When topics like oppression, male privileges and many more are discussed, most often, from beginning to end, are associated with an individual. The author, Allan G. Johnson indicates that what we sometimes term as oppression, could in fact not be oppression at al. It is stated, “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). This statement regarding people of color, women sometimes being associated and disconcerted with poverty and oppression. The lack of opportunities and resources disproportionate people into thinking that their situations are in effect because of oppression and/or 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 seems to involve a whole lot more than a single line of circumstances, but a whole lot of system; it is much broader and deeper than what is presumed. We should take into consideration bigger factors, like how much society, religion contributes to countless outputs. 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 manipulated system created can also be made different by generation of today. It is in our power to amend the system that was put in place only to favor a particular group. 

Audre Lorde states, “There is no hierarchy of oppression”. This quote expresses on the fact that oppression comes in various forms and not directed to a particular or specific race or gender. The author wants to be her true self, “As a Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, poet, mother if two including one boy and a member of an interracial couple”. Acknowledging her race and gender, she refuses to ignore the oppression she endures as a result of what she identifies as.