The Privileged

Privilege can be defined as an entitlement or immunity granted to individuals or groups by society or the state. By default, the privilege of some disenfranchises others. Privilege is power. Those who have been granted privilege-either by birth or merit- have been granted access to society’s formal institutions and the “epistemes of knowledge.” Admission to these power structures has allowed the privileged to define and institute society’s laws, mores, and social norms. In essence, the privileged have shaped reality as we know it today.

What individuals or groups hold privilege in present day American society? The answer is complex. Marxists would generally argue that privilege (power) lies in the hands of the bourgeoisie, and is manifested through their control over labor power and the monopoly over the modes of production. Although a class analysis is essential to the formulation of an accurate interpretation of power relations, such an analysis alone would be insufficient. To gain a complete picture, privilege and power should be examined in the context of gender, race, sexual orientation, and class. Privilege has been awarded to specific groups in society, and ones level of power can be measured based on affiliation to these groups. Traditionally, those with privilege in American society have been wealthy, white, heterosexual, and male. With that said, this essay does not attempt to outline a complete analysis of privilege and power in today’s society. Since this blog is devoted to addressing issues pertaining to patriarchy, I will focus on privilege in relation to traditional male/female relationships.

Socialization begins at an early age, and this process is largely shaped according to ones sex at birth. As early as six years, children are already beginning to understand their roles and expectations based on gender. Girls are taught to be gentle, emotionally expressive, and submissive. Boys on the other hand, are taught to be tough, emotionless, and dominant. Such variances in socialization perpetuate the male/female power dynamic. By young adulthood, most individuals have based their identities on these social expectations, and their interpersonal relationships reflect what is learned in early childhood.

Mores and gender roles have been accepted as the norm and have been adopted by the majority of society. Despite this, there seems to be a discrepancy in how men and women interpret behavior under the confines of patriarchy. Men, like other privileged groups, view social interactions from a dominant position. Men have long established rules of interactions, and their interpretation of these interactions have been accepted as truths. Women continue to maneuver around and/or come into conflict with these established “rules” and “truths.” The discrepancies between men and women often lead to the disruption of interpersonal relationships, including inadvertent sexism and the absence of healthy resolutions.

I will illustrate this with a personal example. I recently had a disagreement with a man that I worked with in the struggle. The man behaved in a manner that left me confused over his intentions. I confronted the man about his behavior, and with a defensive attitude he denied engaging in any behavior that could have potentially been misleading. Feeling objectified, I accused him of behaving in a sexist manner. Instead of examining his own actions and attempting to see things from my perspective (a woman’s perspective), he reacted in anger. In response to my allegations of sexism, he declared “That was not sexism. Do you need me to tell you what sexism is?” As if a man in the position of privilege needs to tell me what sexism is. The power differential is quite apparent in such a statement.

I provide this example because it clearly illustrates three points. First, men and women frequently interpret behavior differently under patriarchy. Secondly, these incongruities lead to the disruption of interpersonal relationships. And thirdly, healthy resolutions are almost impossible because men are unable examine and interpret their behavior from a woman’s position in a patriarchal society.

Men, as a privileged group, have shaped society’s laws, customs, and social norms. In positions of power, men have developed rules and truths regarding social interactions. Man’s privileged position within society hinders his ability to interpret and judge his actions from a position of disadvantage. In order to rectify this disconnect and create healthy egalitarian relationships, men must acknowledge their position of privilege and be willing to examine their behavior through the lenses of the oppressed. 

An Interview with Femenins

A writer for the blog Femenins asked me to speak about my experiences as a woman in the IWW. The interview below was originally posted on Femenins. I would like to add a note of thanks to JRB for his support, comradeship, and willingness to engage in dialogue.

JRB: What first attracted you to the IWW?

