Specters of Domination
Specters of Domination
Patriarchy, Colonialism, and Masochism
This chapter explores the relationship between masochism and white male privilege as articulated in feminist debates about patriarchy and lesbian sadomasochism. These debates revolved around the place of patriarchy in structuring female desire. For instance, feminist discourses argued that sexuality was being used to oppress women. Overt displays of sexuality such as pornography and sadomasochism were deemed especially pernicious because of their ties to masculinity and patriarchy. As such pornography and sadomasochism exacerbated the power imbalance between the sexes and reinforced the notion of passive femininity. Though these debates respond to radical feminist proclamations of sexual liberation, their ideology echoes this historical linkage between masculinity and sexual desire.
Keywords: masochism, white male privilege, patriarchy, lesbian sadomasochism, pornography, sexual desire
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