Thread by @jenniferjeffrey

One thing I keep seeing, in the discussion about white women voting for racist/misogynist white men, is some version of “they don’t understand that the patriarchy will come for them too."

I want to unpack that for a minute, because I don’t think that’s it.

The reason is directly connected to conservative Christian teachings, and the evangelical leanings of so many of these (52/59%, etc.) white women voters.

(For a treasure trove of insight on this subject, please follow @C_Stroop. Many threads there worth investigating)

I spent many years in the evangelical Christian community – the white version, to be clear. I know many black communities are deeply invested in Christianity, but my knowledge is limited to white evangelical communities where black folks are few and far between.

Given that experience, I can confidently say that: 1) White evangelical women DO know that patriarchy “comes for them” and inflicts real damage; and 2) They believe that’s how God designed it; and

3) They also believe there are eternal rewards that outweigh the terrible imbalance of power and ongoing pain in many of their relationships with men.

These women know who their men are. They live with the aggression & vindictiveness & disrespect. It’s often directed AT them.

You think these men are kind and loving and courteous behind closed doors? Hah.

Their dinner table conversations are full of references to women who are sluts, or mean, or uppity. Women who are 'ruining' men. Believe it.

To say that these women “don’t know” that patriarchy hurts them is laughable.

They and their daughters are hurt every DAY.

They are at high risk of being abused (sexually, emotionally, physically) by family members, friends, or church members. They are questioned, disparaged, and kept in line. They are not given positions of authority in the church, and the few who do fight for it pay a high price.

But here's the thing!

They worship a God who is personified as a omnipotent father figure who knows all, sees all, and has infinite power to punish and bless.

An authoritarian God who enforces a strict binary decision:

Believe me and worship me, and you’ll get eternal life & occasional blessings.

Don’t believe me? Don’t worship me? Burn in hell forever.

That’s the entire deal.

White evangelical women are continually taught to deny self. They're reminded about the dangers of selfishness & pride. Every women’s group & Bible study I attended emphasized the importance of not trusting oneself, resisting independent thoughts, honoring husband, pastor, & God.

There were always few figures who seemed to do this beautifully. Women who were serene & glowing, who appeared content and happy. But many MORE women women struggled with it. They wept over it. They raged over it.

They “took it to God” in prayer.

Their sisters prayed with them that they would find peace with His Will.

And then: they toed the line. Just as they are still checking the boxes of the white men who rule over them.

In summary: It’s wild to see all of these folks out here saying “White women don’t understand.” THEY DO.

They’ve just accepted that it’s gonna hurt. And they believe that’s what they deserve, and that's what God wants. This is what we're up against.

/FIN