Very interesting observations, Leslie. Let's apply Rilke's "conventions of mere femininity" to two important parts of the po biz:
1. Networking
Ooh, the famous poet I admire is chitchatting after the reading! Great! I'll wait my turn!....Hmmm, my turn's not coming. Should I break into the conversation and introduce myself? Nah, that's too pushy...Darn, I've started talking at the same time as someone else! I'll do the polite thing and fall silent so the other person can continue...I've been waiting for another opening, and it's never come...Who am I to interrupt that professor who's been monopolizing the poet for a good twenty minutes? No, I'll just look rude and demanding...Darn, the poet has to leave to catch a train now, and I've missed my chance...Oh, well, I've never been much of a schmoozer...
2. Submitting work to editors
Awww...This poem has been rejected twice now, by editors I respect...I really liked it myself, but I guess this one's a clinker, and I should just give up on it. Of course I'm not a quitter--after all, I did try placing it elsewhere after the <u>first</u> market didn't work out--but I'm not stupid, either. Got to face facts and move on...And at least I'm learning from this experience. I've learned that these two editors don't like my work, so if I send them any more they'll think I'm not getting the message...Fine, I'll just cross these two markets off my list...
Fear of being perceived (by themselves or others) as bitchy, pushy, narcissistic, or clueless can be tremendously inhibiting to women in any field. However, I think such self-censorship is particularly deadly in the po biz, since finding an audience requires such persistent self-promotion. (A resilient response to editorial rejections is particularly important for keeping one's name and work before the public!)
So, maybe we've been seeing more fine poems by women in recent years because women are growing more comfortable with that traditionally unladylike work of forcing oneself back into the spotlight, over and over and over again. We can't identify and enjoy fine work if its author keeps it safely in the shadows!
Conversely, the sight of good stuff in the spotlight inspires others to produce good stuff...some of which will, in turn, be pushed out onstage.
Julie Stoner
[This message has been edited by Julie Stoner (edited November 05, 2008).]
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