Dismantling patriarchy

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It is especially the burden and responsibility of those who benefit from systemic oppression to work toward dismantling those very structures that enable privilege and afford domination. In feminist movement, all who are willing and able must learn and teach (listen and speak) to educate ourselves and our communities, about patriarchy and other forms of oppression. There is no solutionism here, but we must simply do something to begin to dismantle these oppressive structures, actions, and conditions that hold us all back.

Reading List

Works To Be Reviewed

Men's Reading Circle

Check back here for information about a men's reading circle that seeks to engage with these texts and each other in recognition of the necessity to dismantle patriarchy in our lives and communities. Contact Julio [juliorios at gmail dot com] or Matt [wrought] if interested in joining us.

FAQ

  1. What's "patriarchy"? - Another way of naming institutionalized sexism, which affords both privileges to some (excluding others), as well as active oppression and discrimination for others (that many men do not necessarily face).
  2. What's "feminism"? - The struggle to end sexist oppression. Both men and women can participate in this struggle.
  3. What's "oppression"? - The active domination of one (or some) by another (or others), which may especially be societal or institutional. All "oppression" is intersecting, meaning that all forms of oppression are inter-related and must be addressed holistically, as well as individually.
  4. Can men "reclaim" masculinity? - There is no reason why masculinity and the culture among men must be sexist and oppressive (i.e. patriarchal), and in fact it is integral that men confront this reality and reclaim masculinity by re-defining it to be anti-sexist and anti-oppressive.
  5. Why a reading circle? - These texts are a basic tool for communication about histories, experiences, and concepts that may be excluded from the dominant culture. Some even approach the topics of patriarchy, sexism, mysoginy, intersecting oppression, feminism, etc. Forming a reading circle can create an encouraging environment for participants to intentionally engage with the texts, as well as an opportunity to connect new concepts with participants' lived experiences. This is a direct form of literate peer-oriented learning that is relevant in any community.
  6. Are only men invited? - It is important to respect and hold space for groups that have a shared experience to commune and find the footing to speak and reflect. Folks who identify as "men" or who have lived experience as "men" stand to greatly benefit from listening, sharing, and engaging with peers on the topics of the reading list above, primarily to dismantling patriarchy (i.e. institutionalized sexism).