As feminists working within a patriarchal system, bad days with the patriarchy are inevitable. On such days, I think it would cheer me up if real people burst into song, like they do in those musicals I love so much. Well, one day that happened, sort of. I was venting to my Exponent sisters on our backlist about a particularly awful experience with the patriarchy, when Liz replied in verse, to the tune of As Sisters in Zion. Em and I immediately joined in, and within a few minutes, we had this little ditty:
Liz
As sisters in Zion, we’ll sit down and shut up.
Our work of the Lord is with children alone.
We’ll silently iron our husband’s dark suits
And we’ll bask in the glory of his masculine throne!
The errand of angels is given to women
And that means submitting to man’s every whim.
Don’t think, and don’t question, just sit there and listen
For all of life’s answers will come straight from him.
Em
How small is our purpose; how wee is our mission
If we but fulfill it in spirit so meek.
Only a manly divine inspiration
Can give us permission to work though we’re weak.
April Young Bennett
Contention is evil; how do we avoid it?
I know—girls be quiet; let men have their way.
Respectful discussion is always a bother.
Let men give the orders! Make women obey.
This is fantastic. I needed a laugh this morning.
Bwahahaha! Ha!!
I am happy to hear from you sisters who are trying to change patriarchy from the inside of your religion. I am not so patient. I would not remain in a group where women are treated thus. But each person has her own gifts.
God bless you all.
Hahahaha! This is brilliant!
Hahaha! Nice work! I’d buy tickets to your musical. ??
Perfection
So good. So very depressing.
So one minute you’re singing, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and the next you’re singing, “I’m In Love With a Wonderful Guy.”
Ouch. Sadly too true.
So funny!
Jack, I think that washing priesthood leaders out of our hair while loving Christ is a perfectly acceptable option.
Love it!!
That is exactly how is feels like to be a Mormon woman.
Thanks!
As Sisters in Zion be patient and humble
The words of our mothers let Spirit discern
The put down of mighty and fill of the hungry
Is God’s work ongoing when tables are turned.
As Sisters in Zion be ever believing
The knowledge of God that distills from on high
The wise and the prudent are kept from the secrets
The sucklings and babes shall reveal by and by.
As Sisters in Zion look not to the wisdom
Of man-made philosophy meant to enslave
The priesthood of Zion is raiment eternal
The daughters will don as they rise from that grave.