As armed National Guardsmen patrol U.S. cities under President Trump, many Americans are awakening to the threats posed by white male dominance. An overlooked group of women, led by Sarah Bader and journalist Sarah Stankorb, are vocal about the impact of toxic patriarchal ideologies coming from Pastor Doug Wilson’s theocratic vision in Moscow, Idaho.
Bader reflects on the damage done by this Christian nationalist ideology, and her podcast, “Sons of Patriarchy,” amplifies the voices of women affected by Wilson’s teachings. Despite differing theological views, Bader and co-host Peter Bell unite people seeking to highlight these women’s stories against the backdrop of Wilson’s patriarchal agenda.
When Bader and Bell hosted an event to counter Wilson’s teachings, they saw a strong community turnout. However, concerns linger about the overshadowing of women’s voices amid the male-centric narratives and confrontations surrounding Wilson.
Bell’s recent admissions about his struggles with patriarchy sparked diverse reactions, leading Bader to remind listeners to prioritize the experiences of survivors over individual confessions by men. Stankorb echoed this sentiment, noting the historical tendency to uphold men’s voices while sidelining women’s contributions.
As discussions unfold, there’s an evident need to acknowledge the ongoing struggles of women like Bader, who have long been at the forefront of confronting the harms of jingoism, religious nationalism, and white supremacy. Their healing journey calls for collaboration across all demographics, advocating for a democratic approach to saving communities impacted by such oppressive ideologies.
