Being a female, I have been aware that the way in which many societies are organized, disadvantages women. It is important for women to question how much of our present day society is shaped by patriarchy. Dominant ideologies in culture are created by those in power, often of who are men. Society socializes us in a way where we do not question the dominant ideology (which is often rooted in patriarchy) and just accept the norm. However, without questioning the dominant ideology (and thus those in powers) marginalized groups are continually kept in silence. But today, women are question the world order and what role their play, this is a threat to the imperialist endeavours and political structures of many nations.
Mayan men were able to hold their positions as dominant in relationships because they were able to marginalize Mayan women and keep reinforcing gender roles. This oppression has occurred in Afghanistan, Iraq and even in Canada. This relationship between man and women is one of power and powerless; it is also very similar to that of colonizer and colonized. However, when women are speaking up against and questioning the power, then a political empire that is based on female subjugation cannot function.
The hyper-masculine male exists only if females are ‘kept in their place.’ Men define themselves in relation to women, and thus need women to play a role in helping them maintain their power. The very act of Innu, Okinawan and Tokyo women questioning standing up and questioning the US-Japan military alliance is an attack to the existence of the American empire. Women are no longer choosing to be compliant, silent, and passive, but are taking active roles into voice against the power structures.
Women have largely been kept out of engaging in politics in Afghanistan, but have been accounted for in order to maintain the structure. The warlords and affiliated political parties shared the common belief that women’s martial relations must be controlled in order to sustain power. The construction of Afghani men as saviours and natural guardians post Taliban regime has had consequences for women. Afghani women have been forced to play a feminized role in order to keep the politicized masculinity of Afghani men alive. Men have constructed the politics of the nation as a battlefield that is too dangerous and unsafe for women. In planning politics, men do not leave room for women, because if they did, it would jeopardize their status. Therefore, they try to scare women away by frightening them through death, rape, and violence. However, despite all this, more women have taken an active role; people now view women’s rights as human rights, and continue to advocate for change and equality. While some political regimes have given women some leeway, there is still a long way to go. “A thousand mile journey begins with the first step,” and the very act of questioning the legitimacy and functioning of an empire is the beginning of an end of a national oppressive empire.
– Vaanmathy
Tags: speakout
