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To Dismantle The Master House By Audre Lorde

450 Words2 Pages

“The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house”. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change” (223). Lorde is stating that utilizing the current systems and “tools” established by the people in power makes it difficult to lead to true change. The house is the system as a whole and the tools are established norms of the current structures. Temporary success may occur within these confines, but genuine transformation requires challenging and creating new systems beyond the existing ones. Why would the Master try to dismantle/ take apart its own system? We as citizens gotta realize that people do not input a system that they believe is wrong. Therefore, the …show more content…

Readings on activism, social justice, and critical theories explore strategies like grassroots movements, intersectionality, and building inclusive, equitable structures as ways to challenge and ultimately dismantle oppressive systems. For me as a Black college student, Audre Lorde's perspective on the limitations of the master's tools holds particular relevance. Lorde's assertion challenges the idea that meaningful change can be achieved by merely working within existing systems, a notion that might resonate with a Black student navigating structures that historically may not have prioritized their needs and perspectives. The recognition that temporary changes within the current system might not address deeper issues can be especially relevant for someone who has experienced or observed systemic inequalities. Like once stated, Lorde's call for alternative approaches, like grassroots movements and intersectionality, provides a framework for empowerment and activism that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Black individuals. Exploring these concepts can inspire critical thinking and encourage the pursuit of transformative change tailored to the needs of Black college

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Correspondingly, tyrants shackle the undying loyalty of their subjects through coercion and by publicly extinguishing even the most subtle forms of defiance. Moreover, referencing historical examples of similar societies such as dictatorships and cults, the people caged within are held to indoctrination that portrays their ruling system as good and differing systems as bad. This characteristic is made abundantly clear in the text when George explains to Hazel why he will not remove his lead weights explaining “, then other people'd get away with it-and pretty soon we'd be right back to the dark ages again, with everybody competing against everybody else (Vonnegut).” George’s understanding, or rather his society’s norm, paints the system of freedom to use one’s gifts as a

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