As I mentioned earlier, written works such as memoirs have been an important form of exchanging of thoughts and feelings in order to help strengthen group solidarity. Here’s an excerpt from an article I found that helps to express my point of how a memoir may help contribute to the solidarity of the group by expressing thoughts and emotions:
“The interactive patterns which characterize women’s and men’s talk can thus be interpreted as reflection the different social orientations of the speakers. If women are concerned with solidarity and connection, it is easy to see why they tend to talk in least formal and public contexts, while the opposite tends to be true for men. The more private the contexts, the more appropriate the focus on interpersonal, affective meanings. The more public and formal the context, the more likely considerations of status will be relevant. And while men appear to be comfortable contributing in contexts where demonstrating one’s expertise is acceptable behaviour, women seem to be less comfortable in such status-oriented contexts” (Holmes 1992: 134).
At times, it is easier to get feelings across in written form than in spoken content. This is something that women seem to relate to better than men. The written word can help to unify all women’s common goal of gender equality.
The power of writing can be summed with this quotation:
“I refuse to accept a position of no agency. I refuse to be acted upon by structures, in any manifestation (i.e., “grabs”) that objectify, disrespect, or simply disregard me. I choose not to be silent (even after the fact), but to respond in the best way I know how.
As for you, be grateful that I believe the pen is mightier than the sword” (Alleyne 2007).
Women’s Movements fight for a voice, a voice for those who remain unheard. The next few posts will contain examples and stories of how language (whether it be speech, body language or the written word) is an important factor to the success and progression of women’s movements.
Literature Cited
Alleyne, Lauren K.
2007 A Grab Won’t Cure My Feminism. WSQ: Women’s Studies Quarterly. 35 (3 & 4): 253-254.
Holmes, Janet
1992 Women’s Talk in Public Contexts. Discourse and Society. 3(2): 131-150.
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