My Life within the Matrix of Domination - Essay Example

Argument Essay The society where we live is divided in to certain social groups and es on the basis of different factors. These social groups are very much respected in our society. As a member of a society, the residents need to interact with each other. When they interact with each other the behavior of the people also changes according to the social group changes. In other words we can say the attitude of the people with others is dependent on the division of these social groups. These groups may adopt different shape according to the need of the hour. A social group can be described as the group of individuals who share common characteristics and also have a sense of unity between them. This sense of unity can also be termed as the dependency on each other for the survival in the society. Every social group is identical and different from each other. The factors which actually differentiate these groups are race, class, gender, religion, age and many other such factors. Every group has its own discriminatory set of characteristics which makes it a unique group. The matrix of dominance can be related to the issues arise due to oppression or privileges associated with any group or class of the society. It is a fact that people belonging to different groups may get some kind of oppressions and privileges just because of their origins in that particular group. Though the ethical and moral values do not allow us to discriminate any person on any such basis but still it is a very common practice in the society to treat people according to their groups. There are many examples which can be used to illustrate the theory of matrix of dominance but basically the main focus was given to African-American Women. That woman has to face many challenges in her life regarding society’s behavior. In short words we can also say that the matrix is related to feminine issues (DeVault 1). As a member of black feminist group, there are many privileges to be enjoyed in the society. Black women are now considered as the source of emerging knowledge or we can say the source of developing the new areas of knowledge. As a source of knowledge the respect of the individual might increased in the literary fields. We the black women are usually represented by the features as self reliant and self confident creature that can face any challenges and suppressions while living in the cruel and harsh society. This group of people has to face oppressions in the society but they have the power and the courage to handle it in a decent manner. One of the most prominent features of this group of people i.e. black is that they are very much optimistic about the social transformation of people regarding their attitudes and behaviors towards the Black people. When we talk about oppression for any kind of group then the top most people are Black ones in my opinion. Though every group of people has to face these hurdles called oppressions but in case of the Black people the ratio might increases. And especially in case of a black woman the oppressions effect may also be worth considerable. The most important cruel fact of the society is the racial inequality which we have to face because of being the part of the group of black people. But now the best thing is that people’s thinking is changing now thus opening up the new prospects not only for us i.e. black women but also for many other individuals of our social group. If I evaluate my life on the basis of factors of matrix of Dominance then there are many concerned issues which are important to be discussed. These factors may include demography, race, gender, empowerment, self definition and the most important is the source of knowledge. The demographics of any individual enhance its impact on the society or we can say on the relationships. Today the relationships are not just bounded within your territory rather due internet social networking. Now when my relationships are so vast then definitely my profile also includes the demographical detail of me. As a resident of a less developed country, the behavior of many people changes at once. Similarly another most important constituent to determine anyone’s background detail is his or her race. The ancestral effect is really important for us. Like race, the gender of any individual is also very important. As a male dominant society, still the women are not considered important that they may get equal rights. Though many laws and constitutions have been passed by the order of supreme authorities but still we cannot enjoy the life like all other just because of being a women and also living in a discriminatory society. Social justice is an important point which I want to add here. Being a woman, we actually enjoys social justice because the Government has passed certain laws in order to secure and protect the woman rights. In order to survive happily one needs empowerment, not on a large scale just on the family or close relations. Empowerment actually refers to the assignment of duties. As a responsible citizen of the society and also being a responsible part of family I need some empowerment so that I can take certain decisions on my own. But I must say the society is very much advanced now. They don’t mind to lead themselves by a woman who is belonging to an entirely different race. Though we have to face certain challenges for handling these authorities but at least now the people are aware regarding our capabilities and potential skills. Being a source of knowledge is very much pride for us. And now we are also confident enough that we can also run the society easily if we get a chance. Now the people’s thinking has been changed but still there are many challenges in this field. As compare to other social groups the most important point for criticism is our race and then addition to that is the gender. In many other territories the skin color is not that much important but if you are a black person then definitely you have to face certain things which other might not. Adding more crucial point to the race, the gender is also important. Being a woman creates many challenges for us which may not be faced by the men living in the same society. The matrix of dominance matters a lot in our lives because it actually highlights the reasons for the society’s behaviors and attitudes. This matrix put light on the factors which are important to be noted in anyone’s life. Though I have mentioned many points regarding privileges and oppressions which any person can face related to the specific group of people but in reality I have to face many other issues or challenges in addition to the described ones’. In my opinion if anyone is a source of knowledge then it is proof that he actually can manage all the possible oppressions just because of his intelligence and the knowledge creation. In this era when almost everything has been revolutionized due to the advancement in techniques and processes the people’s attitudes and behaviors are also changing now. Though there is not a complete change but at least it is an optimistic point that they are trying. The advanced behavior is not that much critical for the Black woman now. Reference List: DeVault, Marjorie. ‘Matrix of Domination’, Blackwell Reference Online. 1st January, 2007. Web 15th March, 2014. Read More