From what I have seen in nearly 40 years, extremism does not work. The pendulum goes from one extreme to the other, with only a brief moment of balance in the middle.

Feminists are often criticized for a misconception that they are trying to be “better” than men, when feminism seeks equality between and among men and women. Patriarchy seeks the supremacy of men over women, but it is so well-established that people do not seem to give it a second thought.

So, thoughts on the patriarchy for our Friday Philosophy this week.

“Patriarchy is a fundamental imbalance underlying society And it’s one we rarely address because it’s so universal. But as I get older, I see that peace is a product of balance.” ~ Ani DiFranco

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” ~ Audre Lorde

“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” ~ Malala Yousafzai

“Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, “She doesn’t have what it takes.” They will say, ‘Women don’t have what it takes.’ ~ Clare Boothe Luce

“In the face of patriarchy, it is a brave act indeed for both men and women to embrace, rather than shame or attempt to eradicate, the feminine.” ~ Alanis Morissette

A roommate of mine once said he thought it was cavemen who invented patriarchy, as soon as they realized they created progeny with women: “Hey, that’s mine! And so are you.”

We do not own or possess each other, neither woman nor man.

Imagine the freedom of releasing the possessiveness we have imposed on others, and ourselves.

Blessings to you all. Never give up.