Discuss Pages: Feminist manifesto in 2008...?

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    • CommentAuthoradmin
    • CommentTimeJan 20th 2009
     

    This thread is for discussions about Feminist manifesto in 2008...? of the online edition of The Golden Notebook, and the readers' comments. Please show a courteous regard for the presence of other voices in the discussion. We reserve the right to edit or delete comments that do not adhere to this standard.

    • CommentAuthorlucebird
    • CommentTimeJan 20th 2009
     
    I disagree. I find the term feminist so difficult to apply to myself even though most people would say I am a staunch man-hater because of my understanding (and voicing) of the way we are still deeply disempowered, especially if you think globally.
    But I also need men, love men, and can completely relate to Anna because I think she epitpmises what is so different about men and women's attitudes to sex, love and life. When I read TGN I saw for the first time a female character who made sense. Unlike the 'strong' women of something like The Rainbow or Jane Eyre, or the idiots in Bridget Jones, here is a woman who constantly, constantly looks within herself and almost lives more of a reality in her head than in the real world. I think that is something some women fail to understand is a very female trait, and something that leads to a frustration and anger towards men that is at times unfair.
    I don't think Anna is supposed to be a feminist. I think the book is seen as a feminist book when in fact it just captures the female psyche perfectly.
    • CommentAuthornona
    • CommentTimeFeb 9th 2009
     
    "I don't think Anna is supposed to be a feminist. I think the book is seen as a feminist book when in fact it just captures the female psyche perfectly."

    This could be true. But I still don't think TGN has general resonance for modern feminism as it stands now. I did think Anna's inwardness was relatable at times, but mostly it struck me as narcissistic, which I don't think usually tinges the vast majority of women's inner dialogues nowadays. Yes, many of us obsess, live in our heads, and self-reflect. But the smugness, the self-destruction admidst incredible privilege? It just made me roll my eyes.

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