Intelligence Squared Six Centuries of Feminist Writing, with Hannah Dawson and Merve Emre
Feb 19, 2024
In this insightful discussion, historian Hannah Dawson, an expert on feminist thought, is joined by literary critic Merve Emre. They explore the impressive six-century journey of feminist writing, from Christine de Pizan's visionary works to the empowering messages of lesser-known figures like Qiu Jin. The conversation dives into the complexities of curating feminist anthologies, challenges in the beauty industry, and the ongoing evolution of feminist theory. They advocate for inclusivity in literary representation and confront the dual burdens of activism and societal expectations on women.
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Feminism as a Political Project
- Feminism is a political project, not inherently tied to womanhood.
- It identifies and fights patriarchal oppression without a fixed positive program.
Anthologies: Selection vs. Totality
- Anthologies balance selection and totality.
- They showcase representative works while aiming for a holistic view of a political project.
A Tick-Boxing Exercise
- Dawson used a "tick-boxing exercise" to ensure diverse representation in her anthology.
- This led to discovering a global history of feminism, expanding beyond her Western focus.
