Domination And Subordination example essay topic

What do the terms domination and subordination mean? Webster's dictionary defines domination as the act of dominating; exercise in power of ruling; whereas subordination is subject to the will of another and lower in rank or importance. One would consider these definitions as our cultural normal cies; however, different cultures place more emphasis on one more than the other. The meaning delves deeper than what lies on the surface. As one person can be dominant one moment, they may also be subordinate the next, as Odysseus showed in his great epic, the Odyssey.

Domination and subordination are always at the point of interchange. There are many attributes to consider when considering whether one is dominate or subordinate. While one culture might value heroism as an attribute of domination, another might place more emphasis on servitude, making subordination a clearly more valuable attribute. In the Western text, The Song of Roland, and the Eastern text The Ramayana, domination and subordination are both incorporated, however, the Eastern text celebrates submission more whereas the Western text celebrates domination. In the Western text, The Song of Roland, domination is an important element of the Western culture. What constitutes domination in this ancient text?

One act of domination shows that whether one is ill-fated or not, continuation is a must. Roland showed this type of domination. He did not want to back down from the pagan force. He did not see death as an option at the time when Oliver suggested that he blow his horn to sound for back-up from the French. Roland replies: "I'd be a fool to do it. I would lose my good name all through sweet France.

I will strike now... I promise you, they are marked men, they " ll die" (974). This shows courage in the eye of danger. Although Oliver was the more level-headed of the two, the poem sings the glory of Roland more since he was the one in charge.

When Roland finally realized that death was inevitable he sounded the horn, as if it had been his idea all along. Oliver went along with it since he was submissive to Roland. In most texts, domination and subordination coincide. With domination, one must have a subordinate being underneath them. This is true in The Song of Roland. Oliver, Roland's dear and entrusted friend, had the qualities of being subordinate.

He was submissive to the demands and wishes of Roland. Said Oliver: "The pagan force is great; from what I see, our French here are too few. Roland, my companion, sound your horn then, Charles will hear it, the army will come back" (974). Roland, however, did not want to submit to the pleas of his friend, since he was the dominant one, so he pressed onward.

Oliver submitted to the wishes of Roland. Both of these men had amazing courage, Roland for facing the pagan's with full force, and Oliver for being wise enough to see when defeat was inevitable. In other cultures, such of those of the East, Oliver might have been seen as dominant within a certain degree in his submissive actions, since subordination was of greater value. In the Eastern text, The Ramayana, the value was shifted more towards subordination than it was on domination. Rama, King Dasaratha's oldest son, was submissive to his father. The king thought himself as old and wanted to turn the kingdom over to Rama.

However, King Dasaratha had promised two boons to Kaikeya and one of which she used to make her own son, Bharat a, the new king. Therefore, King Dasaratha had to send his son into exile. Rama then said, "For there is no greater act of righteousness than this: obedience to one's father and doing as he bids" (598). Rama was subservient to the wishes of his father and, "did all that was required to please and benefit the people of the city" (581). His father thought of Rama as the one who brought him the greatest joy because he was so virtuous and showed reverence to him. This is much like the story of Joseph, in which his father thought most kindly of him.

This made Rama and Joseph loyal and virtuous, which was a major attribute to their subservient culture. Since subordination can not work alone, domination is always lurking in the midst. It is true that in this culture, subordination was the attribute most thought of as virtuous and respectable. However, domination was present.

King Dasaratha had the power of ruling over his people. He excised this power to the greatest of his ability. Although he had the utmost love for his son, he had to send his son into exile within the forest. Being king, his domination was more like a curse than a gift. Since he was ruler over all, he had to send his own flesh and blood out into the unknown, for that was the culturally accepted thing for the dominant character to do in regards of being king. To be dominant and to be subordinate are two entirely different characteristics.

However, in order for one to exist the other must also exist. There is always a line between a leader and a follower, whether it is thick or thin. The most important thing to remember is that no matter where one goes, whether it is to the east or the west, these two attributes will be found. That is when one must decide which one is more commonly appropriate in that culture.

There is a time and a place to be dominant and to be subservient.