Then there was the formation of the Elder’s Council, by Nelson Mandela, whose latest work included addressing the misogyny, sexism, and violence against women, which is often supported by various religious doctrines. Finally, the self declaration of the Dali Lama as a feminist was met with acceptance and approval, which normally is met with resentment and disdain for women who choose to identify with the term.
So what do all of these persons and situations have in common? The common denominator is that the mainstream movement pertaining to eradicating the oppression of women through religion is that of male leadership. In addition, it also sends a message that true women’s liberation comes from men.
Time and time again, there are these consistent themes of an oppressed group not having the capability to save themselves, nor the ability to utilize archaic traditions, practices, or methods which are authentic to that particular group of people. This particular situation pertaining to women can be greatly linked with the controversies surrounding the Oscar-nominated film Avatar. In the recent article, “The Messiah Complex,”1 David Brooks presents an enlightening argument on the film’s depiction of the leading white, male hero and his leading the Natives (persons of color) “on a righteous crusade against his own rotten civilization.” He further goes on to mention other Hollywood movies and themes which continue to present the image of the white, male hero who is needed in order for Natives or communities of color to be successful in their own liberation struggles.
Like the Natives in the film Avatar, women are faced with such a controversy, as they too are deemed as not having the capability to conduct, or be in control of their own liberation, without male leaders spearheading the cause. In this particular situation arises the concept of the “Male ‘Messiah Complex.” The current situation of the movement against religion as a tool for women’s oppression is the epitome of such as there is great attention heeded towards those leading, male, figures who have taken leadership positions (hence: Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, the Dali Lama, Jimmy Carter, and others).
When we examine the liberation of women from religious oppression, it is not to state that men cannot be part of such movement. Such is far from true. However, what needs to change is the negative reception of women (specifically in the mainstream media) who bring up such contradictions. We should be even more supportive of women who are taking actions against religious oppression, and who are utilizing tactics and practices which are not modeled after inherently sexist, religious doctrine and spiritual practices.
Towards the end of “The Messiah Complex,” David Brooks states that “Natives can either have their history shaped by cruel imperialists or benevolent ones, but either way they are going to be supporting actors in our journey to self admiration.” Such is highly relevant to the situation of women and the struggle to eradicate the syndrome of the “’Male Messiah.’” Until we continue to utilize practices which are inherently of the feminine, in which we become the directors, strategists, and master game players in our own liberation struggles, we will continue to be the “supporting” actresses in our own films.