Date: Wed, 12 Nov 1997 20:51:02 -0500 From: "kenneth.mackendrick" <kenneth.mackendrick-AT-utoronto.ca> Subject: Re: M-FEM: Patriarchy (fwd) > Patriarchy is one of the most insidious and damaging of all systems of oppression percisely because it disguises its presence and threats under the mask of love and protection.... (cut) Then why are men punished for not fulfilling their "duties" toward women? If patriarchy only had the mask of love and protection then women would be tortured, killed, and abused without ANY kind of reparations. But historically this is not the case. Countless laws have been passed by patriarchal states, religions, etc. which authentically are designed to protect women. These elements of compassion should not be overlooked. What man says goes, yes, but it is not unlimited power over. Patriarchy is destructive, oppressive etc. It also happens to be pervasive. We cannot but theorize from under the shadow of patriarchy. But patriarchy does possess worthwhile elements - the idea of love, desire, and protection are nice thoughts. These things probably shouldn't be devalued as ideas. The purist critique of patriarchy misses an underlying threat - of power over - which is at the root of human relationships. ken
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