This week’s readings by Allan Johnson and Audre Lorde opened my mind to concepts that I never truly took the time to think about or analyze. Learning about the patriarchal culture and how our participation has gotten us to where we are today, consciously and unconsciously, was, for lack of better words, kind of scary. Although I am one single person, I hate to think that I have participated in a system that hinders others’ opportunities. The system has been capable of normalizing what is acceptable vs. unacceptable and has fogged people’s perceptions of one another. Allan Johnson’s writing piece on patriarchy provided me with a better understanding of what social structures are and the influence it has had on patriarchy. It also made various connections to everyday life scenarios to which I was able to link my own personal oppressions. In Audre Lorde’s, “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppressions”, she shares her personal struggles and the many oppressions she has faced. The labels that society has bestowed upon her, being black and a lesbian, influence one another, yet neither one is better than the other, which many of us can relate to. As she stated, there is no hierarchy in oppression.

Patriarchy is when men decide what women can and can’t do.  Putting women down physically, mentally, politically and emotionally. I think we as women are very lucky to be a part of this time period. What time period where women are liberated not only by men but society as well. In the chapter about patriarchy Allan G. Johnson tells readers that patriarchy is caused by the “system”. By system he is referring to society and the social norm we have come up with over the years. I also learned there are different levels of patriarchy. Where is personal, interpersonal, institutional, and structural. People believe that women should not be superior to men. Others create rules against women to keep uplifting men. Going back to the patriarchy system, we often make rape, violence against women, abuse, and putting women down so normal in society. Rappers talk inappropriately about women to movies and TV shows condemning abuse on women; it’s all a part of society’s norms. It is sad to say that society is the world’s greatest enemy. Moving on to hierarchy of oppression by Audre Lorde. She enlightens readers about living with different types of oppression she faces. She is a black lesbian feminist, socialist, mother and poet. Not only does Ms. Lorde have to deal with the fact that she is black, however her gay community is constantly under attack. I always forget about the people who live with multiple oppressions. I also think it is extremely inspiring that she is living her true self. Something we don’t witness a lot but it’s slowly becoming a common factor in our society.