Brainstorm #4

During the first week of class, the main focus was on unity and empowerment of women fighting for social justice in their communities. In Dissedent Globalizations, Emancipatory Methods, Social-Erotics, Chela Sandoval mentions how "this 'queer' consciousness as born of a life lived in the 'borderlands' between races, nations, languages, genders, sexualities, and cultures" (Sandoval, 24). Sandoval discusses the intersectionality of individuals and how these minority groups experience hardships as they are fighting for social justice. Her thoughts about dissent globalization include the unity and collective activism of individuals. This is similar to Elizabeth Martinez's perspective on dissent globalization as both feel that this is an effective way to overcome neoliberalism. Both Martinez and Sandoval hope to overcome barriers experienced by individuals that are oppressed based on their identities. In addition, the concept of 'differential consciousness' as a mode of resilience is discussed in the video, The Women Who Rock Oral History Project, by Angelica Macklin. In this video, Sheila Hardy says "... the energy of black women being bold enough to do rock, to be out there, to be unlady like" (Macklin, 1:06). This scenario represents an example of women coming together to form a community based on a common interest. This groups allows for these women to openly express their ideas without fear of judgment. This is similar to Sandoval's view of 'differential consciousness' in that it empowers individuals across all identities to come together serving as activists. It is crucial to have a space where individuals can convey their feelings and fight for social justice.