Soci 370/Lorde

The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House

Lorde 340. Amaury

Throughout the text Audre Lorde discusses how feminist theories back in those days, accounted mostly for white, heterosexual women from developed countries such as the USA. Because of that, Lorde, a black, lesbian feminist did not feel like she could be a part of this movement because she, herself, "doesn't fit the description" and thus her opinions weren't valued as much as someone from that demographic would. She argues that, since everyone's individual differences are what makes up our strength then instead of discriminating against them we should embrace them especially when it comes to societal discussions therefore Lorde doesn't understand why there was such little diversity at this conference she was invited to which is hypocritical of feminists to act that way in a world where they want to fight for equality but don't even respect equality in terms of sexuality race and origin. With the title used for her paper, Lorde wants to demonstrate that, by following the rules that society has set up, you will not be able to create real change for the better of the society, you might be able to "shake its foundation" a little but nothing serious enough to cause the general majority of the population to change their opinions for the better.

Comment by Jose Beltran

For Lorde, diversity is power. Diverse inclusivity is the only way to properly account for people's unique subjectivity. In this way, Lorde's perspective is ecological in nature. The totality of society is made up of individuals and groups who are different from each other, and their differences play an indispensable role in creating the whole. This is a proper path to true revolutionary potential, a path that does not smuggle in old ways of thinking and being that perpetuate the system with its oppression. The keys to liberation do not just need to be invented, they need to be included, dug up out of the subjectivity of more and more people whose experiences reveal the way.

Comment from Rita (QIiao) Li:

In order to better the society as a whole, it is quite essential to embrace diversity, as what Lorde suggested. There are different components that constitute the society, and each of us has a certain position within these components. And we all play different roles, but each role is important. In this way, how diversity functions in society has more to do with such process. Since each of us plays one particular role, our own subjectivity and creativity form the key parts of the diversity. So, no matter who the woman is, or whether she is a lesbian, they all have one certain type of power to make changes to the society. In this way, "inclusiveness" has to be widespread for bettering our society.