Family Discrimination Essay

The wrongful idea of a “normal” family has existed throughout Western society for generations. Following notions connected to heteronormativity, this “normal” family is typically depicted as white and is comprised from a heterosexual couple (Lecture, 2016). As Professor Lord explained, this “normal” family ideal therefore does not exist because it is socially construction of the biased idea of how a family should be and is maintained throughout society which results in discrimination (Lecture, 2016). The incorrect valuing of some families over another based off certain identity markers such as sexuality and race has been imbedded into our society’s institutions and systems, establishing the divisions of those who are included and excluded.

It acts as shelter from outside harmful prevalent forces of patriarchy which oppress those families of particular races and sexuality. Hooks acknowledges this when she discusses the time in which black women had to serve white families, before they could even take care of their own (Hooks, 42). During this time black families were further oppressed due to their race, being constantly discriminated and abused for it. As a result, sanctuary was needed, which they could only have within the comfort of their own home, where they could be around family who supported and helped them mend their wounds perpetrated upon them (Hooks 42). Their home was their area of belonging, where they felt safe from being discriminated or judge for who they were. Hooks, therefore correctly defines the family and home as a means of belonging “where black people could affirm one another…we could not learn to love or respect ourselves in the culture of white supremacy” (Hooks 42), where they could grow, comfort and push each other to move forward despite the inequality being implicated upon

This was reflected in societies structures, for example the legal system, which involved human rights such as adoption and marriage or the definition of spouse and family not taking into consideration same sex couples until these injustices were challenged (Owens, 88). Owens points out these restrictions that were placed on same sex couples as to highlight discrimination that has been imbedded into societal structures which work to conserve a patriarchal society. This demonstrates how families who suffered from this inflicted abuse needed the home as a safe and accepting place where they could feel belonged, in a society full of evident inequality. Overall, this reflects how Owens and Hooks both recognize differences in value that society has placed on people and families through its negative effects it has on people’s lives which is why family as a place of belonging is necessary. However, this is not good enough to work towards change, which is by identifying this oppression and establishing safe places such as the home, individuals can now work towards eradicating the problem as a whole; by taking action through creating the family as an area of