• How is Yancy’s analysis of racism analogous to feminist analyses of misogyny?
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The oppressed whether that be women or black people have something in common, their oppressors. On page 10 Yancy states, "men getting together by themselves to solve the historical problem of male hegemony and sexism" would be the same as white people solving "the problem of whiteness". They could be viewed as analogous because in both cases the oppressed groups are being stripped from the equation by the oppressors. Their rights to make decisions about the system (patriarchy, individual and institutional racism) that has been set up for their failures are yet again usurped. This highlights the fundamental lack of understanding and sheer disregard towards these groups by those who feel the need to exert power over them. Both the men and whites would feel it appropriate to make yet another decision about women and black people as if it were their right, when it is simply not. That is part of the reason why racism and misogyny can be seen as similar in this case. It is less about the specific experiences of Black people and women (as those experiences are relatively different) and more about the way individuals exhibit racism and misogyny with no remorse and, in some cases, with little understanding of their superiority complex over the 'other.' This perpetuates the cycle of racism and sexism. That is why it is imperative to point out sexism and rupture that cycle of ignorance amongst misogynists. It is similar with racism highlighted when Yancy states ‘“Look, a white!” tells us to be attentive to what has become the background.’ Which highlights the importance of not accepting the status quo and calling out elements of whiteness that have been allowed to be viewed as the norm for so long.