Patriarchy in South Africa

Patriarchy, according to Bell Hooks, is a political-social system which males hold dominance and maintain that power over those who are weak, especially females, through a variety of psychological violence and terrorism. Patriarchy is in everyday life. Patriarchy has always been there since the start of humans and has been ingrained into society and its laws. A cartoonist I found that points out and challenges Patriarchy and the status quo is Jonathan Shapiro or better known as (Zapiro). He is a South African cartoonist who appears in numerous South African publications and has been internationally recognized for his work. Zapiro not only touches about Patriarchy but his work goes into the politics of now especially in South Africa.


The Patriarchy and Rape Culture in South Africa
https://realpolitik.org.za/2017/05/18/the-patriarchy-and-art-of-rape-culture-in-response-to-south-africas-escalating-political-crisis/

When searching for an artist for this assignment, this cartoon jumped out at me. This political cartoon speaks of a horrible truth that is not only confined to South Africa but can be related to the female struggle around the world. The woman in the cartoon bears the South African flag, she is the country. The men holding the woman down may be the different institutions that keep women powerless. Finally, the man pulling down his pants suggest that he is going to rape the poor woman. That symbolizes two things. One the rape culture in South Africa. And two that the patriarchy that is still in control, screws women over in society.


Here is another cartoon by Zapiro that once again hits on Patriarchy and now governments attempt to control speech.
http://whatishappeninginsouthafrica.blogspot.com/2011/06/zapiro-and-zuma.html

I really suggest taking a look at his other works so here is a link to his website:
https://www.zapiro.com/