Publications
Publication details [#6298]
Janusz, Sharon. 1994. Feminism and metaphor: Friend, foe, force? Bakhtiniana: Revista de Estudos do Discurso 9 (4) : 289–300. 12 pp.
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
English
Keywords
Abstract
For several years now, feminists from different academic disciplines have been considering the role of metaphor in feminist discourse. Some contend that because metaphor has often been used as a weapon to disparage women, metaphorical language is unsuitable for feminist use. Others contend that metaphorical language exerts a force that can empower feminists. This article sketches a brief history of metaphor as it has been used against women in order to inform those unfamiliar with this facet of its history. I argue that metaphor is inherently subversive in a patriarchal, phallocratic system, and as such it can be used by feminists as a most powerful tool. To support my position, I demonstrate how Adrienne Rich and Audre Lorde, through metaphorical language, reconstruct a worldview vastly different from the traditional phallocratic view. Finally, I contend that the problems confronting feminists are not linguistic per se, but rather stem from the intent or the motive of those persons who use metaphor as a weapon with which to debase and degrade women.
(Sharon Janusz)