We have seen kidnappers assume the victim's identity and then text the family & friends that the victim is just fine and takin
We have seen kidnappers assume the victim’s identity and then text the family & friends that the victim is just fine and taking a break.
Usually, we know that people who are kept from speaking on their own behalf are in serious danger.
Even if we were not aware that a loved one was missing, figuring out that someone has assumed their identity and is now speaking and texting us as if they ARE them, would alarm us.
These last ten years, we don’t seem to understand that.
“Feminists” Who are Not Listening to Women
David Lammy is a British Labour Party politician and Member of Parliament. He has been involved in several controversies, but in his most recent clash he seems to assert that because he “identifies as a feminist”, he will not be “lectured”.
Of course, males who seem to have limited respect for women’s voices are “identifying as women” in one way or another and then using that access to further oppress, dismiss, ignore, minimize, and marginalize women.
What person with a pulse thought that they wouldn’t?
BUT, not just males who say they are feminists, but also women who say they are feminists are slurring, cursing, and ignoring other women.
Woman: “I’m not being heard and I have concerns. This is a danger to my health and safety”
Alleged feminist: “Shut up you *&%#^ hateful bigot!“
Social media and society:
“Yaaaay!”
“You told her!”
“Get her!”
“Well-spoken queen!” (a man)
What a mess.
Oppressive Tactics of Dominant Groups
I know we are tired. I’m tired too. I’d love it if life were simple all the time. But 8 billion of us share this planet with one another so things have a tendency to get complex.
1. Cultural appropriation: When a dominant group or individual takes and uses elements of a marginalized culture, often without permission, understanding, or compensation, and presents them as their own.
2. Identity tourism: When someone from a dominant group temporarily “visits” or appropriates the identity of a marginalized group, often for personal gain or to feel more “enlightened,” without truly understanding or experiencing the struggles and systemic oppression faced by that group.
3. Performative allyship: When someone from a dominant group claims to be an ally to a marginalized group, but only performs allyship for personal benefit or to gain social capital, rather than engaging in meaningful, long-term solidarity and support.
4. Epistemic injustice:
Introduced by Miranda Fricker in 1998.
When a dominant group or individual claims to have a deeper understanding of a marginalized group’s experiences and perspectives, and uses this supposed understanding to speak over or for the marginalized group, rather than listening to and amplifying their voices.
Epistemic injustice refers to the denial or suppression of knowledge based on an individual’s social identity or group affiliation.
Here are some modern examples:
- The marginalization of minoritized voices in academic and policy-making circles, reflecting systemic biases and power imbalances.
- The underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in media, silencing their perspectives and experiences.
- The dismissal of women’s scientific contributions and expertise, perpetuating gender-based epistemic injustice.
- The perpetuation of ableism, where individuals with disabilities are overlooked or undervalued in research and decision-making processes.
5. Colonialism of the mind: When a dominant group or individual seeks to control and dictate the narratives, experiences, and identities of a marginalized group, often through a paternalistic or savior complex.
None of us is everyone. These are challenging times and citizens in communities worldwide are praying for leaders with the skills and temperament to recognize and lead all of the people to higher ground.
Be better. Do better. Until then, women will continue to resist being silenced and marginalized as we have always done.
Catfishing Infographic by Tonya GJ Prince
COMMENTS