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Picture of April Young-Bennett
April Young-Bennett
April Young-Bennett is the author of the Ask a Suffragist book series and host of the Religious Feminism Podcast. Learn more about April at aprilyoungb.com.

As Sisters in Zion We’ll Recover From a Bad Day with the Patriarchy

As feminists working within a patriarchal system, bad days with the patriarchy are inevitable. On such days, I think it would cheer me up if real people burst into song, like they do in those musicals I love so much. Well, one day that happened, sort of. I was venting to my Exponent sisters on our backlist about a particularly awful experience with the patriarchy, when Liz replied in verse, to the tune of As Sisters in Zion. Em and I immediately joined in, and within a few minutes, we had this little ditty:

South Pacific
South Pacific

Liz

As sisters in Zion, we’ll sit down and shut up.
Our work of the Lord is with children alone.
We’ll silently iron our husband’s dark suits
And we’ll bask in the glory of his masculine throne!

The errand of angels is given to women
And that means submitting to man’s every whim.
Don’t think, and don’t question, just sit there and listen
For all of life’s answers will come straight from him.

Em

How small is our purpose; how wee is our mission
If we but fulfill it in spirit so meek.
Only a manly divine inspiration
Can give us permission to work though we’re weak.

April Young Bennett

Contention is evil; how do we avoid it?
I know—girls be quiet; let men have their way.
Respectful discussion is always a bother.
Let men give the orders! Make women obey.

April Young-Bennett is the author of the Ask a Suffragist book series and host of the Religious Feminism Podcast. Learn more about April at aprilyoungb.com.

16 Responses

  1. I am happy to hear from you sisters who are trying to change patriarchy from the inside of your religion. I am not so patient. I would not remain in a group where women are treated thus. But each person has her own gifts.
    God bless you all.

  2. So one minute you’re singing, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and the next you’re singing, “I’m In Love With a Wonderful Guy.”

  3. As Sisters in Zion be patient and humble
    The words of our mothers let Spirit discern
    The put down of mighty and fill of the hungry
    Is God’s work ongoing when tables are turned.

    As Sisters in Zion be ever believing
    The knowledge of God that distills from on high
    The wise and the prudent are kept from the secrets
    The sucklings and babes shall reveal by and by.

    As Sisters in Zion look not to the wisdom
    Of man-made philosophy meant to enslave
    The priesthood of Zion is raiment eternal
    The daughters will don as they rise from that grave.

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