In the
article Patriarchy, The System by
Allan G Johnson, Johnson discusses the system of patriarchy that is present
throughout the world and more specifically the United States. Johnson talks
about how men and women do not want to accept that a patriarchy system exists
in our society, mainly because they do not want to face the consequences that
come with this system. In today’s society we live in a “man’s world”. Meaning
that white, educated males dominate our society. There is race, gender and
class oppression. Race oppression exists because some white males do not want
to accept people of different ethnic backgrounds. Gender oppression exists
because some men believe that women should stay at home and take care of the
children instead of joining the work force with men. Lastly class oppression
exists because people in the upper class are “greedy” and believe that people
need to work hard for success. Johnson believes race, gender, and class
oppression exists because these groups of individuals do not have the correct
tools in order to be successful like the white male population. Most people
blame this system for our society’s problem, but people do not realize that
they are apart of this society and this patriarchal system exists because of
them. Our society depends on our population just like our population also
depends on society. Although our society has many constraints, Johnson says,
“If a society is oppressive, then people who grow up and live in it will tend
to accept, identify with, and participate in it as ‘normal’ and unremarkable
life” (Johnson 26). Johnson understands that all people depend on society and
accepts it rewards and punishments.
Johnson
then goes on to discuss “The System”. To Johnson, “In general, a system is any
collection of interrelated parts or elements that we can think of a as whole”
(Johnson 26). Johnson discusses how our society can be considered a game and we
are the players who participate in the game. This game has certain rules and
patterns that all players use. Johnson points out how rare it is to see the
players change the game of the rules. This relates to our society and the
patriarchal system that is present. People in society do not want to “change
the rules” or break social norms of society because they are afraid of the consequences
that may arise afterward. Johnson says: “…individual change is often restricted
to people who either have little to lose or who are secure and protected
enough” (Johnson 28). Individuals do not want to participate in change unless
they know they will not be affected afterward. People who are most likely to
participate in standing up for a change in this system of patriarchy are the
ones in either the weakest position or the strongest position.
Johnson
shows that in our society we normally associate men to be dominant and
masculine while women are considered subordinate and feminine. Patriarchy
normally goes unnoticed, unexamined, and not subject to change. Johnson
discusses the differences between men and women. Women are expected to stay at
home and take care of the children while men are working to support their
families. There is a special importance placed on men’s careers and women’s
lives at home and childcare. Johnson also talks about how men are strong and
women are weak and need men in their lives so that they can be supported.
Johnson ends the article discussing how in order to change this system of
patriarchy we need to be better educated, have stronger communication skills,
and to be conscious of individual’s attempt of transformation in society.
I really
enjoyed reading this article; I think that Johnson brought up some really good
points about the society that we live in today. I really liked how this article
was not biased towards men or women. I think Johnson point of view about the
differences between men and women is very interesting. I do not think that some
people understand the connection between women’s bodies and nature. Women are “more”
connected to nature than men because of their natural abilities to bear and
breast-feed children. I think it is really important that women are known are
care givers but also known to be a part of and accepted in the work force in
our society. I also strongly agree with Johnson when he says that in order to help
solve some of these patriarchal problems we need to be educated about these
issues and develop better communication skills. I think it is really important
that society recognizes that these issues are real and we as a society needs to
learn more about these issues in order to change them and make progress towards
a more equal society.
I am
excited to discuss this article with the class. More specifically I want to
know what the class thinks about Johnson argument about individual change.
Whether individual change can only be subjected to people who have nothing to
lose or people who are stable and protected enough.
