Meaning: The quote "And ladies, build up your husband by being submissive. That's how you will give your children success; you will want your children to be obedient, to be submissive to righteous living" is attributed to Warren Jeffs, a former leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Jeffs was known for his controversial teachings and was ultimately convicted of felony charges related to his practice of polygamy and sexual abuse of minors. It's important to note that Jeffs' teachings are widely considered to be highly problematic and harmful, particularly in relation to issues of gender, power dynamics, and the treatment of women and children.

The quote reflects a deeply patriarchal and oppressive view of women's roles within a family structure. The concept of women being submissive to their husbands is a central tenet of the FLDS faith, where women are expected to defer to the authority of their husbands in all matters. This teaching perpetuates a fundamental power imbalance within the family, where women are denied agency and autonomy, and their primary role is defined as supporting and serving their husbands.

The idea that women should "build up" their husbands through submission implies that their worth and role in the family is contingent on their ability to comply with the desires and expectations of their husbands. This notion reduces women to a subordinate position, denying them the opportunity to express their own needs, desires, and aspirations. Furthermore, it reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and perpetuates the idea that women exist primarily to serve and support men, rather than to pursue their own individual fulfillment and self-actualization.

The quote also suggests that by being submissive, women will contribute to their children's success and obedience. This idea further underscores the belief that women's primary purpose is to facilitate the well-being and compliance of their children and husband, rather than having intrinsic value as individuals. It also perpetuates the harmful notion that success and obedience are achieved through unquestioning compliance with authority figures, rather than through critical thinking, independence, and personal growth.

It's crucial to recognize the damaging impact of such teachings on individuals and families within the FLDS community. By promoting a system of rigid gender roles, subservience, and control, these teachings can lead to a cycle of abuse, coercion, and psychological harm. Women and children may experience deep-seated feelings of powerlessness, lack of autonomy, and limited opportunities for personal and intellectual development.

In considering the broader societal implications of such teachings, it's evident that they contribute to the perpetuation of systemic gender inequality and the normalization of oppressive power dynamics within families and communities. By reinforcing the idea that women should be submissive and obedient, these teachings undermine the principles of equality, mutual respect, and individual freedom that are essential for building healthy and thriving societies.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Warren Jeffs reflects deeply troubling and harmful attitudes towards women, children, and family dynamics. It perpetuates oppressive gender roles, denies women agency and autonomy, and fosters an environment of control and subjugation. Recognizing and challenging such teachings is essential for promoting gender equality, individual empowerment, and the well-being of all members of society.