The first exchange of power that has to be mentioned is that of Dr. Flint and Linda in Harriet Jacobs’ “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.” Particularly because the obsession to recapture ‘property’ makes a clear and easy target for questions of slavery’s impact on the oppressor, writing about the master’s pursuit seems like a fine start. This point can draw some to use the words ‘slave’ in describing Dr. Flint: slave to property, pride, etc. It’s a mistake to really label an oppressor a slave when the word ‘dependant’ should be used. The difference is massive, with ‘slave’ implying an inability to relieve an obsession, a fascination and dependence implying a need for it. Here is a slave owner’s morality, absent and pathetic, and dependent on the feeling (as mentioned in class) of superiority.
There is a constant shift between the dominance and subjection between men and women, even today. Sex, affection, companionship, parenting, and responsibility place one gender over another, having one role in a relationship constantly working to attain a product, a compensation. In this sense we’re still being whipped.
There is a constant shift between the dominance and subjection between men and women, even today. Sex, affection, companionship, parenting, and responsibility place one gender over another, having one role in a relationship constantly working to attain a product, a compensation. In this sense we’re still being whipped.
I am not sure that I am happy with the second picture, but you points about Dr. Flint are well thought out.
ReplyDelete