Woman Skin Deep: Feminism and the Postcolonial Condition (1992) Sara Suleri Group no. 1 Saima Shahzad , Mehfoz Asghar , Aimen Shafqat, Aliya Irfan Suha Noman, Zumra Abbas, Nain Tara, Rutaba Aslam
outline Introduction Intertextual references and argument shapers Academic Self-Censorship and Cultural Identities Crossroads of Race, Gender, and Postcolonialism Viewpoints on Worldwide Politics and Marginalized Voices Inspecting Identity: Insights from Sara Suleri Evaluating Perspectives on Postcolonial Feminism and Ethnicity Pakistan's Hudood Ordinances: Impact, Implementation, and Challenges Conclusion
Introduction Sara laments about the conditions of women in a 3rd world post-colonial arena where they have to suffer from the "current feminism“ which has lost its tracks. In seeking to dismantle the iconic status of postcolonial feminism, Suleri is questioning which comes first in discussions of identity: gender or race. By examining the order in which these aspects are addressed, she aims to highlight how focusing on chronology can help us understand the surface-level importance of race.
Inter-textual references and argument binders James Clifford’s position on travelling Theory Chandra Mohanty’s paradigmatic essay, ‘Under Western Eyes Bell Hooks’s Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black Trinh Minh-ha’s treatise, Woman, Native, Other (1989)
Intertextual references and argument binders reference James Clifford’s position on travelling Theory James Clifford sees "traveling theory" as both the movement of theoretical ideas across cultures and the recognition that theory itself is shaped by travel and encounter. Argument no. 1 the current metaphorization of postcolonialism threatens to become so amorphous as to deny any locality for cultural thickness
reference Chandra Mohanty’s paradigmatic essay, ‘Under Western Eyes: Feminist Scholarship and Colonial Discourses Where Mohanty engages in a particular critique of ‘Third World Woman’ as a monolithic object in the texts of Western feminism, her argument is premised on the irreconcilability of gender as history and gender as culture. Argument no 2 Mohanty critiques Western feminism for viewing "third-world" women as a singular, oppressed group, ignoring cultural differences and imposing Western ideals. This "under Western eyes" approach overlooks the agency and complexities of these women's lives.
reference Trinh Minh-ha’s treatise, Woman, Native, Other Trinh T. Minh-ha argues that women of color face a double bind: ignored for their race and gender by mainstream writing, yet stereotyped when those identities are acknowledged. Her work calls for a more nuanced understanding of women's experiences. Argument no. 3 Sara argues that focusing solely on women's experiences (lived experience) to understand race and gender actually objectifies them. While these stories are important, they need historical and social context. Even "radical subjectivity" overlooks the influence of existing power structures on these experiences. What is so real about it ?
Reference Bell Hooks’s Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black. Bell hooks, in "Talking Back," argues for a feminism that centers Black women's experiences. She critiques mainstream feminism for ignoring racism and classism. Her vision is of a more inclusive movement for liberation that tackles all forms of oppression. Argument no. 4 Suleri criticizes bell hooks' book "Talking Back." She says hooks focuses on Black women's experiences but ignores other women of color and broader postcolonial issues.
Academic Self-Censorship and Cultural Identities Suleri worries about censorship in academia, both from those who want to control ideas and those promoting multiculturalism. She argues universities should be open to diverse viewpoints. By deconstructing texts, we can challenge hidden assumptions and biases, especially those concerning gender and colonialism. This can empower marginalized voices and create a more inclusive academic space. Crossroads of Race, Gender, and Postcolonialism Feminist debates can get misconstrued as rigid due to internal tensions. While valuing experiences of women from postcolonial backgrounds, the movement shouldn't ignore historical context. Race and gender are complex, both influenced by history and evolving over time. Understanding this is key to navigating the intersection of feminism and cultural diversity.
Viewpoints on Worldwide Politics and Marginalized Voice Suleri worries wealthy women dominate global feminism, neglecting the struggles of marginalized groups. She highlights the need to consider diverse viewpoints, like those of subsistence farmers, when discussing feminism and global politics. Feminist critiques, like Mohanty's, address these issues but caution against oversimplification. Inspecting Identity: Insights from Sara Suleri A story named "Joy" explores feminism and postcolonialism. Trinh's broad view of postcolonialism is debated, some say it ignores specifics. Her focus on storytelling is valued, but some find it too academic.
Evaluating Perspectives on Postcolonial Feminism and Ethnicity suleri say Bell Hooks' writings focus too much on herself and lack strong theory. They also argue her views on race create divisions within feminism. The text mentions Spivak's ideas on autobiography for context. Pakistan's Hudood Ordinances: Impact, Implementation, and Challenges Feminist groups like the Women's Action Forum opposed them. The laws: Had harsh punishments for adultery and fornication. Required difficult-to-meet evidence standards for convictions . Disproportionately impacted marginalized women and children. (e.g., Jehan Mina's case). The result: Easier to accuse women of crimes like rape. Unfair treatment for those without legal help. Perpetuation of social injustices against women. (e.g., Kishwar Naheed's poem).
Conclusion In conclusion, Sara Suleri's essay inspects the mobility of gender, race, and cultural identity, offering a nuanced critique of oppressive systems and societal norms. She underscores the pivotal role of academic discourse in shaping cultural perceptions and calls for a critical reassessment of established norms. Suleri engages with feminist essayists like Trinh Minh-ha and Chandra Mohanty, enriching the discourse on intersectionality and marginalized experiences. Their insights deepen our understanding of power dynamics and systemic injustices. Additionally, Suleri highlights the impact of discriminatory laws, such as Pakistan's Hudood Ordinances, emphasizing the urgent need for legal reform and social change. Overall, her work serves as a compelling call to action for creating a more equitable society for all individuals, regardless of gender or social status.