Thinking About Manifestos: The Personal is Political (Hanisch)

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?

Thinking About Manifestos: Redstockings Manifesto

Thinking about the reading…

  • Why the focus on the individual and the collective in this piece? What is it trying to say about these concepts?
  • Thinking about our discussion of how power operates in relation to privilege and oppression, what do you think of the line in the fourth (IV) section: “any man is free to renounce his superior position, provided that he is willing to be treated like a woman by other men”?
  • What does it mean to develop consciousness, generally? What does it mean in this specific context? (Mentioned in section five (V))
  • 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…

  • Who is/are Redstockings? Does knowing this help to understand the text?
  • This was written in July 1969– at the height of much political upheaval and protest. What was going on at this time? How did the political climate influence this writing? Do you think such a document could be produced outside of this context?
  • In the third (III) section, it says “All men receive economic, sexual, and psychological benefits from male supremacy. All men have oppressed women.” How does this fit with the current/recent #NotAllMen hashtag and debate? (A quick lesson on #NotAllMen, for those who are unfamiliar.)
  • 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?