Anyone reading my columns has no doubt noticed a heavy emphasis on the family.
Until yesterday, this would not have been controversial: it would’ve simply been understood that family is the bedrock of civilization and that the family has a natural patriarchal structure.
In modern days, the word “patriarchy” triggers the worst of emotions in people.
There is a reason of course and it is the same reason that the word racism works so well at ginning up controversy: it is a combination of the poor behavior of mankind and the serpent-like speech of Marxists.
There is no question about what drives feminism. Even a brief look into the political theory of feminism will show that the system hinges on the typical, oppressor-oppressed paradigm. The thinking can easily – and undoubtedly – be traced back to Marxist roots. Of course, they will make sure to use the language of liberation, freedom and equity for women – but at the end of the day you will still find the underlying ideology of Karl Marx. Despite what seems to be near universal disdain for communism amongst Americans, the philosophy of Marx has worked its way through our society – while the adherents of it are left unaware – and its roots in many of our political theories go unexamined.
It occurs to me that many don’t understand what “patriarchy” means. The word simply means “father rule.” In other words, a father is responsible to rule over his home.
It also does not escape me that it is hard to say that someone should rule over others. Yet, this reality is inevitable. Hierarchies exist in every area of life and the cosmos.
A more prudent question than “should someone rule?” is rather “who will rule?” My answer is the father. The question remaining for me is whether he will rule righteously.
Feminism provides a poor replacement for patriarchy. Stated more accurately, it actually hasn’t replaced the patriarchy at all. Patriarchy is the most natural structure of a family. Families grow into societies. The deconstruction of society is where feminism comes in. The intention of feminism isn’t to replace the patriarchy, it is to deconstruct it. The function of critical theory is to be critical of the power structures that already exist and to deconstruct them.
Feminism never intended to build a society. It was designed to bring down the power structure that already was. In the place of the patriarchy, we did not elevate women above men and create a matriarchy. We instead created an individualistic society, decimating the family. While claiming absolute equity was needed and that men and women are legally indistinguishable, we have left women defenseless.
On another note, my wife does look good wearing shoes.
Jeremy Wiggins writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, jeremywiggins87@gmail.com.