Michael Parenti: Male Terrorism & The Political Economy of Sex Oppression
Dec 18, 2021
auto_awesome
Marxist political analyst and historian Michael Parenti discusses male terrorism, the political economy of sex oppression, and the need for men to contribute to the women's liberation movement. The podcast explores the intersectionality of gender, class, and race oppression, debunks myths about historical beauty standards, examines the pressure on women to conform to idealized beauty, and discusses the commodification of women under capitalism. It also delves into the distortion of women's health statistics and the manipulation of rape cases for propaganda purposes. The podcast concludes with exploring the actions men can take against sexism and discussing the topic of male circumcision in relation to female circumcision.
Capitalism and complex societal dynamics contribute to the perpetuation of gender oppression and socialism alone may not completely eradicate it.
The transition from communism to capitalism in Eastern Europe resulted in significant setbacks for women, reversing many of the gains made by women during the communist era.
Male terrorism and violence against women remain pervasive worldwide, with practices such as honor killings and sexual slavery perpetuating the oppression and victimization of women.
Deep dives
Impact of FDA's new regulations on abortion pills
The FDA has mandated that abortion pills can now be sent by mail, eliminating the requirement for in-person pickup. This change aims to increase access to abortion for those in rural areas or with limited resources. While this is a step towards making abortion more accessible, advocates argue that other regulations, such as additional forms and clinician registration requirements, should be lifted to further improve access.
Michael Parente's speech on the victimization of women
Michael Parente, a Marxist political scientist and cultural critic, gave a speech highlighting the victimization of women, particularly through male terrorism and the political economy of sex oppression. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing the various forms of exploitation and injustice faced by women. Parente argued that capitalism and complex societal dynamics contribute to the perpetuation of gender oppression and that socialism alone may not completely eradicate such issues. He also discussed the commodification of women and how beauty standards and objectification intersect with class and gender bias.
Challenges faced by women in Eastern Europe after the collapse of communism
The transition from communism to capitalism in Eastern Europe resulted in significant setbacks for women. They experienced increased poverty, unemployment, and homelessness, with women being the first to lose jobs and the last to be hired. The restoration of capitalism also led to the resurgence of beauty contests, pornography, and prostitution in these countries. This shift in societal dynamics reversed many of the gains made by women during the communist era, exacerbating gender inequalities and injustices.
Male terrorism and brutal violence against women worldwide
Male terrorism and violence against women remain pervasive worldwide. Practices such as honor killings, forced marriages, rape culture, female genital mutilation, and sexual slavery perpetuate the oppression and victimization of women. In some societies, governments tolerate or even sanction these practices. The economic dimension of this violence is evident in cases of kidnapping and sale of women and girls into sexual slavery, where they are transferred from poverty-stricken families to individuals or groups with surplus funds for sexual exploitation.
Widespread Gender Oppression
The podcast highlights the widespread gender oppression experienced by women globally and in the United States. The speaker discusses how the prostitution of young girls is a growing industry due to worsening economic conditions. Additionally, the podcast mentions that millions of females are missing from certain Asian countries due to various reasons such as infanticide and neglect. The episode also sheds light on the high prevalence of rape and sexual assault against women, with alarming statistics indicating that one in eight US women have been raped, often by someone they know. The low reporting and conviction rates for rape cases are brought to attention. The speaker emphasizes the urgent need to address these issues and support women's organizations fighting against gender oppression.
Male Terrorism and Violence
The podcast discusses the various forms of male terrorism and violence experienced by women. It highlights the alarming rates of domestic violence, murders, and sexual harassment that women face. The speaker mentions the high number of women who are battered by their husbands or male partners, often repeatedly. It is stated that more women are murdered by men with whom they have been intimate than by any other assailant. The podcast also touches upon the prevalence of sexual harassment in workplaces and the negative impact it has on women's career advancement. The episode emphasizes the importance of men actively supporting women's organizations and joining the fight against gender-based violence.
This is a speech given by marxist political analyst and historian Michael Parenti on the subject of male terrorism & the political economy of sex oppression. More marxist men should take inspiration from men like Michael Parenti and Thomas Sankara and take initiative to study The Women's Question. Without women's liberation there is no communism, and without communism there is no women's liberation.
