I love this. It occurs to me that personal writing by marginalized folks is very rarely "navel gazing" (in the way it's used as a criticism by dominant culture) because the very nature of marginalization means we are required to constantly monitor the larger world for the sake of our survival. That's built into oppression, so virtually anything we write that is personal in nature necessarily includes the dynamic of our navigation of, and negotiations with, the culture we live in. It's almost impossible for us to reflect on our inner world without including how that inner world is in constant tension with the outer world. I think most of us who are significantly marginalized tend to express more about the outer world even when we write about personal things, than privileged people do even when that outer world is their focus.
It's a powerful thing to change one's name with openness and vulnerability like this. Bravo. Your academic voice is excellent, but so is your emotionality and tenderness. They're all beautiful parts of who you are. And that's why I'm here. I look forward to the next year of your words!
I’d love to hear more about your personal name change as that’s something I’m thinking of doing. I’m a visual artist and much of what you say about personal essays resonates with my self-portraiture work. Self-portraits are often considered as “self-indulgent” yet I’ve found painting my own likeness to be powerful and transformative.
Loveeee it and I love its whole driving philosophy. You’re so right- certain groups get endless privilege to share their stories of self, while the rest of us are lazily accused of myopia. I think this name change will be a great “f you” to it all :)
I love this!! I’m feeling inspired to shamelessly dive into my own navel gazing. There’s such a sense of empowerment in reclaiming phrases intended by others to hurt
I can’t wait to gaze at your naval! Honestly, as I’ve gotten older - I’m 60 - I find each stage of life seems to have its own theme. So grab onto and let it go when the next one comes along. Kind of like the various names of this newsletter! I can’t really tell you what I want to see more of because I believe this is ALL ABOUT YOU. I look forward to whatever it is you feel like writing.
Everyone should change their name at least once! All the cool (read: trans) kids are doing it! 💛
I love this. It occurs to me that personal writing by marginalized folks is very rarely "navel gazing" (in the way it's used as a criticism by dominant culture) because the very nature of marginalization means we are required to constantly monitor the larger world for the sake of our survival. That's built into oppression, so virtually anything we write that is personal in nature necessarily includes the dynamic of our navigation of, and negotiations with, the culture we live in. It's almost impossible for us to reflect on our inner world without including how that inner world is in constant tension with the outer world. I think most of us who are significantly marginalized tend to express more about the outer world even when we write about personal things, than privileged people do even when that outer world is their focus.
I love the name change. Authenticity in personal essay is a quality I strive for, as well. All the best!
It's a powerful thing to change one's name with openness and vulnerability like this. Bravo. Your academic voice is excellent, but so is your emotionality and tenderness. They're all beautiful parts of who you are. And that's why I'm here. I look forward to the next year of your words!
I’d love to hear more about your personal name change as that’s something I’m thinking of doing. I’m a visual artist and much of what you say about personal essays resonates with my self-portraiture work. Self-portraits are often considered as “self-indulgent” yet I’ve found painting my own likeness to be powerful and transformative.
Loveeee it and I love its whole driving philosophy. You’re so right- certain groups get endless privilege to share their stories of self, while the rest of us are lazily accused of myopia. I think this name change will be a great “f you” to it all :)
I love this!! I’m feeling inspired to shamelessly dive into my own navel gazing. There’s such a sense of empowerment in reclaiming phrases intended by others to hurt
& i admire your keeping us in the process
i like it!
I can’t wait to gaze at your naval! Honestly, as I’ve gotten older - I’m 60 - I find each stage of life seems to have its own theme. So grab onto and let it go when the next one comes along. Kind of like the various names of this newsletter! I can’t really tell you what I want to see more of because I believe this is ALL ABOUT YOU. I look forward to whatever it is you feel like writing.
Omg I love it
I love this!!
Love it! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.