Editor:

Today most people are familiar with the word “Patriarchy.” It has become a negative label that is slapped on male behavior someone deems oppressive to a person or people group.

I get it. As a woman I have experienced male dominated oppressive systems in society and in the church. They are terrible and everyone loses.

But help me America, how do I raise a son in a world that is vilifying his gender? I understand we need to raise our sons to honor and cherish women. But we would also like to teach our daughters to honor and cherish men. Which of those is more difficult today?

I would like to propose we step away from ‘bringing down the patriarchy’ and begin to fight against tyranny. Tyranny is defined as the cruel, unreasonable and arbitrary use of power or control.

That is what we all hate, right? We hate bullies. This is America! We cheer for the underdogs. (If Rocky Balboa had been a real person, he might have been elected president before Rocky 5 came out.)

But let’s also be honest with ourselves. We are all capable of being a bully to someone. I have done it myself more times than I want to admit. Eleanor Roosevelt says “In the final analysis, a democratic government represents the sum total of the courage and the integrity of its individuals. It cannot be better than they are.” Thank you, Eleanor!

So how about we fight tyranny, in all its forms and not continue to wage war between men and women? In two years, our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. America was formed in response to the tyranny of British rule. Our history suggests we can do this! Let’s make our founding father’s proud and become the men and women of courage and integrity that fight against tyranny in our systems and in ourselves wherever we find it. May we come together as a nation if only for our children.

Andrea Replogle

Nashville