5 Myths of Capitalist Patriarchy
Invisible myths of the domination paradigm used to command my life, shrinking the confines of my ability to be an authentic person.
I lived within the false notion, which I acquired through cultural assimilation, that the imperialist, white-suprematist, capitalist, and patriarchal way was the natural way. Although I considered myself to be a social justice crusader, subtle, insidious, and inconspicuous assumptions of the domination paradigm were buried deep inside my psyche. I ran myself ragged, yearning for external approval that I was good enough. That is, until it all came crashing down around me. Finally, I could see the house of cards that the capitalist patriarchy really is - just a construction of myths.
Discover them, feel them, name them, and release yourself from their grip.
1) Myth of Linearity
The myth of linearity is the most ubiquitous in modern culture, making us work harder, faster, and stronger. It’s the reason why business expects constant growth “up and to the right,” why the 50-hr work week is now the norm, and why the concept of rest is dismissed and belittled.
In truth, linearity is a social construct invented against the ways of nature. In living systems, cycles, seasons, and rotations are the natural way, which honor the phases of life and death, growth and rest, and creation and destruction.
2) Myth of Control
The myth of control is another widespread fiction which varies with the reverence it commands. Some people desperately try to control themselves, their environments, and the conditions that surround them. Others vie to control other people.
All forms of control are acts of domination. Controlling oneself and one’s nature creates dis-ease and anxiety, while controlling others is a form of oppression. Control is contrary to nature’s way. Nature guides, responds, flows, and forgives.
3) Myth of Proving Your Worth
The myth of proving your worth is especially sinister because it’s so widely accepted despite its toxicity. This myth says that humans must earn their worth, which will be determined by evaluation of some external authority. The capitalist marketplace substantiates this myth by endowing select individuals with the power to appraise the value of others, mainly “workers.”
The truth is that no humans are worth more than others; all life is inherently valuable and worthy as it is. There is no natural eminence or authority in living systems or need to commodify a person’s worth. This myth was invented and is perpetuated by those in power to remain in power.
4) Myth of Meritocracy
The myth of meritocracy is central to American exceptionalism, dysfunction, and the widening socio-economic divide. It says that anyone can succeed by virtue of their skill, imagination, and hard work. It assumes fundamental equity and deservingness of the winners.
The reality is that the socio-economic hierarchy is a construct so rigid that structural barriers have made merit a virtually unattainable ideal. Turning a blind eye to the privilege and advantage of social origin only gives way to animosity, distrust, and societal corrosion.
5) Myth of Arrival
The myth of arrival assumes that when you arrive at a certain destination, you’ll be finished, achieved, or happy. This myth is tied to the false notions of linearity and permanence and assumes end points in time.
Ecology is in a constant state of dynamics, ebbing and flowing. Contrary to this myth, impermanence, change, and fluidity are nature’s way. Deconstructing this myth will allow for a figurative shift from a series of starts and stops to an evolutionary flow of time.
Self inquiry:
In what ways have you perpetuated these myths to the detriment of yourself or others, consciously or unconsciously? How can you release them?
