Oppression

In reading Marilyn Frye's essay I enjoyed her analysis of the overuse of the word "oppression" and how by that definition it is not limited to merely the female sex. Frye rightfully explains the definition of oppression as having to do with being mobilized by two restraining forces, which is similar to our definition of oppression as being constantly the lesser being. Frye provides an interesting example with young females who are basically scrutinized by both sexual activity and non-activity, and thus is being restrained by two forces. I enjoyed this example and do not disagree with Frye on that front but I do believe that oppression exists in society for both genders and it is not necessarily contained to her definition. Claiming oppression does not have to be two restraining forces, but the mere restriction to exhibit all human emotions regardless of gender. Frye lists male's inability to cry and woman's demands to be sensitive as false oppressions but I disagree and believe they are still a form of oppression. To be oppressed is to not live freely and behave in a humane manner due to societal constraints. I appreciate Frye's breakdown of "oppression" and her claim that it is overused, but I do not believe that only true oppression falls under the definition she gives.