Friday, September 2, 2011

I Hate the Term "Chicken Patriarch"

It is demeaning and inaccurate. It mocks men who are trying to be righteous, and women who are trying to understand. It betrays a smug superiority. It belittles righteousness. And it doesn't even describe what it labels very well, making it sound like the decisions are made through fear and not respect.

That is all.


  1. Hmm, now I understand why it rubs me a little raw myself. Thanks for rendering that choate.

  2. I don't even know that term --I've never heard it! Give me an example of how it's used.

  3. I agree but I'm not sure what you mean by decisions made by fear not respect.

  4. @Cheryl—Chicken Patriarchy is a term used to mock servant leadership. It also means people who believe in patriarchy that is in name only.

    @Howard—Chicken is usually used to describe someone who is too afraid to do something. In other words, Chicken Patriarchs are men who are too afraid to lead, despite claiming the nominal right to lead.

  5. I believe the term originated here:

  6. Thank you for writing this. I'll add that it also shuts down discussion, and that adds another reason why I really dislike that term.



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