I'm ashamed to admit that despite my overwhelming respect for Audre Lorde, I didn't take a moment last week to celebrate the day of her birth, 77 years ago. I can't think of a writer/activist/individual who's work has spoken to me as deeply as Lorde's. Upon intense self-reflection the past couple of days, I've realized I need her words of wisdom more than ever. The following are two of my most favorite quotations:
"I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood."
"As we come to know accept, and explore our feelings, they will become sanctuaries and fortresses and spawning grounds for the most radical and daring of ideas-- the house of difference so necessary to change and the conceptualization of any meaningful action."You really should find her work if you have not done so already.
Hey Beth
ReplyDeleteCould you recommend a good starting point for a Lorde novice?
Lyndsey
I ditto Lyndsey, where would be a good place to start with her work?
ReplyDeleteI was first introduced to Audre Lorde in a rhetorical theory class in college. Not only was it my favorite class of my undergraduate career, but I read Sister Outsider, my favorite of Lorde's collections for a term paper. It's a collection of essays and poems, and, in quite confrontational methods, exhibits Lorde's beliefs. A self-proclaimed black, lesbian, feminist, Lorde confronts the misguided ways in which we learn about ourselves and others, and can be hard to stomach. She's so inspiring, so passionate in her struggle, that I can't help but be enamored by such a courageous individual. I hope that you guys get the chance to read some her work in the near future. This post has prompted me to do so sooner.
ReplyDeleteLove the two quotes you included - brilliant! Lorde is such a powerful writer - her work is definitely must read! Thanks for reminding me :) I have to admit that after finishing my MA in Women's Studies, I haven't really been in touch with my feminist reads as often as I'd like - this reminds me how much I need to make the time. Cheers!
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