| Subject: |
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Re: hierarchies of oppressivity |
| Name: |
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Beth |
| Date Posted: |
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Jul 3, 08 - 2:05 PM |
| Website: |
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http://www.beth-peterson.com |
| Message: |
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Hi Anonymously, and welcome to the forum!
First, although it is often attractive to try and categorize people by gender, I would caution you away from it. People as individuals can be mean-spirited, controlling, and oppressive no matter which gender they are. (And of course, the opposite is also true.)
So, rather than asking why women would act to maintain female oppression, it really is more a question of why any victim of oppression would help in the oppression of a cohort -- another victim of oppression.
Now, keep in mind that human beings do not think linearly. We most often think in layered networks of ideas and concepts, some of which we are conscious of, and many of which we are not. That being said, let's track a very simplified version of why your scenario happens....
Person "A" is considered a second-class citizen by Those in Authority. In "A"s perception, Those in Authority are right in being in authority -- they are *suppose* to be in authority.
Ergo, when Those in Authority say "A" is a second class citizen, "A" will enthusiastically agree. "A" accepts Those in Authority's judgment of "A" and all others deemed second class citizens.
Therefore, when "B", who is also designated a second class citizen, demands to be seen and treated as a first class citizen, "A" will attack "B". "B" is trying to, in "A"s eyes, usurp a position to which "B" has no right. And worse, "B" is calling Those in Authority's decisions into question -- something which is totally and completely anathema in a hierarchy based on control.
All of this will add up to "A" evaluating "B" as being a third class citizen and one which should be punished for their presumption. On top of this, Those in Authority will also almost certainly decree "B" as being problematic and in need of correction, reinforcing "A"s evaluation.
At the same time, "A" will feel like they are helping Those in Authority or The Cause by putting "B" back in their place. "A" will feel a glow of pride in how they defend Those in Authority and their directives. Added to this, there is likely to be genuine fear -- felt at the same time as the pride -- if "A" should be found in any way wanting by Those in Authority. By attacking "B", "A" distances themselves from "B"s attitudes and actions. "A" is in essence saying, 'see, I am not like that; I don't need to be punished, too.' "A", in short, is demonstrating to Those in Authority that "A" is a 'good citizen'.
I know this is a very complex dynamic, but I hope that this simplified look will help you understand why victims of oppression will often attack other victims of the same oppressive situation.
I take it that you've either been seeing this happen, or you have had it happen to yourself? |
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This forum is about interpersonal manipulation (especially in its extreme forms) and also about how we are all the hero of our own stories, our own lives. 
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