In the words of those fighting for gender equality, “when you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.” Unfortunately for us, no single policy, event, or person can eliminate the patriarchal structure that dominates the United States of America because it was established before the U.S.A. became the U.S.A.

Patriarchy is a system in which men hold societal, political, and economic power over women. Power is unequal and results in the oppression of women. We are so used to the way things are we hardly notice this invisible structure. Therefore change, unfortunately, will be incremental. It must occur in society, not just within the halls of congress or in the courts. Women, and in this case women of color (WOC), have capitalized on the biggest and the tiniest opportunities to bring to light how entrenched patriarchy is in the U.S. They challenge the patriarchy in unconventional and sometimes amusing ways, thus becoming the proverbial thorn in its side. Let’s examine a few of the WOC that have done just that.

Harriet Tubman,1 an abolitionist and The Moses of Her People. Using the Underground Railroad, Harriett Tubman led around 70 enslaved people to freedom. By helping others escape the evils of slavery, she created a legacy that has yet to be matched by any man. Ms. Tubman also worked as a Union spy during the Civil War. She took part, and in some cases led, missions to free enslaved African Americans, the most famous being in the 1863 Combahee Ferry Raid, freeing over 700 people2. That’s right. Harriet Tubman, a woman with no military training, led African American Union soldiers in a mission sanctioned by the Union, releasing over 700 enslaved African Americans from bondage. Her bravery solidified her place as a thorn in the side of the patriarchal society that was the Confederacy.

Rosa Parks3, much to the chagrin of the South, earned the title of the First Lady of Civil Rights. By refusing to abide by the Jim Crow laws established by White men after the Civil War, Rosa Parks did not just disobey a law. She challenged the invisible patriarchal power structure many had grown accustomed to. A true warrior for social justice, she attended civil rights workshops learning, sitting, and eating side by side with Whites at the Highlander Research and Education Center. Something unheard of as well as illegal in the eyes of the South. Even in death, she challenged society’s norms as she holds the honor of being the first woman and only Civil Rights leader to “lie in honor” at the U.S. Capitol4. Add thorn in the side of the patriarchy and racism to her legacy.

Vice President Kamala Harris is a WOC that has made a hobby of breaking barriers. She is the first but not last WOC to serve as Vice President of the U.S. Her victory earned her a place in history. However, two of her words first challenged the status quo: “I’m Speaking.” Speaking over and cutting off women in the workplace, well, any place, is common, and women are expected to accept it. VP Harris said to former VP Mike Pence what every woman has or has wanted to say at one point in her life. Except this was televised, forcing the nation to acknowledge the privilege that comes with a patriarchal society. Thorn in the side of Mike Pence and the patriarchy.

Then, there is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (aka A.O.C.). She is the youngest woman ever to serve in the United States Congress. She is also the Queen of Clapbacks. The criticisms of her political views and policies are expected and accepted. However, the direct attacks on her should not be. When she tweeted,5 “Just like catcalling, I don’t owe a response to unsolicited requests from men with bad intentions. And also like catcalling, for some reason they feel entitled to one.” in response to reporter Ryan Savvedra, she spoke for generations of women. Male entitlement is a pillar of the unequal power structure that must be eliminated. Based on the 29.3K retweets and 172.6K likes, others agree. Safe to say, A.O.C. is a thorn in the side of Savverdra, conservatives, and the patriarchy.

Ilhan Omar is the first Somali American and the first naturalized citizen of African birth in the United States Congress. The direct attacks on her religion and the fact that she was not born in the U.S. are frequent from opponents, former president Trump, and his supporters are all too common. The death threats she receives highlight the racial, darker, and more dangerous parts of this power structure. Still, she has not backed down. Her response6 to the “send her back” chants during a Trump rally included a quote from Maya Angelou, a reminder that no matter what happens, women will, like air, rise. Thorn in the side of conservatives, xenophobia, and the patriarchy.

Stacey Abrams. Enough said.

It is no surprise that these women have used their platform to point out and publicly address examples of inequality in the U.S. because WOC are doubly bound. We face racial and gender discrimination, but these life experiences only give us the strength needed to bring about change and alter the nation’s course. Like other marginalized groups, WOC will continue to make visible and challenge the oppressive power structure of patriarchy. Just remember every opportunity to increase society’s awareness of how entrenched it is, no matter how insignificant it seems, is a thorn in the side of patriarchy and a win in the battle for equality.

P.S.: If you do happen to wonder what you can do to join the pantheon of women listed above without being an elected official or legendary civil rights activist, here are a few ideas: work with, volunteer, and create community organizations to protect and uplift women, be an informed voter, educate others about the systemic discrimination women experience daily, attend a protest, sign a petition, etc. Opportunities to become a thorn, like the patriarchy, are always present.

Sincerely,
Your resident Thorn, Tabitha S.M. Morton Ph.D.

Tabitha S.M. Morton, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of political science at Prairie View A&M University. 

REFERENCES

1 https://www.history.com/news/harriet-tubman-facts-daring-raid
2 https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/combahee-ferry-raid
3 https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/rosa-parks
4 History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives, “Individuals Who Have Lain in State or in Honor,” https://history.house.gov/Institution/Lie-In-State/Lie-In-State/
5 AOC Tweet
6 Omar Tweet