In Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us, best selling writer Anna Malaika Tubbs reveals the secret history of American patriarchal values. Tubbs argues this patriarchy is the central narrative thread of American history. She emphasizes that patriarchy affects everyone differently according to their race, class, and gender - thereby creating a "gendered hierarchy" that excludes many from traditional gender roles. Tubbs maintains that this patriarchy persists. Indeed, she presents the Trump administration’s Project 2025 as a reactionary attempt to return to this central narrative of American history.
Five Key Takeaways
* American patriarchy was intentionally built into the nation's founding documents, with women deliberately excluded from the Constitution. This systemic design continues to influence modern American society and politics.
* Patriarchy affects different groups in varying ways—white women experience oppression differently than women of color, who historically weren't even afforded the "protections" of traditional gender roles. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for building effective coalitions.
* Agency is central to resistance against patriarchal systems. Throughout history, marginalized groups have consistently demonstrated alternative ways of living despite systemic constraints.
* Current political movements like Project 2025 represent a conscious return to traditional patriarchal values, particularly in their emphasis on women's reproductive roles.
* According to Tubbs, addressing patriarchy requires multi-level approaches: personal reflection, reimagining relationships, mindful parenting, and policy change. Understanding how patriarchy operates helps explain voting patterns and can inform strategies for social change.
Anna Malaika Tubbs is a New York Times bestselling author and multidisciplinary expert on current and historical understandings of race, gender, and equity. With a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Masters in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge in addition to a Bachelors in Medical Anthropology from Stanford University, Anna translates her academic knowledge into stories that are clear and engaging. Her articles have been published by TIME Magazine, New York Magazine, CNN, Motherly, the Huffington Post, For Harriet, The Guardian, Darling Magazine, and Blavity. Anna’s storytelling also takes form in her talks, including her TED Talk that has been viewed 2 million times, as well as the scripted and unscripted screen projects she has in development. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their three kids.
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