RE: EcoTrain Question of the Week: What is patriarchy? Is a patriarchy the same as a society led by men, or is it more, a society led by fear and a feeling of scarcity, that happens to be an environment in which the masculine takes charge?
Thanks for the great post. Like you have indicated Patriarchy finds it's roots in ancient, primal survival instincts. The bottom line is this: men were stronger physically. Through the process of evolution, augmented by healthy doses of testosterone, men were the aggressors, the ones to explore, hunt, war...behaviors all rooted in survival instinct. Boy babies were more highly valued than girls, simply because they could fight, kill, hunt, protect. Of course the role of the female was as important to survival too, however in those primitive bands of humans there would be no births, no mothers, no secure caves or lodgings without men. So nature itself insured men dominated. This dominance and value system has stayed in place over the ages, until recently. It appears now is the time to find balance within each of ourselves. For men this may include welcoming their feminine aspects, for women their males aspects. Certainly in a larger context, the entire male dominated world culture where war, dominance, aggression, destruction, etc., prevails, must be balanced or we will destroy ourselves. The only answer is for each of us to turn within, to become more mindful, to find balance. May I add too, that women certainly have reason to be angry, who wouldn't be? However, it seems to me, that moving beyond anger to a greater mindfulness, a greater understanding of our deepest roots and our potential to become other than what we have been thus far will be more productive and stimulative to change. Perhaps the higher octave of the feminine energy: love, is what we need now. Well...there is no "perhaps" at all. "Love is all we need" and from that fountain we gain understanding and the courage to change. We're all in this together. A new strategy for survival must come forth. This time it must be based in love. RESTEEMED.
Thanks @mistermercury for your thoughtful reply! I completely agree with the above statement and really, for a balanced person seeking truth and goodness, perhaps the question of patriarchy doesn't take center stage, but many people don't want to "do their work" and they need a little help understanding.
I totally agree the end point is love! However, speaking as a woman who as at times been ferociously angry at the systemic and longstanding oppression of my gender, sometimes that love comes after (or within) the purifying and clarifying fire of anger and after the washing nature of tears. It's difficult to jump immediately to the love part, I feel, though ultimately i believe the anger and sadness come from a place of love. The love of equality and truth. Yes, we are all in this together. I appreciate you taking the time to comment!! Thank you for the resteem.
Dang! and here I was thinking you walk on water. Yeah, it's easy to say, "All we need is love", but not so easy to do. Humans! What shall we do? There has to be a solution to our insane lust for war, dominance and power. Perhaps, and I'm reluctant to say it, but just perhaps, the wheel shall turn and we will destroy most of humanity. Maybe those that remain will find the will to do better.