The Encyclopedia of Trouble and Spaciousness by Rebecca Solnit

I plan to go into multicultural publishing so that I can contribute to the literary world with great works by people of color. And, no matter how different women’s lives are from each other, we are all part of this transformative conversation for women’s rights.Īs a communication major, I’m interested in how the media represents people, and after seeing the way people of color, specifically women of color, are often misrepresented in all types of media, I feel empowered to change it. These women, along with Solnit’s writing, make me feel powerful, like my own daily rebellions are just as important to this conversation.

Internationally acclaimed author and activist, Rebecca Sonit. Before I knew what the word meant and all it encompassed, I let it go, but as I got older I embraced it, because how could a young woman of color not be a feminist? Maybe we don’t all use the same label, and maybe as a woman of color I’ll find a better description later, but at least we believe in a better world for all women and girls. I’ve never lacked for women to look up to, and perhaps that’s why boys have asked me if I’m a feminist ever since I was little. I’ve been surrounded by strong women all my life, from my mother, who always speaks her mind, to my professors, who try to offer students well-rounded, honest educations.

Her passion for women and sociopolitical issues further awakened my sense of duty to make the world a better place. In a recent Rookie article, Solnit wrote, “I’m proud of the fact that I apparently inspired the word mansplaining and that, right now, I get to be part of the amazing, transformative feminist conversation about sexual violence, rape, gender identity, and power.” This may not be the biggest issue women face, but it is relevant when men question women’s skills and intellect and believe women don’t have the ability to accomplish great things. There have been times when men have spoken to me with an authority they clearly lacked. This is how I learned that Solnit’s essay “ Men Explain Things to Me” has contributed to the national dialogue on women’s rights via the “mansplaining” movement. Recently she marched against climate change in New York City in the People’s Climate March, and she has written and spoken about the violent misogyny women experience. From the dangers of nuclear power to the Zapatista revolution in Mexico, she weaves her experiences with those of others. Solnit shares 29 essays in the book, a powerful survey of the world we live in. Publisher: Trinity University Press (2014). “The Encyclopedia of Trouble and Spaciousness,” by Rebecca Solnit.

The Encyclopedia of Trouble and Spaciousness by Rebecca Solnit