Patriarchy

There are so many patriarchal systems that need to be dismantled, especially those close to home. My mother-in-law is still shocked that my husband is the one who usually cooks and does the laundry. I know it’s hard for her to compute my lack of interest in adhering to traditional gender roles because she sacrificed her career, her agency and her happiness to conform. I understand that my defiance creates tension for her because it reminds her that there is another way to make a life. My father-in-law favors his son over his daughter. The lack of respect is galling. The saddest part is that we battle the patriarchy already so often outside of the safety of home that you would think our families would want to try harder to cultivate a culture of listening and respect. This is the trauma we inflict on ourselves.