![]() ![]() ![]() Here, Lorde challenges a series of generally-accepted ideas, arguing that they are not universal but merely European, distributed via imperialism and colonialism. But as we come more into touch with our own ancient, non-European consciousness of living as a situation to be experienced and interacted with, we learn more and more to cherish our feelings, and to respect those hidden sources of our power from where true knowledge and, therefore, lasting actions come. When we view living in the European mode as a problem to be solved, we rely solely upon our ideas to make us free, for these were what the white fathers told us were precious. Therefore, a person who reads or writes poetry gains control and power over her own life as a result. However, once these truths are faced honestly, they no longer hold power over the individual. This process can be frightening, since it necessitates coming face-to-face with uncomfortable truths. Here, Lorde posits that poetry can have an illuminating effect on everyday life, allowing those who engage with it to look more closely at their habits, relationships, feelings, and the structures under which they live. ![]() As we learn to bear the intimacy of scrutiny and to flourish within it, as we learn to use the products of that scrutiny for power within our living, those fears which rule our lives and form our silences begin to lose their control over us. ![]()
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