Our Own Attitudes About Power

This project has developed as a result of my own personal interest in power. Power is always with us – all of us – yet seldom considered in terms of its own specifics, which is what makes it so fascinating.

It is important to reiterate that feminism stands in direct opposition to patriarchal power. Patriarchal power dominates our lives, as do its “eternal verities,” which range anywhere from the ill-conceived, stupid, distorted and self-serving to the corrupt, lying and murderous. Any feminist, therefore, has first-hand experience in thinking through at least some of the many aspects of this vast subject.

In my work as a writer and speaker, I have noticed countless instances of power in women’s lives where we all seem to have been recognizing the phenomenon for the first time. This project is meant to bring clarity to the elements and operations of power and of individuals wielding it over us; and understanding the power that we, individually and collectively, possess and can use on our own terms on behalf of the earth.

One of the first things to remember as feminists is what we have to bargain with: To start with, we have the advantage of being right. History proves this – finally. We have the philosophy of equity; we have the standpoint of equality; we have the authority to equal power. We must augment this history with the most important characteristics in the exercise of power: credibility, seriousness and tenacity. Power and leadership are interconnected and together they infer command: being able to influence affairs and people to share your point-of-view or agenda. Assuming a feminist standpoint, maintaining your position and sharing your vision with others are all keys to success.