This article's a great example (albeit an utterly ludicrous one) of how critical/postmodern theories work. They roughly follow these steps:
1. Pick a random concept
2. Talk about how the concept doesn't always apply, isn't always useful, and that it contains arbitrary elements (e.g. the 7 day week)
3. Point out how the concept influences language, and assert or imply that language has an enourmous influence on how people behave ("Contemporary society is obsessed with time — it is the most used noun in the English language")
4. Talk about how the concept is viewed differently in different cultures, making sure to imply that this means it's arbitrary
5. Assert that the concept is rooted in colonialism, imperialism, racism, whiteness, and patriarchy.
6. Conclude that this means the concept is completely arbitrary, and was created by those in power for the sole purpose of oppressing others.
7. Pat yourself on the back, and feel proud that your genius-level intellect allows you to see how things really are.
1. Pick a random concept
2. Talk about how the concept doesn't always apply, isn't always useful, and that it contains arbitrary elements (e.g. the 7 day week)
3. Point out how the concept influences language, and assert or imply that language has an enourmous influence on how people behave ("Contemporary society is obsessed with time — it is the most used noun in the English language")
4. Talk about how the concept is viewed differently in different cultures, making sure to imply that this means it's arbitrary
5. Assert that the concept is rooted in colonialism, imperialism, racism, whiteness, and patriarchy.
6. Conclude that this means the concept is completely arbitrary, and was created by those in power for the sole purpose of oppressing others.
7. Pat yourself on the back, and feel proud that your genius-level intellect allows you to see how things really are.