IS THIS A MANS WORLD OR NO? PATRIARCHY OR NO?
Is it just me that think to myself "It's time to dismantle the patriarchy?" Whilst my right-hand twitches as if it's holding a picket sign again. Just me? Maybe I'm in my head to much. Well before I go any further I can't assume everyone know what the meaning of patriarchy is. To put it in layman terms its a society in which Men hold the power and Women are largely excluded from it. And it has permeated through everything. EVERYTHING! Patriarchy is a word that describes the way the world is organized by gender, Men are in charge and consider the Head and women are followed behind taking care of the home. (****Reference to Scripture: 1 Corinthians Chapter 11 verse 2-6 Head of every man is Christ and the head of the woman is the man.) We might not realize it but it has shaped our world and lives, our behaviors and how we think on a whole.
Patriarchy can predominantly be seen in 3rd world countries and nuclear families where they follow that biblical scripture. (examples of third world countries: Ethiopia, Malawi, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Gambia, Bangladesh, Liberia, Uganda) just to name a few. This structure can be seen through out other structures of society such as the government when women weren't allowed to vote and also work and receive equal pay for their experience.
The domination over women isn't bad as it was years and years ago. But that doesn't mean it doesn't still exist in some way, shape or form. Gender is still enforced today. Patriarchy doesn't only affect women, men are affected as well, gender roles hurt everyone. Society forces people into strict boxes of gender, ethnicity, income bracket, etc and if you don't meet certain criteria then you might feel ostracized from society. Men are put into a category that they must be physically and emotionally strong don't show any emotions or your consider gay or weak, they must be the breadwinner, the protector. Women are boxed into feeling that they must only remain as home makers, child carers, more emotional, quiet, meek, and remain the damsel in distress.
Even though the patriarchy affects men as well as women, it has a larger impact on women. Women face larger amounts of discrimination, judgement, and sexual harassment because being female is seen as less powerful. We have come to a point in society that the patriarchy is harder to spot, it is well disguised these days. From the outside it can seem like things are equal, like it no longer exists but women are still facing less pay in the work place then men, dealing with sexual harassment in places, or always having to proof their capabilities.
"IT"S THE 21ST CENTURY I HEAR YOU SAYING. I KNOW, I KNOW. SO HOW DO WE RISE UP PUT OUR FOOT IN THE RACE?"
We have to challenge, challenge, anything that seems to oppress anyone because of their gender, whether that's a Cis gendered, non-binary, trans, you name it. Like they say in feminism, we are not free until we are all free...every which way a woman can be. If you feel objectified in a relationship, in the work place, in society, what your wearing, how you look say something let your voice be heard and if you can't say anything reach out to someone for help. Challenge gender roles, the patriarchy doesn't just hurt women, it hurts everyone
We have to hold people accountable for their actions, for their words. It's exhausting work fighting a somewhat invisible oppressor that's ingrained deep into the way society works. But we are women we were made to handle whatever comes our way and you don't have to handle it with poise, grace, or be well mannered all the time. If you are angry, fed up, emotional and that's okay to feel this way.
Patriarchy may never change or stop but if we adapt unlearned indoctrinated thoughts, patterns and behaviors. And remember Don't get Non participation with activism.
ARE YOU READY TO STAND WITH ME AND DISMANTLE THE PATRIARCHY? IF SO COMMENT SUBSCRIBE TO MY PAGE AND LETS TALK.