According to Allan G. Johnson’s book “Patriarchy, the System,” both men and women are oppressed. According to the reading, social life is what influences how people behave in society. Allan discusses how patriarchy affects both men and women. He shows how, since the term patriarchy is used, many people perceive or understand it to mean males, their advantages, and oppression of women. Every time we choose to remain silent and support the current quo by following the “way of least resistance,” we contribute to the perpetuation of patriarchy or other racist or homophobic ideas.

Both readings were highly intriguing to me, and they both helped to explain the issues of oppression. It all comes down to how institutes continue to instill concepts in the brains of future generations. Some patriarchal civilizations are also patrilineal, which means that property and title are passed down through the male bloodline. Some patriarchal civilizations are also patrilineal, which means that property and title are passed down through the male bloodline. A patriarchal social structure is one in which men possess main power and predominate in roles such as political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and property ownership. Society has also been structured in a patriarchal manner, with gender roles strongly split between the two factions known as men and women, with males having the upper hand since they are seen to be more informed than women.

Audre Lorde began the second reading, “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppressions,” by listing the groups/communities she is a part of and discussing how she intends to have a viable future with the organizations she identifies with. Lorde goes on to describe how each group with whom she identifies functions together in her life. She emphasizes that each group with whom she connects faces difficulties. She wishes to inspire people by demonstrating that one oppression is no different from the others since unlawful authority is still being maintained and we must remain united through it all in order to overthrow what is known as the status quo. She refuses to accept the persecution she faces from both sides.

            In the reading “Patriarchy, the system” by Allan G. Johnson the author tells us that both men and women are oppressed. The reading tells us that social life is what shapes how people are in society. Most people don’t do anything when they see something wrong and instead of doing something about it everyone just walks away from the situation. For example, one time I was the train and there was this man sitting with his daughter on his lap and this lady was standing but barely touching him afterwards he started screaming at the lady because he said that he was hitting him with her bag. Even though the train was already full, and the train kept moving and everyone was just looking at the man and didn’t say anything to him because he was wrong about it and the lady was barely leaning towards him. The reading also mentions how schools, religion, the media, etc. shapes a person and who they are in their lives. I would have to agree with this because most people can have a celebrity they look up to or they see the way other people act and sometimes some people want to do what others do. In the reading Allan G. Johnson says, “Patriarchy is a kind of society organized around certain kinds of social relationships and ideas that shape paths of least resistance.” This means that society is shaped around what’s around them and people grow up to be who they see around them and that interferes with the actions they take in their lives. The reading also mentions how society shapes our actions an example Allan G. Johnson gave was, “a young male college student at a party, for example, observes another man taking sexual advantage of a young woman who is clearly so drunk that she has little idea of what is happening, there are many things he could do.” The example Allan G. Johnson gave was an example of what the male would do if he would walk away or help the girl. In most cases someone would walk away if they didn’t want any trouble or stand up and protect the girl. I feel like it depends in the person in how they were raised and the society they grew up around.  

            In “There I No Hierarchy of Oppressions” by Audre Lorde, she talks about being a black and lesbian woman. She mentions how she wants to make a change in the world for the future and her children. Audre Lorde also mentions how oppression comes in different sexes and color. She also mentions that children should be shown to be their own person to make a change in the world. I liked my classmates Nazir’s post because it mentions how men are not the problem in society, but patriarchy is because of how the world is shaped and how people act in society. It doesn’t have to do about the social norms of women or men but the actions they take in society and if they do something to stand up to society. 

I found this week’s readings, “There Is No Hierarchy In Oppression” by Audre Lorde and “Patriarchy, the System, An It, Not a He, a Them, or an Us” By Allan G. Johnson and continuation on Oppression and Privilege very interesting. Like I mentioned last week, oppression always narrows down to the root of racism and hierarchy created with the white cis-gendered men. Throughout both texts, we can see this “theory” evolve through history and personal experiences. 

