Patriarchy

Brianna Gray

Acts of Resistance

9.17.18

                             Patriarchy 

 Bell Hooks provides an excellent representation of Patriarchy in this world and also within families, she gives descriptive details on how people whether male or female are raised to be patriarchies. She defines Patriarchy two different ways; One is her own definition based on experiences and surroundings. Hooks goes on to say " Patriarchy is the single most life threatening social-disease assaulting the male body and spirit in our nation." Hooks second definition is more standard and competent stating " Patriarchy is a political-social system that insists that males are inherently dominating, superior to everything and everyone deemed weak, especially females".

  Patriarchy is an constant issue we have been battling since the beginning of time. It is a constant battle for women to prove their equality and respect in this world. We deserve the same, if not more recognition for all that we do and deal with. It is a continual pattern of diminishing women's accomplishments and achievements. Women whether human or animal are the only species to carry and bare a child, deal with cramps, and regular changes within our bodies. We bring life into this world, and for some reason we are still depreciated.

  There are two quotes within Hooks reading that i felt had perfect representation of how and where patriarchy may have began. " At church they had learned that GOD created man to rule the world and everything in it and that it was the work of women to help men perform these tasks, to obey and to always assume a subordinate role in relation to a powerful man". 

  
  The second quote stood out personally because this can be an accurate reasoning on why men feel it is necessary to refrain from expressing their inner emotions. Majority of men feel that it is weak of them to be vulnerable, when it is actually the complete opposite of that."Patriarchy demands of men that they become and remain emotional cripples. Since it is a system that denies men full access to their freedom of will, it is difficult for any women or man of any class to rebel against patriarchy".

  The artists I will be using for representation is Janelle Monae, specifically her song and Visual titled Pynk, besides the beautiful melodic tone, the main focus is the visual for Pynk. According to Monae, Pynk is supposed to be a representation of women empowerment, by celebrating self love, creation, sexuality and p*ssy power. The song generally is about women sexual empowerment, i thought the visual  representation was very beautiful, roaring, yet powerful. Definitely making a strong artistic statement finding the beauty in the female genitalia and in women generally.

https://youtu.be/PaYvlVR_BEc