The interpretation I had about the text “Patriarchy the system” by Allan Johnson is that the author is defining patriarchy but is unwinding the why we define patriarchy the way we do. Patriarchy is a common word that presents a system where men dominate and hold primary power. Yet the author defines patriarchy as “a kind of society organized around certain kinds of social relationships and ideas that shape paths of least resistance. (Johnson, 32). The “least resistance” is the easiest path to follow instead of making one of our own because we depend on easy living because of society and the benefits and consequences it has on us. An example of this is the idea of men defining patriarchy. Men identify with patriarchy because of the privileges. Still, some men get defensive about it because their individualism or personality doesn’t correspond to that term, but the term automatically defines them. It leaves a grey area of patriarchy because it can exist without men the same way oppression towards women can exist without men.
I wanted to respond to Lizbeth’s snapshot post, a picture of a spider web with different people attached to it while someone is holding it. As Johnson says in the text, “the system” to which we blame is the problem is more like a scapegoat. It unfairly blames, it doesn’t seem ever to get resolved because truly the system isn’t the issue; we, as human beings, are the root of our social systems and relationships. We don’t take the time to understand why or why we participate or promote patterns. We are the ones that manifest these systems consciously or unconsciously because we feel limited by our perception of acceptance and the environment. This idea goes with Lizbeth’s picture of people being stuck because people are trapped in a culture where patriarchy is power or domination; even if we want to prevent failure for ourselves or others, we resist it because it is a requirement.
The web holds the reality and ideas of patriarchy. The idea of men and women being pinned against each other is a form of norms that keep both sexes and genders trapped. It’s like a man cannot bear what a woman can, such as breastfeeding or having a connection with a child, and then women cannot be masculine or aggressive because it is not expected standards of their images. Many elements present a patriarchal culture that builds our privileges or what we can define as our resources and distribute power.
To be able to start dismantling the idea of patriarchy is by educating, raising awareness, and communicating other forms for individuals can grow. Having more available paths other than the “least resistant” path. The way we distribute power is important. The first step should be women and men not being at odds. Women should dominate in things just like men because where we see ourselves is where we stand in the social world. Patriarchy can continuously be reshaped depending on how we alter our path and freedom.
