Monday, November 28, 2005
Oppression isn't abstract
This is partly a response to DK's post here, but not a criticism. It also vaguely relates to the last few entries in this blog.
The last paragraph of DK's post reads: Unlike many of the examples of oppression which this blog gets exercised about, this is not something taking place in some far-off country (although it happens in many of those places as well) this is much closer to home. In fact, for many women it is at home.
My (somewhat belated) response was: Unfortunately i think that's why so many otherwise right-thinking people don't want to engage with it. Acknowledging and fighting oppression in other countries, happening to people you never meet face-to-face, is easier in many ways than dealing with oppression on your own doorstep in which your own (often internalised) culture is complicit.
Which i stand by. I didn't think it was fair to flood DK's comments page with my take on the issue, but it is something I feel pretty strongly about. So many people seem to see - and genuinely try to challenge - oppression in some forms, while closing their eyes to others. I am never impressed by this. For example, it is all very well getting het up over how sexist certain other cultures are, but please acknowledge that your own culture is far from a (post-?!) feminist utopia. In particular, do not expect to be taken seriously as any sort of progressive if you find rape jokes funny - something which i've found disgustingly common.
You see, oppression isn't an abstract concept. Neither is it something done by or to other (or Other) people. It isn't necessarily something that takes place at arm's length or further away. You can't write it off as part of an alien culture, while ignoring how deeply ingrained it is into your own. It is very easy to acknowledge how wrong something is when it happens far away and outside of your own immediate context. The real challenge comes when, somehow, you get an inkling that your own context also has aspects which need challenging.
I find being a feminist in England - take that how you will - slightly akin to banging my head against a wall sometimes. People will nod and agree if you talk about Afghanistan or China or Iran. But hint at oppression faced by women in England and the same people get offended. Doesn't. Happen. Here. they say as their faces close up. Rape? The women ask for it. Domestic violence? Whatever, doesn't happen, if it does it's between the couple involved and Not. (Y)our. Business. Porn? A bit of fun, liberating even. Stripping? They all enjoy it. Increased rape because of these things? See above. This is where i often lose the will to argue, if not to live.
Before I get flamed, i'd like to point out that i don't in fact think everyone does this on purpose. I know as well as anyone how difficult it is to open your eyes to certain things - how upsetting it can get to know that yet more atrocities are happening, particularly when close to home. (particularly when in your own movement) But if we are to truly challenge oppression, then i'm afraid this is a necessary step.
The last paragraph of DK's post reads: Unlike many of the examples of oppression which this blog gets exercised about, this is not something taking place in some far-off country (although it happens in many of those places as well) this is much closer to home. In fact, for many women it is at home.
My (somewhat belated) response was: Unfortunately i think that's why so many otherwise right-thinking people don't want to engage with it. Acknowledging and fighting oppression in other countries, happening to people you never meet face-to-face, is easier in many ways than dealing with oppression on your own doorstep in which your own (often internalised) culture is complicit.
Which i stand by. I didn't think it was fair to flood DK's comments page with my take on the issue, but it is something I feel pretty strongly about. So many people seem to see - and genuinely try to challenge - oppression in some forms, while closing their eyes to others. I am never impressed by this. For example, it is all very well getting het up over how sexist certain other cultures are, but please acknowledge that your own culture is far from a (post-?!) feminist utopia. In particular, do not expect to be taken seriously as any sort of progressive if you find rape jokes funny - something which i've found disgustingly common.
You see, oppression isn't an abstract concept. Neither is it something done by or to other (or Other) people. It isn't necessarily something that takes place at arm's length or further away. You can't write it off as part of an alien culture, while ignoring how deeply ingrained it is into your own. It is very easy to acknowledge how wrong something is when it happens far away and outside of your own immediate context. The real challenge comes when, somehow, you get an inkling that your own context also has aspects which need challenging.
I find being a feminist in England - take that how you will - slightly akin to banging my head against a wall sometimes. People will nod and agree if you talk about Afghanistan or China or Iran. But hint at oppression faced by women in England and the same people get offended. Doesn't. Happen. Here. they say as their faces close up. Rape? The women ask for it. Domestic violence? Whatever, doesn't happen, if it does it's between the couple involved and Not. (Y)our. Business. Porn? A bit of fun, liberating even. Stripping? They all enjoy it. Increased rape because of these things? See above. This is where i often lose the will to argue, if not to live.
Before I get flamed, i'd like to point out that i don't in fact think everyone does this on purpose. I know as well as anyone how difficult it is to open your eyes to certain things - how upsetting it can get to know that yet more atrocities are happening, particularly when close to home. (particularly when in your own movement) But if we are to truly challenge oppression, then i'm afraid this is a necessary step.
