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After going through all the posts thus far, one thing seems clear: we're resistant to the politicalization of Brooks' "The Mother." So why do we do it at all? Several people mentioned in class how they couldn't help but try to figure out if the poem was pro-life or pro-choice while simultaneously reading and enjoying the poem for its aesthetic value. Realizing that abortion is often immediately associated with its political connotations, I wonder if the politicalization of works of art is not what my one huge disconnect with feminism is. It seems to happen a lot. I wish we could talk about women in relation to the world simply because we're not men and have different viewpoints to offer. Instead it always turns into a fight against a history of oppression, or women's role in society, or something else political. It feels like falling into a trap every time that happens.

But, on a less frustrating note: I have to admit that I love what the alums are saying. It's incredibly refreshing to learn viewpoints from women who have been through Bryn Mawr and can give advice from beyond the classroom. Barbara '57 - thank you so much for saying that we're really not just the sum of everything we've learned. Also, Gail I thought your post was beautiful. I loved Cixous' essay and think you portrayed your thoughts on it very beautifully.