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WRITERS AS CATALYST FOR SOCIAL CHANGE: BEYOND THE PEN

— by nishadarryllartey Growing up, the phrase “The pen is mightier than the sword” was a mind-boggling concept. I struggled to comprehend how a pen could be compared to a sword. Wisdom comes with age, as the saying goes. Over time, I learned that this was not just a cliché; it was first coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, an English playwright, poet, and novelist, in his 1839 play. The phrase emphasizes the power of writing, communication, and intellectual pursuits over violence and aggression. Writers have long been regarded as powerful agents of social change. Their words inspire, educate, and mobilize people to take action. From the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement, writers have played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing social justice. Some great writers whose works have been instrumental in calling for action include: In the wake of a Saturday dawn, Amina rose early as usual to start her morning chores. As she swept the compound, a chill swept over her, sending goosebumps across her skin. Her thoughts turned to her friend, Sewabatu—a 10-year-old girl forced into the “cutting ceremony” (Female Genital Mutilation). Sewabatu had confided in Amina about her mother’s plans to initiate her, recalling the scars that served as painful reminders of her mother and grandmother’s experiences. On that fateful day, Amina witnessed Sewabatu with swollen, teary eyes, being dragged by her grandmother and mother as if she were a sheep to the slaughter. Despite the sadness etched on their faces, they were determined to proceed with the ceremony. They arrived at a small hut where “the cutter,” a stern-faced woman, was waiting with a sharp blade. Sewabatu, weary and frightened, felt “the cutter” grasp her clitoris and slice it like meat. The pain was excruciating, leaving her screaming and sobbing. She bled profusely and eventually passed out. When she regained consciousness, she realized something precious had been taken from her. Though she physically recovered, the internal scars remained—a constant reminder of her violated human rights. Waris Dirie’s memoir Desert Flower (1998) recounts her own journey from being an FGM victim to becoming a model and activist. By sharing her story, she aimed to raise awareness and encourage young girls who have suffered similar fates to fight for a better future. Writers bring attention to social issues, shedding light on injustices and sparking conversations that might otherwise remain dormant. They illustrate the outcomes of harmful practices and their health implications. Through storytelling, writers foster empathy and understanding, painting vivid mental pictures of the brutality faced by victims like Sewabatu. This narrative serves as a wake-up call, arousing emotions and detailing the negative impacts of such practices. Writers aim to present evidence and challenge negative social norms. In Sewabatu’s case, her family believed the tradition would ensure her purity and marriageability, unaware that they were jeopardizing her life. Writers can dissuade such primitive ideas and conventions, encouraging readers to question their assumptions. They present data, statistics, and expert opinions, making their arguments credible. Over 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with ages ranging from infancy to 15 (WHO). Amina wished she could do something to help her friend. If she became a writer, she could help others like Sewabatu. Writers create platforms for marginalized voices, providing a space for their stories and experiences to inspire change. Due to stigmatization, ethnicity, and religious factors, many victims cannot share their experiences. Writers amplify these voices, motivating those who have been victimized to become better versions of themselves. Writers also provide policy recommendations, calling for laws to prohibit FGM and hold perpetrators accountable. A comprehensive national plan is necessary to prevent FGM, support survivors, and promote community engagement. Ignorance plays a significant role in perpetuating this practice; therefore, education and community involvement are essential. All of this is possible if writers lift their pens. In summary, writers have long been powerful catalysts for social change, using their words to inspire, educate, and mobilize action. By leveraging their platforms, collaborating with activists, and raising awareness, writers can play a vital role in shaping a more just and equitable society. They make reading accessible and engaging, using techniques, clear language, and organizational tools to help readers assess credibility. Thanks to writers, societal reforms have become possible and expedited, with social media further amplifying their efforts. Author bausper View all posts

