On thing that really stuck out to me when we read the article by Patricia Hill Collins about matrices of domination was the idea that everyone is a part of both a dominant and subordinate group. Once stated it seemed obvious, but I believe that it is a concept that is often overlooked. I think it may be a crucial concept to grasp in order to understand how yo fit into the multiple spheres you live in. It humbles those in power and empowers those who are oppressed.
It wasn't until later in part two of Beloved that I started to notice this idea coming to life in an interesting way. Denver, Sethe, and Beloved are in a power struggle to "own" one another. Sethe believes that Beloved is hers, but so does Denver. And Beloved believes that Sethe is hers and even says that Sethe has her face. The struggle for domination between the three women demonstrates a less obvious form of a matrix of domination. When one thinks of domination in a book such as Beloved they most likely think of slavery, black and white, male and female; but power struggles can exist within a gender and a race.
Seeing a less conventional matrix of domination play out, where the reader gets to see the individual perspectives in an intimate and unusual way brings the idea of a matrix to life. When you are on one side of a power struggle it is easy to get lost in your feelings on the issue, but when you are able to see all sides of the struggle it makes the stubbornness of contrasting viewpoints come to life. As the rest of the novel progresses I look forward to seeing who comes out on top, if anyone.
Very interesting post, thanks for sharing. I agree with you that being in a dominant group or an oppressed group is often something that people are not aware of. I agree with you that the oppressed can be empowered. However, even though those in power can be humble, I also think they can be competitive and try to dominate others. Domination and identity is so fascinating in Beloved.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that it seems obvious to read that everyone is part of a dominant and subordinate group, but we just never think about it. And I love your line "it humbles those in power and empowers those who are oppressed." Who's going to win??
ReplyDeleteI love your post! I think we normally see domination/subordination between two different groups of people, but I like your analysis of Denver, Beloved, and Sethe. I think that this matrix is something that is overlooked by the reader sometimes, and Collins's article helps to really understand that.
ReplyDeleteThe concept of being part of both a dominant group and a subordinate group is very important. Struggles for power between groups can be found everywhere, and on so many different levels. Your post is thoughtful, and your connection of the matrix of domination to Beloved is very cool.
ReplyDeleteThat was a complex power dynamic. Good job analyzing it for key information.
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