Motherhoods: Feminist Solidarity and Fear Rhetoric

Authors

  • Jessica Restaino Montclair State University

Keywords:

feminism, motherhood, mothers, rhetoric, popular media, popular language

Abstract

As we work to understand and achieve feminist solidarity, we must explore the complex and political experience of motherhood. The language of popular media narrowly defines the experience of motherhood as one that is rooted in fear, perfectionism, and helplessness. This limiting and narrow rhetoric undermines feminist solidarity, pushing the diverse experiences of mothers outside of its scope. As feminists, we must celebrate multiple approaches to motherhood(s) that reject limited ideas about the roles and experiences of women-as-mothers.

Author Biography

Jessica Restaino, Montclair State University

Jessica Restaino is Assistant Professor of English and Associate Director of English Education at Montclair State University.

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Published

2008-12-20

Issue

Section

dialogues