Sad Little Patriarchy  is a sonic narrative tracing the origins and progress of patriarchal ideologies throughout history. It comprises seven movements each addressing a discrete element of this troubling societal construct through the growth of an imaginary male person. Sounds have been crafted from found sounds, field recordings and original synth patches. 

 

The one feeling which lingers as a constant backdrop to all the complex emotions involved in patriarchy, is sadness. There is the sorrow that accompanies the patriarchalist man’s inherent feelings of being ‘less than’, and the sadness and despondency felt by those observing situations where such men mistakenly believe they are demonstrating power, when they are in fact displaying their inability to engage in a society in which they have to accept human variation and compete on an equal footing. 

 

‘The Mother’

 

Many years ago, humans had no idea that children were created via the merging of egg and sperm. It would have appeared that life originated thanks to the mother alone. The mother therefore represents the foundation of life. In addition, a baby is completely dependent upon its mother for sustenance from the time of conception until at least the age of six months and this requires the mother’s full commitment. The bond between mother and child is fundamental to the survival and wellbeing of the child. ‘The Mother’ is based around natural sounds – the sea recorded using a hydrophone, the ground recorded using a probe – augmented with synth melodies. Natural water sounds have been manipulated to replicate sounds of the womb, and the rhythmic repetition of layered sounds represents the menstrual cycle which is essential to human reproduction. 

 

‘Separation’

 

Eventually, the child’s state of blissful, innocent dependence comes to an end. It gradually transitions towards some measure of independence, being less reliant upon its mother. Although this is an exciting time of exploration, there is, of course, an element of sadness for both mother and baby as the bond between them stretches. The child moves forward leaving the maternal protection it has been accustomed to, a transition which is not always straightforward. As the synth and water sounds continue from ‘The Mother’ through into ‘Separation’, they are punctuated with disruption.

 

‘Realisation’

 

As he matures, the male child realises that he is different from his mother in that he will never be the sole sustainer of another life. How does he feel about this? Does he recognise it as a blow to his ego? Breath symbolises life itself, and also intensifies as emotions heighten. Repeated and descending melodic motifs leave the listener with a sense of foreboding. What will the consequence of his realisation be?

 

‘Irrational’

 

How does our protagonist view his role? Why are his sadness and confusion so often expressed as anger and violence? Why has he become so irrational? Will he use his superior muscular strength to try and defeat what he perceives as female pre-eminence? Regardless of his actions, the fundamental feminine role proves indestructible. The polyphonic textures in ‘Irrational’ emphasise the confusion which is central to his attempts to evaluate his situation.

 

‘Backlash’

 

Our protagonist needs to feel more power. How can female authority be weakened? Violence is not the solution, and he realises that he must find another way, but it must be subtle. Maybe a system of covert manipulation would work. His jealousy and his desire for control could be concealed behind etiquette in order to render his actions socially acceptable. Religious musical references have been included in ‘Backlash’ as various kinds of religious extremism have, throughout history, endorsed patriarchal behaviours. It could be argued, however, that as a patriarchal system is devised in response to perceived female primacy, women in fact remain culturally centred. 

 

‘Precarious Weakness’

 

Why must weakness be hidden when it is a characteristic we all share? Why is manhood a social construct, while womanhood is intrinsic? Does possession of and control over women afford men the status of manhood? Why is male validation so important, to women as well as men? Is any desire for female validation seen as babyish, like needing Mummy’s approval? Does male fear of weakness lead to behaviours which prove weakness? In ‘Precarious Weakness’ the hammering beat of positive masculinity continues to struggle against the ever-present fear which motivates the need to overpower female traits. 

 

‘Eternal Wisdom’

 

Will our protagonist learn how to navigate the world autonomously without needing the reassurance of other men? Will the wisdom derived from the female condition endure regardless of patriarchal actions? Is it female emotional awareness and stability which provide society with the framework it needs to function? ‘Eternal Wisdom’ expresses the determination and vigour which allow humanity to overcome confrontations, hostilities and attempts at subjugation by patriarchalists.