“There is no hierarchy of oppression” (There Is No Hierarchy In Oppression, Audre Lorde, pg 1) To me this quote means that there is no oppressed group being more oppressed than others. Every oppressed group faces the same oppression one way or another. And there is no way someone can fight oppression being a part of a certain group and feel freedom in another. When one identity idd targeted and oppressed, all of you are being oppressed. Johnson also has a great example that feeds into Lorde’s point. It states “There is poverty and class oppression because the upper classes are greedy, heartless and cruel” This comes to show that in the hierarchy, there will always be a common denominator, which is lower classes and in these classes, we will see them sharing a lot of similarities. The reason being is, taking the train back throughout history, the higher/wealthier classes were the ones with all the power due to this status. They would humiliate all other classes below them who weren’t so fortunate, and unfortunately, these lower classes consisted of people of color, uneducated, and poor people. This is exactly the point that Lorde was making on how once one of these categories is oppressed, they are all under the same attack of oppression. On the topic of oppression, another example we can look at is, in Johnson’s writing, they speak about when we think of “Patriarchy” we ALL automatically think of men’s privilege and their oppression of women. Unfortunately with time, the power of men never died down, it actually grew as they would reclaim the power of their ancestors and fight with the current laws established for equality to keep that patriarchy and oppressive side going. 

With this week’s topic, I really enjoyed the snapshots posted by my fellow classmates. Before I elaborate on someone else’s piece, I wanted to elaborate a little more on mine. I chose an image of a white man and a woman of color about to compete in the same race with the same distance to the finish line. However, the only difference was that for the woman of color, the path had way more obstacles than for the white man. Just like in real life, where minorities have to face so many challenges to reach the same exact goal/finish line as the privileged people of society, white males. In the image, the man is telling the woman that the distance is the same in a sarcastic way, without fully understanding why the woman is upset at her path. This also happens in our society where the more privileged people don’t understand the other people’s struggles and are quick to judge and call others lazy when they don’t see how many more obstacles they have in their path to reach the same goals, no matter how big or small they can be. Another classmate’s post that I really enjoyed was by Ceranlly Rodriguez. Their post was an image of a woman being “shushed” by different hands with all sorts of comments and questions. Unfortunately, this happens to women all over the world where women are oppressed and shut out of their truth. No matter what a woman goes through, there will always be that privileged comment about the victim or just women in general, doubting their truth and questioning a set of unfortunate events. This image ties back to both of this week’s readings and I enjoyed making the connection with all 3 documents. 

This week’s reading designates the fact that people may or may not be part of the problem. When these topics, oppression, male privileges etc are talked about, most of the time from beginning to end are associated with an individual. The author, Allan G. Johnson also indicates that what we sometimes term as oppression, could in fact not be oppression at al. He states, “merely the sum of individual failings on the part of people of color, women, and people living in poverty, who lack the right stuff to compete successfully with whites, men and others who know how to make something of themselves” (Johnson 27). From my understanding of this statement, people of color, women sometimes mis concept poverty with oppression. The lack of opportunities and resources mislead people into thinking that their situations are because of oppression, patriarchy. 

Allan Johnson states, “if we see patriarchy as nothing more than men’s and women’s individual personalities, motivations and behavior, then it won’t occur to us to ask about larger contexts”. Patriarchy involves more than just individualism; it is much broader in context than what we presume. When a parent ignores his or her responsibilities or refuses to cater for their children, The possibilities to that outcome should not be limited to how careless the parent is, or just justify the situation at hand based on the person’s personalities. We should take into consideration bigger factors, like how much society, religion has contributed to this output. 

As stated by the author, our personalities and gender preference are sometimes initiated through socialization. Interacting and “participating” in social affairs constitutes to an individual finding his or her true self or identity. The author sights his thoughts on the fact that as individuals, we sometimes react or respond consciously or unconsciously to certain circumstances based on how society puts forth, in other words how society expects us to. “We are participating something bigger than ourselves”. In this reading, we are confronted about agonizing truth that “human beings are the ones who make social systems happen”. Socialization, societal norms, and beliefs, set theories are a part of the system that is made up by us. The system created can also be made different by us. It is up to us to amend the system that we created. I know this is not really related, but this passage somehow reminds me of the 504 incidents, where disabled people joined forces and fought for their rights, that certain actions and changes be made to make less complicated for them.

Audre Lorde, the author of the reading, “There is no hierarchy of oppression” tells us that oppression comes in many forms and not directed to just one race or gender. The author wants to “effect change” whiles being her true self, “As a Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, poet, mother if two including one boy and a member of an interracial couple”. The author acknowledges her race and gender. She refuses to ignore the oppression she endures from either side. It is brought to our attention that we brainwash ourselves about the hardships we have gone through, however she is determined to show her kids better so don’t need to be like us.

