Gender African-American Men Understand the Essay

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439).

However, Johnson (n.d.) offers an optimistic view showing how patriarchy may be dismantled even in systems in which it appears to be pervasive, such as the military. In "Unraveling the Gender Knot," Johnson (n.d.) points out that it is a myth that gender disparity is inevitable and immutable. In fact, social systems are malleable and changeable. Change begins with "awareness and training about issues of privilege," according to Johnson (n.d., p. 240). Awareness stems from the willingness of all members of the military to recognize their role in the perpetuation of hegemony. African-American males find themselves in a peculiar position knowing that hegemony is a destructive force for the subjugated, but unwilling to surrender the privileges and powers of being at the upper rungs of the social ladder. As Hinojosa (2010) notes, there are distinct and tangible benefits to men in the military.

Power and identity are both socially constructed. The process of social construction of identity and power is reflexive; that is, the self-concept influences what other people see and perceive. What others see and perceive changes their reactions, and those reactions reflect back an image, identity, and perception of one's role and status.

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A cycle of power and subjugation can be seen in the way patriarchy has been the governing system in the American military.

Sexism and racism have the "same roots," as Johnson (n.d.) points out (p. 242). The roots of sexism and racism are related to social power. The masculine hegemony that characterizes the American military subculture is one that is built on the notion of power and domination. It is a privilege to be a part of the dominant group, which is male, and it is a struggle to be a part of the subordinate female group. Ironically, females can have relatively high ranks in the military. Their official titles allow female ranking officers to mitigate sexism somewhat, but ultimately, female military leaders to contend with the male hegemony. An African-American male generally does nothing to change this situation, in spite of understanding how damaging hegemonic systems can impact a community......

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