>I don't want to take issue per se with what you have said. Being a white
>male, I KNOW I am treated differently (usually 'better'). But I alos know
>that there are more than 40,000,000 at the poverty level in this country
>alone, That California has the third largest prison population in the
>world. Though minorities, women and children(including male children) are
>disaportionately represented in poverty, high
>infant mortality rates etc, white males are not entirely excluded from
>this oppression either. My point is, I would like to see more discussions
>on the 'class' nature of oppression as well.
Michael, I agree that class is very important when looking at oppression,
but I think we have to realise that although lower class white men are
oppressed by the system, that many of these men in turn oppress women and
other minorities. Similarly, we need to always keep in mind that racial
minorities are not free from their own racism, sexism and class structures.
All areas of oppression need to be tackled simultaneously.
"The Color Purple" is a film which looks at not just colour but class and
gender as well. If you have not seen it, I recommend it as an interesting
portrayal, that shows that the oppressed are not immune from being
oppressors.
For this reason I think it is essential that we do not try to change who's
in power (ie make women boss instead of men) but change the very nature of
power so that no one has power over another - unless this be legitimate and
necessary such as in child rearing (boundaries that a necessary for a child
to feel safe, etc). People need to be empowered to make their own
decisions about their own lives. All people need to have the same access
to wealth and opportunity. 'Each according to his/her need and work
according to ability'. I cannot recall who said this but the bare bones
are that you don't get more for doing more but but you get what you need.
Respectfully,
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Interesting: Your people glorified organised violence for 40 centuries,
but you imprison those who employ it privately."
Mr Spock. Star Trek 'Dagger of the Mind'
