Andrea Dworkin

[pegkerr]

I am reading Andrea Dworkin's obituaries; ironically at the same time, I am listening to Ann Reed's Heroes (turn up the volume to hear the song; it's really moving). I have never read any of Andrea Dworkin's books and only some of her essays, long ago, but the trail of her thought--and the attacks of her critics--certainly permeates much modern discussion of feminism. I feel I want to say something to commemorate her passing, although I am hampered by my lack of specific familiarity with her arguments. I do know that if I read more of her work, I would have many issues with much of what she said. Still, I want to pay her homage for some of the things I have gleaned from accounts of her life story: she was a woman who had suffered greatly in many ways during the course of her life, but she used her experiences to add passion to what she felt was her life's work. She was attacked and vilified as much because of her appearance as because of what she said. She challenged us to examine our assumptions, and she was never satisfied with lies and evasions. As hard as her words were, she did force us to rethink both the status quo and our own assumptions. For that, at least, we must be grateful.

Rest in peace, Andrea. I did not see the world as you did, but perhaps that was inevitable. I didn't have the searing life experiences (thank god) which forced you to forge your opinions in the crucible of your own pain. You were a fierce warrior, and for that you deserve respect.

[And if you've never heard Heroes before and you listen to it now, what do you think of it? What hero(ine) names would you personally add? I guess I wouldn't add Andrea Dworkin to my list, but I would add Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Abigail Adams. Molly Ivins. Patricia Ireland. Faye Wattleton. And . . . um . . . let me get back to you on the rest.]

Comments

Hero

[markiv1111.livejournal.com]

I have for years and years had utmost admiration for a woman named Marie Ragghianti. She was working in the parole system of the state of Tennessee for a corrupt governor who was selling clemencies for $20,000 or so. Kill somebody, get put in jail for life? Give money to the governor, you're back out on the street. Ms. Ragghianti, appointed by the same governor, blew the whistle. The book is *Marie, A True Story,* by Peter Maas. It's easy to underestimate this amazingly principled and brave woman because she affected only the state of Tennessee, but I think she's great.

Nate B.