reshape your understanding of our history
Anna Malaika Tubbs laid out American patriarchy in a really clear and compassionate way! i appreciated the call to action and hopeful tone towards the end, and we’re prompted to shout about how it doesn’t have to be this way.
some of the many quotes I highllighted:
“Black women are the most astute observers of American patriarchy as a result of being violently excluded from it historically, named by law as direct opposites of white men but forced to live dangerously close to them … Black women have shown others paths to transforming systems and challenging long-held assumptions to create a world that is more equitable, and to leave space for new ways of living.”
“It is always an option to stand against the norm, especially when the norm is wrong, and it is always valid to revisit history and question those who accepted injustice rather than simply excusing their actions as ‘products of their time.’”
“If you have been told that the world belongs to you, you see yourself above the law, above the rules; you grant yourself permission to follow your own orders, to act on even your most detrimental desires.”
In 'Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us,' Anna Malaika Tubbs dissects the pervasive nature of patriarchy and its impact on society. Her work sheds light on the contributions of Black women, who historically have been the underrepresented voices yet are the keenest observers of these oppressive systems. Tubbs highlights that the exclusion of Black women from traditional patriarchal frameworks has offered them unique insights into its workings and flaws. Moreover, she argues that standing against societal norms that perpetuate injustice is not just valid, but necessary. Tubbs encourages readers to question historical accounts that excuse injustices as mere products of their time. By revisiting and challenging these narratives, we can pave the way for a more just society. Understanding Tubbs' arguments helps contextualize current struggles for equality, inviting us all to reflect on our roles within these systems. The call to action is clear: we can—and must—reshape our societal structures to become more inclusive and equitable for future generations. This approach not only empowers individuals, particularly women of color, but also fosters a collective re-examination of our shared histories. Tubbs’ work resonates deeply in today's discussions about social justice, making it essential reading for anyone interested in dismantling patriarchal systems and contributing to a more equitable world.