The basic thesis of what I’m arguing for, is that it is not men any more than women who employ and propagate sexism, and this is I think part of a realization that has dawned on many a feminists individually but has not dawned on the media who like to talk about feminism but don’t really know what its about. And even some feminists could be reminded of what I’m about to say.
It is not the fault, responsibility, or blame or either men or women that we have sexism instituted into our society as we do. Rather, it is the fault, responsibility, and blame, of certain men and women who I shall label as “patriarchs” and “matriarchs” that institute and use sexism to manipulate and control the flow of power within society.
Personally, I’ll be honest here. I’ve been sitting in with my feminist pow-wow, sometimes, and some comments get made, and I know its just in passing and maybe you don’t think about it, but sexist comments towards men do hurt. And I really think here: women, matriarchs, have their own way of using sexism to their advantage. It may not be in the same way that men have it; patriarchy’s sexist position is one given towards more direct power, but on that same token, more direct sanctions if that man steps outside of his role. The best example of this is how sexism affects homophobia– in many places that accept or are indifferent towards a woman’s homosexual relationship, a man’s homosexual relationship is reviled. It is worth noting though, that often times the woman’s homosexual relationship is still not given respect, it is rather trivialized and objectified by the patriarch seeking sexual gain.
I suppose this doesn’t suggest at some so significant or different action, as it does suggest at looking at the problem differently. It is patriarchs and matriarchs both that institute and define sexism, and it is neither men nor women who are responsible for this but it is man and woman who do hold responsibility. Individual alpha’s lead and control, creating a pack mentality with regards to gender.
Am I saying I don’t like a woman in power? In a way, yes. I dislike the concept of power over another individual– that power held by man or woman– and ultimately, it is my preference that power of the individual only reside with that individual. Power though, is different than responsibility, I should add. Responsibility ought be distributed equally throughout, and I think a lot of feminist action today is primarily focused around just this– individual empowerment (ex. health care and the pro-choice movement) and more equal representation when it comes to those in positions of responsibility, that is to say, EVERYTHING.
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