Ceranlly Serrano Rodriguez 

09/28/2021

Respond #4

The author Allan G Johnson talks about how patriarchy affects both genders and men. He explains how since the word patriarchy is used many people hear or interpret that it is men, their privileges and the oppression towards women.many people interpret patriarchy as that all men have the oppression of women however sometimes men feel defensive because they identify with patriarchy and its values since it has the privilege of many things but when it comes to facing the consequences they do not give the face which produces the privilege of men to be able to benefit from something without having to give the face of their problems.on the other hand in the reading he explains how we must begin to understand that we are trapped in a “model of social life that views everything as beginning and ending with individuals.”  From what I understand is that everything begins and ends with an individual and that with the decision of an individual we can change many things since as he explains us in the reading we are part of the social system and that we can change many things that today are part of the patriarchy.that as everything is like a conjuto of words where we must change in that as the Latinos say the men do not cry because that makes them only the woman is they look weak, . it is something natural of our nature that we have feelings towards something or as they say that women should cook and do what they do out of the house. Not all women have the same interest in things if a woman does not like this kind of thing and prefers to invest her time at work or other things that does not make her more or less woman.So the change is in oneself in wanting to make the differences and do things well and not remain silent when we see something unfair or that favors both women and men.Many men to get what you want it becomes easier time behind but in this last time while I grew up I have realized that today we women have advanced a lot in power and privilege that men had and not only in countries like the United States I have also seen it in Caribbean countries like my country the Dominican Republic and it is in the types of jobs such as women police officers that according to society were “only for men” and today I see women in those jobs.

In the lecture “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppressions” by Audre Lorde it tell us about the problems and oppressions with which she has to live since she is black and lesbian and how she feels how the appreciation and intolerance of differences come in all shape. and as people like them try to change and get liberation so that in the future their children have a workable future. For many people in society the role of a woman is to be a mother and take care of her home.  but it is not so with time everything will change.

Allan G. Johnson’s “Patriarchy, the System” holds us all accountable for our actions by asking what kind of society would permit misogyny and crimes against women to take place. “We are involved in patriarchy and its consequences because we occupy social positions in it, which is all it takes,” writes Johnson. I really enjoyed reading this essay because it put the power to change the system in the hands of the individual without placing blame on them. Every time we choose to stay silent and maintain the status quo by taking the “path of least resistance”, we contribute to upholding the patriarchy or any other racist or homophobic beliefs.

         If you’re not speaking up and speaking out against the side you disagree with, you might as well agree with them. Peer pressure and fear of being ostracized by one’s social group is a big deterrent against voicing an opinion that will rock the boat. When we recognize that what’s at stake is much larger than momentary social discomfort, the reasons to voice our opinions become all the more clear. Systems are comprised of individuals, not some nebulous “they”. Change begins with us. 

         “Above all, patriarchal culture is about the core value of control and domination in almost every area of human existence,” writes Johnson. In order to overcome the patriarchy, we must dissect its motivations. The desire to control and dominate is historical baggage. The need to colonize and enslave others stems from the same motivation. The patriarchy grows stronger by pitting oppressed groups against one another. In her book, “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppressions”, Audre Lorde wrote, “I cannot afford the luxury of fighting one form of oppression only. I cannot afford to believe that freedom from intolerance is the right of only one particular group”.

         We cannot pick and choose which major forms of oppression are tolerable, because none of them are. Similarly, we cannot downplay the undertones of violence present in a seemingly harmless cat call because we think only what we perceive to be cold-blooded rape is a problem. This is the sort of thinking that leads to blaming women by asking questions such as, “What were you wearing?” or, “Were you drinking?”. In Ceranlly Serrano Rodriguez’s snapshot, they posted a picture of what appears to be a woman whose mouth is being covered up by the hands of others. Upon each arm a question is written which doubts the validity of the woman’s experience of rape. 

         It’s easier to silence marginalized groups than it is to listen and reflect. To choose to ignore another person’s experience is to uphold the status quo. The power truly lies with each of us as individuals. We must stick our necks out for others when we are able to do so especially when the threat of physical violence is not present. Failure to do so is effectively supporting the patriarchy. Reality is what we choose to make it. The only thing which must be silenced is hate itself. If we don’t silence hate, it will surely silence us. 

