Title: Kyriarchy 101
Author: Jogeek
Publication: Unapologetically Fat
Date: October 22, 2009
Link: Kyriarchy 101
Commentary:
I like this article about "kyriarchy" because it does a great job at explaining intersectionality and the complex interplay of privileges and power. The author's personal examples are at once clear and compelling. She does a great job of making the big points about why this sort of "systems perspective" of privilege is important and makes the appropriate caveats (e.g. not diminishing victims or their experiences). I also love how it ends with a sort of call for action about how to talk about and deal with privilege(s).
It's probably not ideal to use the term "privilege" in the sense of some static and monolithic idea that is coextensive with power. I'm reading a cool dissertation from the field of critical geography (Queer Appalachia) that tries to map discriminatory spatial processes, without reifying or privileging hegemonic discourses and practices -- I think. So the trick, as I believe Jogeek is trying to maintain, is to discuss and address privilege in a way that empowers those who are harmed by various oppressive power structures.
