Dear Anarchist Aunt,
I am writing to you today in a seemingly inaudible rage. Why is it that those in power continue to exercise their authority, all the while being consumed by the apparently infectious disease of selective hearing, blocking out any talk of equality? I was outraged when I read women were 47% more likely than men to suffer severe injuries in a car accident, as the safety features were designed by men, for men. To add insult to my already injured image of the system we inhabit today, only six countries offer equal working rights to both men and women. I could count that on one hand… nearly. I find this current system in need of drastic change.
As I would put it if I were to write a pop song: ‘I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man’. Male privilege is clear to see. Ignorant buffoons such as Jack Lait in his book Washington Confidential further push back work done towards equality. So, I write to you asking for your advice on who I should go about creating the change that needs to happen in this society.
Love, Betsy Freedman
Anarchist Aunt replies:
Dearest Betsy,
It is so great to hear from you again after all this time. It is a shame it is under these circumstances that you write to me. As I’m sure you are aware, adjustments to the state are not in my repertoire, as any remanence of authority would leave room for corruption in our world. So, my dear girl, might I recommend taking the Marxist approach to change, and doing away with the state altogether? That way no lack of representation could be possible.
Furthermore, when you mention cars having predominantly male safety features, I might point out that this is of benefit to you. You should go out and fill the void of female vehicular safety. As opposed to asking corrupt powers above you to regulate such matters, why do you not fill the gap in the market yourself and rely on the consumer to be sensible enough to purchase your, better, product? At the very least it would give you some more job security than freelance journalism.
If you would only listen to me, and focus your energy on the removal of the state, rather than the taming of such a corrupt monster, issues such as gender working rights would not exist, as nothing would stand in either gender’s way. In a sense, there would be universal equal rights, as no gender would have any! I do hope this time you will heed my word, and finally see the light of full-scale anarchism, rather than your half-hearted attempt to make adjustments. As I always say, if you’re going to do something, do it properly.
Yours truly,
Anarchist Aunt