressures Ranma is
going through?  ^_^

Smiley face aside, this was a bit of a slap in the face to the poster,
Nick.  There are experiences we can empathize with without necessarily
having to go through them ourselves.

dml

-- Nick

-Richard