Rewriting the Narrative: Emerging Voices in Gender and Literature

— by Anna Hall In the ever-evolving landscape of literature, a chorus of new voices is rising, shattering the long-held narratives that have confined and constrained our understanding of gender. These are the trailblazers, the visionaries who wield the power of the written word to redefine the boundaries of identity and expression. “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.” – C.S. Lewis As society evolves so does literature and, as literature evolves, so does society. The two walk hand-in-hand into a future influenced by the realities and the imaginations of the people who constitute their existence. Within literature, gender remains an ever-evolving subject. The transition from stringent stereotypes that have maintained a strict gender binary—with women as caretakers, damsels in distress, or measured by higher moral standards and men as strong, heroic, and stoic—has given way to more fluid interpretations of gender. Non-binary representation, along with characters that break from traditional binary gender roles, has grown in prominence. Over time, the authors have continuously pushed society’s ideas of gender, breathing life into characters with nuanced voices amongst a sea of cookie-cutter male/female dynamics. Breaking Gender Norms in Sci-Fi and Fantasy  Over the years, Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels have enjoyed more freedom to break gender norms through more progressive and diverse gender representations (cite). This genre flexibility allows authors to imagine worlds that do not conform to traditional societal expectations. Becky Chambers, for example, uses the expansive possibility of science fiction to challenge conventional notions of gender in her Wayfarers series. Her characters span a broad spectrum of gender and sexual identities. Chambers creates species whose gender norms defy societal conventions, such as one that transitions biologically from female to male and ultimately allows individuals to choose their gender as they mature. She juxtaposes these characters with the human main character, Rosemary, who navigates her companion’s realities with curiosity and an open mind.  Tasha Suri’s The Burning Kingdom series takes a fantasy approach to gender subversion by placing women in traditionally male roles. Both main female characters are placed in conventional roles with non-traditional characteristics. Priya, a religious figurehead, is a caretaker whose compassion and strength shape her community. Malini, a political figurehead, is a ruthless and determined leader driving her forces to reclaim her kingdom with ferocity. Additionally, the series centers on a queer romance, defying heteronormative expectations often found in fantasy. Suri’s work illustrates how authors can use their imaginative settings to critique and dismantle patriarchal norms. Subverting Gender Norms in Literary Fiction While speculative fiction often receives attention for its gender-bending narratives, literary fiction also interrogates and redefines gender roles. Caleb Azumah Nelson’s debut novel, Open Waters follows the deeply introspective journey of a Black British man navigating grief, love, and personal growth. By centering a male protagonist who is vulnerable, reflective, and emotionally expressive, Nelson subverts the traditional stoic and emotionally repressed male stereotype. In the novel, the main character is not out to save a damsel in distress, but readers watch as he tries to save himself and grow from his circumstances and pain. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s debut novel Chain-Gang All-Stars critiques systems of oppression, including those based on gender. By placing female characters in a position of power in a hyper-masculine world of death matches, Adjei-Brenyah interrogates how power dynamics shift when traditional gender dynamics are upended. Trailblazing Literary Figures: From Alice Walker to Today The contributions of contemporary authors build upon the foundation laid by literary pioneers like Alice Walker. In The Color Purple, Walker reimagines gender roles through characters like Celie. Celie evolves from a submissive wife and mother to a self-made businesswoman. She becomes the epitome of a self-made woman who builds a life for herself despite the role society places her in. Similarly, Shug Avery’s unapologetic embrace of her sexuality and independence defies traditional expectations of women during the time. These characters—and Walker’s broader body of work—paved the way for today’s authors to explore intersectionality, reject binary gender roles, and create more fluid, inclusive narratives. Looking Forward: Literature’s Gender Revolution As the literary landscape continues to evolve, more trailblazing voices are emerging to challenge traditional narratives around gender. Writers such as Becky Chambers, Tasha Suri, Caleb Azumah Nelson, and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah represent just a handful of those contributing to this cultural shift. As the new year approaches, new authors will emerge to join the list of voices interrogating and reimagining gender norms, ensuring that the conversation remains dynamic, inclusive, and transformative Author bausper View all posts

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