CDW: I had been politically active for years before joining the IWW. I began to feel a sense of disillusionment stemming from Leninist forms of organizing. The Leninist party [model], in my opinion, was not honoring Marxism. I felt a disconnect between the workers and the “party.” My libertarian tendencies had me searching for groups that were less bureaucratic and more “worker” oriented. The IWW takes a nonhierarchical approach to organizing. The IWW does not consider itself separate, or better than workers -- they are the workers! The practice of direct action was also appealing. The IWW did not concern itself with selling newspapers or recruiting party members; it enmeshes itself in workers' struggles. The IWW has a rich history in the labor movement, and its philosophy of inclusiveness was among the first of its kind —- how could one not be attracted to the IWW?

JRB: Did you initially feel that this inclusiveness was extended to women workers?

CDW: I would be lying if I said no. I would never join an organization that is so obviously exclusive. I think most radical organizations have enough awareness about structural issues that they are not overtly discriminatory; most of these groups attempt to mask the inequities within. Power dynamics take time to surface, and are not always easy to identify. Although the composition of the IWW is telling. Women make up only a small fraction of its members. The organization needs to question why it’s not recruiting and/or retaining female members. While I was a member of my local branch, there were only two females. There was a third woman who left prior to my arrival. Although I do not know much about why she left, I know there were allegations of sexism.

JRB: Regarding recruitment and retention, I've often thought along similar lines: What are we doing wrong? Can you think of anything in the culture of the IWW, as you experienced it, that might have been alienating or off-putting for women?

CDW: I'll preface this answer by saying that I do not make any attempt to be a spokesperson for all women in the IWW. Albeit, my experiences in the IWW are not isolated cases within the movement, and may be emblematic of more systemic issues. I will speak more generally and will not use identifiable information -- as to not distract from the more salient issues of patriarchy.

First and foremost, women are vastly underrepresented in the IWW. Women's issues are seldom addressed and tactics to recruit women are almost never employed. The last National Conference was a huge success, and I value my experience and the people I met. However, I do have some complaints. I want to say this carefully, as to not devalue the input and participation of the two or three female speakers. The women who participated on a panel spoke about their “experiences,” whereas male comrades educated participants on theory and the historical struggles of the working class. I make this comparison because higher levels of prestige are associated with more academic types of presentations. During the planning stages of the conference, I expressed interest in leading a workshop on the theoretical basis for organizing in a post-industrial society. My suggestion was shrugged off and no one bothered to get back to me.

Female comrades sometimes fail to receive recognition for their organizing skills and strategic planning. I witnessed a male comrade receiving congratulatory remarks on a project that I worked on diligently. Needless to say, my involvement was not acknowledged.

Sexist attitudes and behaviors of male comrades are often dismissed as non-problematic or are labeled a “miscommunication.” Unfortunately, instead of providing a safe space to express grievances, women have frequently experienced hostility and alienation as a result of speaking up. I want to add that I do not think these incidences are indicative of any particular negative culture within the IWW, but more the remnants of patriarchy found within broader society.

Whispers and Rumors

I was once told that the left is full of a bunch of “fucked up people doing fucked up things to other fucked up people.” The truth of this statement resonates loudly--from the echoes of peoples’ whispers. Women in today’s society deal with a variety of injustices. The victimization of women occurs in many forms, including physical abuse, sexual assault, exploitation, and objectification.  Yet another form of victimization exists, and may be potentially more ominous than the more obvious forms of assault against women. Society has placed restrictions on women: certain behaviors are deemed acceptable, while others are not. Society, for example, still places restrictions on women’s sexuality. Although we have come far from the stigma stemming from puritan ideals (Nathanial Hawthorn’s, “The Scarlet Letter,” comes to mind), the sexual expression of women is often still seen as scandalous and sinful.

A woman’s identity is wrapped up in society’s expectations, and threats to her reputation can lead to ostracism and public humiliation. Heterosexual men have been granted a free pass in regards to sexual behavior, while women walk a tight rope of discretion. Men have long used this privilege to silence and discredit women who have accused them of misconduct. It is common practice for men to label their accuser a “liar” or “whore,” or more simply say something to the nature of, “she’s just mad that I didn’t love her.” Such comments shift the blame exclusively onto the woman. The man gets off “scot-free.” Once the burden of blame is shifted to the woman, the trial begins. She is placed in a position where she must defend herself—the accuser becomes the accused. She must go to extraordinary lengths to tell her side of the story, and simply hope people believe her.

