A few nights ago I had dinner with a dear friend of mine. During the course of the meal we gabbed on about everything from the latest gossip to plans for the holidays. Some where in the middle, between ex-boyfriends and Paris we talked about the development of our opinions and philosophies. Both of us were raised in South Carolina, both had parent's who moved here from the North, and both were brought up in a conservative, protestant home.
My friend has been studying courses in psychology, nutrition and sociology- always interested in human development. This semester and the last, she has taken some classes on feminism and women studies. I don't know if it was a fluke in her schedule or the alternative classes were full, but she admitted in a drab tone that she initially rolled her eyes at the idea of taking the classes. However, the past few months have yielded a new appreciation in my friend's mind; let's just say it was a change from her previous prejudices.
We both spoke heatedly about inequalities for women, the expected roles society places on us, the double standard when it comes to women who choice to run in politics, sexually based crimes on humanity, and the sexism that is rampant across the world still- the works.
She brought up a point that resonated with me. The indoctrination by men to their daughters and wives to stick up for the male species because they are under attack. She added:
I've always stuck up for the boys! All my life I was raised to defend them, to defend my father. I didn't realize that my dad was coaching me along. I didn't realize that he was indoctrinating me. It's a tradition past down from generation to generation to keep the order. Because yes women can have a job, but we are still expected to keep up with our house work and that's so difficult that most women end up quitting their jobs to stay at home because to do both means you don't have time to enjoy life.Even now, I told her, I think back to days when I engaged in political debates regarding affirmative action. I was the biggest cheerleader for the middle aged white male- to which I now look back at in ghastly embarrassment. Who are we kidding really, I'm suppose to believe that white males are the victims here? I know one thing, they sure are over compensating due to the power grab from others outside of their demographic group. Sorry, but I don't buy into the whole 'the sky is falling' ideology just because women and people of color can now get a white mans job.
Somewhere along the line I began questioning the ideas I held onto with such fervor in my youth. From this one instance it made me wonder when that started happening. I'm sure it began around high school, but it doesn't feel like it made a substantial change in my life until very recently (within the year).
Indoctrination and fear are so present in all of our lives that it's hard to realize when you've been infected. I guess that's the real scary part of the whole process. People try to infiltrate your mind on a daily basis, it's called media and marketing- everyone is a target and everyone is susceptible. The trick is to stay alert and not fall prey to ignorance of the system; Even worse, to be apathetic to the process.
Apathy is a choice to let someone else decide your future. Your past is history, what would you like to do about it now?
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