Feminist criticism

My first thought in exploring the reading, Feminist criticism, located in critical theory today book by Lois Tyson, I did not care about the feminist movement or not interested in this particular subject. My views on feminism maybe somewhat distorted or may be view by others as out of date. Although, I understand the definition as far as pertaining to literature is concern. "Feminist criticism examines the ways in which literature(and other cultural productions) reinforces or undermines the economic, political, social, and psychological oppression of women."

However, I do understand women authors not being considered part of the literary cannon. "Because the works of (white) female authors (and of all authors of color) do not describe experience from a (white) male point of view" (p.84).

However, I do not believe that this is largely accepted in society today as the norm. There are many prominent woman authors that are recognized for their writing talent.

I begin to reevaluate my thinking regarding feminism. As I continue reading there were things that I agree with especially about women and prescribed drugs. Drugs are often tested on male subjects only resulting in medication side effects for women (p.85).

The utilization of the word s/he I understand why feminists would be upset about this reference. However, I was taught the usage of he often included the woman. As I am reading the article, I am formulating questions in my mind, Why is this so important? Is the feminist movement important more now than ever? I felt some feminists want to act more like men rather than obtain equal rights or opportunities. We do not live in a utopia where both sexes are satisfied with the outcome of their lives. Someone has to become the leader and the other the follower. I believe that women should have equal rights provided it does not take away from men as they maintain their masculinity. In the words of James Brown, "This is a man's world, this is a man's world, But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl."


Brown understood that it is a man's world, but he also implied that man cannot exist without women. Nevertheless, a feminist would believe that the idea of men being superior to women is to justify and maintain monopoly of positions of economic, political, and social power. This is done by keeping women powerless by denying them the educational and occupational means of acquiring economic, political, and social power.

In reading, History of Writing in the Community by Ursula Howard in the Handbook of Research on Writing, I found several examples that would support the feminist views about economics, power, and education.

For example,

As literary levels rose . . . women were least likely to be offered the opportunity to learn to write" (p. 239).

". . .they worked with women who often saw little of their husband's wages" (p. 242).

" . . advertisements . . . in the United States asked for a man "who can write plainly" and required written applications and numeracy skills" (p.243).

Yes, I believe that women in some cases have been denied economic, political, social, and educational rights. But, I disagree with the feminist views that they cannot obtain set goals because of men. When a person makes a decision to accomplish a goal, they would do whatever it takes to achieve it. Therefore, I believe that feminists in some cases tend to use the blame game rather than,"working to fulfilled their dreams and aspirations". I remembered during my freshmen year, a college professor gave me two quotes: (1) "No one can make you feel inferior, unless you give them permission" (2) "Never underestimate the power of a woman"

Show and Tell

The article Show and Tell by Louis Menand, examined the question: Should creative writing be taught? In his analysis, he provided historical data to help readers understand the reasoning behind the question. As I read the article in depth, I begin to reflect on experiences as a participant in the Writing Project. The exercises and conversations about writing sparked a deeper interest within me to learn more about writing. I left the project feeling rejuvenated and with a different perception about writing.

I always had a desire to write, but I never took the time to cultivate the skill or to explore the many facets of writing. In reading this article, I do disagreed with the comment, "In our conviction that writing cannot be taught but that writers can be encouraged" (Menand, p. 106).

I do believe that the mechanics and logistics of writing can be taught, but the writer must develop their own style of representation pertaining to writing. I always wanted to know, Who defines what symoblizes good writing? Because, I have read literary works that was totally confusing and absurd, but they were regarded as classics or high representation of good writing. Is the quality of writing more important than the meaning the writer is trying to convey?

Writing manipulates the heart and stimulates the mind.

Stegner stated that, "The work of art is not a gem, as some schools of criticism would insist, but truly a lens." (Menand, p.111) Writing is consider to be a lens solely depending upon the visual interpretation and creative representation of the writer.

How can teachers help their students to understand that writing is more than putting words on paper, and correcting any mistakes? Writing is a form of art, a process, that must be taught to help others express their hidden selves. "We must trust the process. If the process is sound, the product improves". William Zinsser (Kittle, p. 3) As a teacher I want to be able to help my students develop the craft of writing. I want to learn more about writing, so I can develop my craft as a writer. In the words of Donald Murray, "The daily practice of craft sharpens the writer's vision and tunes the writer's voice. Habit makes writing easy." (Kittle, p. 29)

I want writing to become a habit in my life, so I can sharpen my craft.