Thinking about the reading…
- What is the debate Hanisch describes as “personal vs. political” actually about?
- Why does she have a problem with the labels “therapy” and “personal”?
- What does she have to say about “collective” actions and solutions? How do you understand this in the context of her writing this piece alone (as in, not written by a group of some sort)?
- What does the term “liberated woman” mean to Hanisch?
- Is this text theory? Why or why not?
- What are the major areas of discussion/complaint in this text?
- Is there a “call to action” in the text? If so, what is it? Is this an important part of the text?
- What do you think is the most powerful line (or lines) in the text?
Beyond the reading…
- This was written in the same historical moment as the “Redstockings Manifesto.” Are they concerned with the same things? Are there indicators that they come out of the same historical context? Do you think the authors would agree with each other?
- Would you classify this as a Manifesto? Why or why not?
- How does this text compare to “The Declaration of Sentiments and Reasons” by Elizabeth Cady Stanton? How does it compare to the “Redstockings Manifesto”?
- In January 2006, the author wrote an “Introduction” to this piece that gives some background information and context. Does reading the introduction change our understanding of the original text? Does it matter if it does? Why wait until 2006 to write this follow-up?
