Anyone who views human history — including prehistory — from a gender perspective may detect the vestiges of a worldwide disturbance that took place between 4000-2000 B.C., as the ancient matriarchal system was gradually overthrown by the evolving patriarchy.
This victory was finally decided by the newly perfected power of war, which eventually decimated the world of its goddess-worshipping towns and deities.
Those observing history from a gender perspective could also doubtless see the current worldwide struggle between authoritarian and democratic-progressive political systems as a similar conflict, only in reverse, as the patriarchy begins to die and a more inclusive, empathic world view seems to be rising inexorably.
In the U.S., President Donald Trump represents the old system, with its Earth-plundering, authoritarian dependence on hierarchy, exclusion and violence, and there are many who are prepared to die, or kill, in its defense.
However, opposing this harsh, repressive ideology, the new pattern is rising, one given various names over the years by feminist thinkers: Riane Eisler called it a partnership model as opposed to a dominator model; Carol Gilligan described it as an “ethic of care,” which she said rebuilds and expands the patriarchal “ethic of justice.”
Whatever its names, this conflict can be clearly seen in our streets, as unarmed demonstrators confront faceless, armed, camo-clad soldiers, and in our government, where a flaccid, posturing president secretly and systematically undoes, with much collusive aid from his old patriarchal system enablers, our centuries-old democratic structures.
This struggle, I think, is part of a worldwide cultural shift, where I’m convinced the forces for inclusion, kindness and peaceful conflict-resolution — genuine democracy — must inevitably win over those of exclusion, autocracy, plunder and violence, if our human world is going to survive and thrive.
I think the progressives are on the living, growing branch of history and that, at the same time, we will need to accept and understand the inevitable resistance and steps backward — just as the ancient patriarchy originally faced obstacles and temporary defeats — as we move into this new paradigm.
NAN BOURNE
Woodstock
We are witnessing an American tragedy — it’s the power of delusion on full display, and it’s looking like the end of an era. The American president is using the equivalent of right-wing paramilitary forces to grab dissenters off of the streets. He is fomenting civil strife in defense of an image. He cares not about democracy. He cares only about power.
Almost 150,000 people have died from a disease that could be all but halted if people just wore masks. But millions refuse to do so. They are fascinatingly blind to their own destruction. They read stories on the web that promote wild-eyed conspiracies, and they congregate in virtual spaces that stoke their anger and convince them of their truth. Public schools are compelled to reopen for in-person learning — indoors — even as the virus spreads and generates the need for giant coolers to serve as makeshift morgues.
Life is rich with irony. It is ironic that the anti-maskers claim the right and liberty to not wear facial coverings, while having no idea that their protests against masks demonstrate their ignorance as to how their own triggered brains work. It is ironic that millions of Americans — ones who claim belief in freedom and democracy — support a president who simply demands fealty and adulation, and who insults and desecrates the Constitution on a daily basis. It is ironic that we all seem to parrot back to the world how great America is, as if it’s some immutable existential state, while simultaneously we watch as our government, with the tacit acquiescence of the citizens, moves us away from the rule of law and closer to the end of the republic. Ironic — and tragic.
DAN WEINTRAUB
Quechee
As the novel coronavirus rages on, and experts say we can’t easily control it, our lives and economy continue to be shattered. Young people — missing graduations, college plans and just regular school — are beyond frustrated. We all put up a good fight for many months and, had the federal government listened to the experts, lives would have been saved and we could be close to normal. Instead, we have a president who insists schools open, which of course is dangerous and not happening. Wealthy people are now advertising for tutors for home schooling.
We are angry — at the government, at racial injustice, at the president who rants and rages and calls troops out on his own people. There’s conflict in the streets. More people are buying guns than ever before. This is law and order?
President Donald Trump only incites more rage and racism, thus vandalism as well as peaceful protesting, while painting a rosy picture of a virus that will magically disappear. His false hope is the opposite of reassuring. His support of his corrupt cronies, including Ghislaine Maxwell, Roger Stone, Michael Flynn and William Barr is terrifying. His “I have everything under control” rhetoric is pathetic. How can we last until November, when we will finally get rid of this incompetent despot?
SALLY PRINCE
New London