Male Privilege

[hifiguy]

305. The very term "the patriachy" implies concerted group effort,

something consciously organized. It may be that patriarchal values derived from the oppressive Abrahamic religions are commonplace in western cultures. In fact it is undeniable that they are and that they do not redound to the benefit of either men or women albeit in very different ways.

To invoke "The Patriarchy" is like nothing so much as invoking "The Illuminati" or "The Freemasons" in that it unmistakeably suggests conscious, concerted, organized efforts by persons unknown in pursuit of a particular agenda. In that respect, yes, it is a conspiracy theory in the same way that the Illuminati are. It's a boogeyman. I don't know any guy who's ever gotten an invite to the meetings because no one ever has. Use the language of conspiracy theorists and you wind up lumped with them.

I can honestly say I have never read a website, book, or pamphlet published by any "Men's Rights" group. What little I have heard about them predisposes me to think they are by and large whiny (and often right wing paranoid) assholes who raise valid points once in a blue moon, such as child custody preferences and male-specific health issues. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then. There are those on DU who attribute any disagreement with their narrow and blighted ideologies to being part of The Patriarchy or MRAs. That is pretty much beyond ridiculous. Genuine disagreement need not be fueled by sinister hidden agendas.