If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive

If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive

Audre Lorde, a renowned writer, feminist, and civil rights activist, once famously said, “If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” This powerful statement encapsulates the importance of self-definition and self-empowerment in the face of societal expectations and pressures.

Lorde, as a black woman living in a predominantly white, patriarchal society, understood the dangers of allowing others to define her identity. She recognized that if she did not take control of her own narrative, she would be reduced to a mere stereotype or caricature, molded by the prejudices and biases of those around her. By defining herself on her own terms, Lorde was able to assert her agency and resist the oppressive forces that sought to diminish her worth and autonomy.