I have been intrigued by both of the readings this week and particularly by “Patriarchy, The System An It, Not a He Them, or a Us” by Allan Johnson. In this piece, the author Allan Johnson talks about how a society controlled by man can have a toll on both genders in our general public. Some may be curious as to what a patriarchal society might be. A patriarchal society is a society where the social framework of the society is designed and controlled by men. Men would hold control of all essential infrastructures such as government and political leadership roles, societal privileges, moral authority, and the control of all land and property. This is a basic model of a patriarchal society; however, there are also patriarchal societies that can be modified to be a little more different. Some patriarchal societies can also be patrilineal. What this means is, land and property, political and societal roles, and moral standards can be passed on from Father to son. In this system, the women, such as mother and daughter, are left out. I was born in Taiwan and raised in a Chinese household, and in Asia, society tends to be more patriarchal. Most of Asia, as of today, still tends to be mostly patriarchal. Nothing much has changed. Taiwan, however, is leading the charge in change in this area. In East Asia, Taiwan is the most forward thinking country. The government is constantly pushing to be more progressive. In this piece, Allan is telling people to fight for gender equality and this is important because people shouldn’t be held back based on their gender. In a society where all genders are equal, that will only benefit the society. With equal opportunity in all area, that will stimulate growth in the economy, rapid improvements on infrastructure, and, overall, keep the government moving in a powerful direction. Some may ask, “Why does all this happen when genders are equal?” My answer to that question is, quite simply, because there are more people their minds onto the problems. Two brains are better than one! Things are not perfect in today’s society, however, we can see there are lots of change happening. With more women in the workplace today, productivity and capital gains keep rising. Granted, there are still problems like unequal pay for women in the work place or the issue of maternity leave. These are all issues that still plague our society today, however, I am optimistic that we will reach a solution in the near future. We are all human beings and I believe that everyone only wants to go good for their country and their neighbors and loved ones. Fair opportunity and getting rid of oppressor is what we need to move the society to the next level. 

This week’s readings managed to perfectly articulate the concept of all of us participating in what we’ve labeled as “patriarchy”. Allen Johnson manages to deconstruct the idea that patriarchy is solely just men refusing to acknowledge their privilege or negating their oppression towards women. It is a much broader problem than that and it becomes clear that women are just as likely to participate in patriarchy as men. As it is a system which wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the oppressors as well as the oppressed. I love the way Allen challenges the phrase that we hear people throw around every day, “we live in a society..” or the many people who blame “the system” for behavioral injustices committed against them, whether that be due to their race, gender or economic background. It takes a very insightful person to recognize that blaming “society” for the way people treat others is lazy at best and devoid of all accountability at worst. WE create society, with every decision that we make, the roles we choose to fill, or the injustices that we either conform to or ignore. This excerpt from Allen Johson’s, “Patriarchy the System” perfectly encapsulates this concept, “‘the system’ serves as a vague, unarticulated catch-all, a dumping ground for social problems, a scapegoat that can never be held to account and that, for all the power we think it has, cannot talk back or actually do anything.” This shows how much power we give a concept that ultimately cannot change on it’s own. It merely possesses life because WE do, like a parasite and its host. It is our job to eliminate this parasite, not feed it in hopes that we can somehow tame it, or that it leaves on its own. This is illogical.

In the same vein, I loved the writer’s exploration on how patriarchy negatively affects men as well as women, proving what so many feminists have been arguing for YEARS; men are better off without patriarchy. Under these circumstances, men are pressured to appear, act, and REACT in ways that might not come naturally to them but they deem as “necessary” in order to conform into what is “socially acceptable” for a man. Whilst I don’t consider this oppressive, feeling stifled is a breeding ground for anger, violence, and rebellion. Which no doubt explains why men seemingly choose to be willingly ignorant of the problem as sensitivity is frowned upon by other men and even women. Turning a blind eye is much easier than going against the grain, even if it means that you’re doing the wrong thing morally, this is called the path of least resistance. “The path of least resistance in such a situation is to go along and not make any trouble, to not get in the way of another man making use of a woman, to not risk being accused of siding with a woman against a man and thereby appearing to be less of a man himself.” Allen explains.

Nazir’s post sums up this concept perfectly. They chose a quote from Toni Morrison that states, “The enemy is not men. The enemy is the concept of patriarchy, the concept of patriarchy as the way to run the world or do things.” The second we stop blaming our problems on this intangible concept is the moment we’ll finally be free from it. When we put the energy that we do into pointing fingers and direct that at ourselves, is the moment our introspection will lead us in the right step to unlock the chokehold that patriarchy has on us ALL.