File spoon-archives/marxism-feminism.archive/marxism-feminism_1997/marxism-feminism.9711, message 12


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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