How can anyone defend patriarchy, when it so clearly resembles the mindset of terrorism?

Question

Patriarchy has been institutionalized and imbedded in western law since the beginning of western civilization. Patriarchy is the belief in male superiority over half of the human species; it is about power and domination over women (and children) and the spread of this infectious belief exists in both the eastern and the western world centers/powers. This idea of male superiority is carried out in Capitalism, Confucianism, Marxism, Fascism, Monarchies, Theocracies, and not only political, philosophical and economic systems, but also in all of the world religions. The terrorist is not a modern character but one that has been around since the beginning of patriarchy and exists to keep the myth of masculinity and maleness alive. Religion, philosophy and aesthetics all endeavors that have actively aimed at the exclusion of women; all perpetuate and condone this notion of male superiority.

Great book on this topic
"The Demon Lover" by Robin Morgan

Answer 1

Well said. I'd quibble about "Marxism"--only in that Marx himself explicitly rejected patriarchy.

But have you noticed? Other than the labels used, there's no difference between the rhetoric of the right-wing "Christians" (about the only ones in this country that still defend gender inequality) and the radical "Islamists."

You're right. Same mindset. But it goes deeper than gender. Its about having power over others--based on gender, religion, ethnicity--or any other excuse they can dream up.

Answer 2

I can't. Equality and true democracy make gender irrelevant. That means our own country is still struggling to become truly civilized, although our arrogance makes a lot of people fail to realize it.
500 years ago, Queen Elizabeth I ruled England with far more power than any U.S. president has ever had, and it was one of England's better eras. Not traditionally political, I am now quite proud of the Democratic party for having legitimate black, female and Hispanic (Bill Richardson) contenders for the White House. Perhaps progress resumes in 2008.
By the way, Lotus, you provided some great answers to my questions earlier. If I had read things better, you would have gotten some points. Keep on speaking out; you do a good job.

Answer 3

I'm sorry, who's defending patriarchy? In the US we so firmly believe in a woman's equality that we were able to pass a constitutional amendment to insure that it would always be that way.

And the examples of Patriarchal governments you gave do not have the terrorist mindset as a rule. Just like with any terrorist groups it always a radical portion of any group.

Answer 4

I know Christianity doesn't do as you think it does against women. In fact it was Jesus Christ who liberated women simply by bringing salvation to all. It is not his fault if so many are confused about it as we can see by so many isms and schisms.
I have a son now fighting in Iraq and I would not want a female soldier with him on any war venture or whatever it is called, since if he was, God forbid, wounded, she would not be able to physically lift him and carry him if this is what was needed.
There are many things women cannot do that men can do and vice versa.
It is when women's lib began that divorces rose and children were left to themselves.
God has an order in his world..sadly most don't follow it.
Each has a role to fulfill and women are not as men in any way, shape or form.
With the mind, we can accomplish many things,but to place women on equal par with men in all things is not seeing correctly. Reality says different.
Males are not superior, they are just made differently and with a different role to fulfill; it is the misunderstanding of this role that is now destroying the world as we know it.
Terrorists are out to kill, they are not interested in anything except hatred for anythoing that is not Muslim minded.

Answer 5

Capitalism although created during patriarchal times is not dependent on that mode of living to flourish, on the other hand Muslim theocracies are dependent on discrimination against women and children. For example, Oprah Winfrey would be stoned to death in a Muslim Theocracy, while she is an extremely successful Capitalist.

Answer 6

The Jews Follow Matriarchy and it seems to be as useless. It may not be perfect but it is universal. 98% of males consider themselves superior and at least 40% of women think the same way. Another 40% of women consider themselves equal that leaves less than 10% of humans considering women superior.

Answer 7

I'm female but do not support the Feminist movement in any way. I don't think males should be domineering but should be leaders of the human race. Each gender was given traits that compliment each other and today's woman wants it all and it's failing.

Answer 8

you defend what your are conditioned to value, if this is all you know and you agreewith or cherish it you fight for it. If there is a better alternative it too will have to be defended.

Answer 9

Be thankful of the males defending & protecting your cute
little feminine butt...