The articles read for this week were a great source of controversy among the class. First of all, the problem of defining woman was revisited, as attention was drawn to those that may not be able to speak for their experiences. Spelman and hooks commented specifically on those women in third world countries and minorities. Elsa Barkley Brown's article examined the ways in which history is viewed. Brown uses the metaphors of gumbo ya ya and jazz music to illuminate the interconnection we all have with each other and our complicity in systems of oppression. Many members of the class thought that though this idea was good in theory, application would be difficult. Some suggested that this theory be used foremost as a method for raising consciousness or that the educational system needed to be reworked in order to put the theory into practice.
Brown's article ties in nicely with the opposition of linear thought and non-linear thought. Several people objected to the ideas of Cixous and Probyn that men and women think and communicate differently, while some were able to accept this theory. Comments were made concerning the fact that many of us do think in a linear, rational manner, and therefore felt excluded in this context. Also, these "feminine" writing styles were sometimes difficult to understand. It was pointed out that everyone has the potential to think in both linear and non-linear ways, so this method may be problematic.
Essentialism was taken a step futher with Iriguaray's assertion that the feminine could be based in the space of the female body. This article was especially heavily commented upon, and served as a stumbling block for many in the class. One of the criticisms of this viewpoint was its reinforcement of the mind/body dualism that is a source of our oppression. On the other hand, this article was also seen as empowering because of its redefinition of female sexuality, which is considerably different from that which commonly defines female sexuality in its relation to men. The topic of whether Iriguaray could be a separtist was discussed both in class and in several journal entries. The fact that she states that the penis is a violation was argued as a separtist stance, which left little room for a truly empowering female sexuality.
The focus on the maternal as an essence of woman was also a problem for many students. Journals emphasized the fact that this was a heterosexual concept as well as the need for a for a man to complete the maternal cycle. This led some to believe that yet again, woman was being defined by her relation to men, despite this essentialist perspective. The maternal could also be associated with those characteristics: passivity, nuturing, emotional, which lead to the concept of mind/body dualism.
On a more positive note, this emphasis on the feminine can also be seen as a way of validating those women who have traditionally been seen as deviant, overly-emotional, and polluting. I really enjoyed the journal entries and the large variety of ideas expressed this week.
-DeAnna Cooper