In attempt to declare his innocence and gain supporters, he talks to everyone he encounters. He is fully aware of the social stigma women face regarding sexuality, and uses it to his advantage. He spreads a mixture of truth and lies, or simply just lies. Without question,  he is believed. The story is the talk of the town—Hollywood drama meets everyday life. Not only is the woman left without any feeling of justice, she now suffers from public shame and scorn. The woman has no longer been victimized by one man, she has been victimized by the broader community.

This is yet another example of the subtleties of patriarchy. Society believes men over women, especially men with “good” reputations—as if a man with a good reputation or good politics cannot engage in patriarchal behaviors. So continue to whisper if you must, just remember there are always three sides to a story: her side, his side, and the truth!  

A More Personal Account

This article was originally written for the blog site: femenins

In regards to the discourse on women’s struggles, there is a tendency to overlook the emotional and/or psychological effects of patriarchy on women. We focus on seemingly abstract concepts of power and control, and discuss concrete examples of oppression, inequality, and violence. Although these topics need to remain on the forefront of discussion, we should also be mindful of how patriarchy affects the emotional and psychological health of women in society.

From youth, women are socialized to be less than. Cartoons and childhood storybooks mirror normative behaviors and gender roles: men are the strong protectors and women are weak and in need of protecting. Commercials and magazines frequently depict half-naked women in provocative poses. We are taught that our bodies are for pleasuring and amusing men. We learn to equate love with objectification, violence, and exploitation. Women quickly realize that we live in a “man’s” world, and that to achieve any level of success and respect, we’d have to work twice as hard.

Recent studies have revealed that one in six American women have experienced a sexual assault, and one in four women have survived some form of domestic abuse. As a counselor at a domestic violence and sexual assault center, I can testify to the high level of emotional support needed after such acts of violence. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I can attest that the effects of trauma are life-long.

For the men out there: Imagine growing up “female” in a society where the victimization and objectification of women is commonplace. Imagine yourself as a young girl-a girl who is inundated with sexual depictions of women. Very few images exist of strong, smart, professional women. As a young girl in a patriarchal society, even those closest to you mirror what was learned in storybooks: men are the authority and women should obey. Sadly in such a society, you have few role models exemplifying healthy, egalitarian relationships. In addition to the above mentioned, imagine yourself as a victim of sexual assault or physical abuse. The combined effects of socialization and victimization weigh heavy on your psyche. Your sense of self-efficacy and self-worth are diminished. You have learned your role in society: you are an object.

You may be wondering what this has to do with radical groups like the I.W.W. I would respond by saying that it has everything to do with groups like the I.W.W. The organization is comprised of both men and women. It is highly likely that many of the women in the organization will bring with them a history of trauma-whether the trauma was an act of violence, discrimination, or experiences of objectification. Many women join radical communities because of their past. We want to help others by creating an egalitarian society, and we expect those we work with to share similar values and ideals. Whether naively or not, we expect male comrades to understand how patriarchy functions and anticipate that groups like the I.W.W will be a safe haven from the discrimination, objectification, and violence we endure in broader society. Unfortunately, my experience has shown otherwise. Mirroring our experiences in broader society, women in the movement are victims of violence and repeatedly find themselves combating sexism and male chauvinism. The emotional damage created by the behaviors of male comrades can be even more devastating because we expect more from men in these circles.

If women cannot find respite in radical groups like the I.W.W, what hope do we have for systemic change? Radical women find themselves overwhelmed from combating a force that seems too powerful to overcome. Patriarchy can only be irradiated if both women and men take an active role dismantling it.

Despite the pessimistic tone of the article, I do maintain hope. I came across this blog and was immediately taken aback by the honesty of the men writing. The men in this blog are willing to take an honest look at not only their own behaviors, but the behaviors of other men in the movement. Hopefully the dialogue in this blog can pave the way for further conversations and subsequent change not only within the I.W.W. but within the movement.