Course Review
Final reflection
For a final reflection, we would like to invite you to write a letter to feminism about the history of your relationship and the ways it has been influenced by this course, particularly in relation to your use of narrative practice. We would love to hear what you are doing or will be doing differently as a result of weaving your way through the materials in this course, and we know others would too, so please share in the reflection section below.
Here are some prompts for your letter:
- How long have you and Feminism[s] known each other? Do you remember who or what introduced you to each other?
- Have you experienced any difficulties in your relationship? Were there any times when Feminism let you down? Were there ever any other forces that got in the way of your preferred relationship with Feminism(s)? What or who got you through those times? In what ways have you re-negotiated this relationship over time?
- Who or what supports you to pursue your relationship with Feminism(s)?
- How does your relationship with Feminism(s) shape your experience of yourself as a narrative practitioner? Has undertaking this course re-shaped that in any way?
- Perhaps there is an image or a song that comes to mind when you think of this?
- Hopefully this course will have expanded your knowledge of Feminism’s multitude of expressions and collaborations with others in narrative approaches. What practice or idea are you most excited to carry forward in your work?
- Would you like to share a story about how you imagine this might (or if you have already tried it, how it did) change your practice?
karley.french1
March 6, 2024Dear Feminism,
Reflecting on our journey together, it’s clear that you’ve been a cornerstone in my personal and professional development. Introduced to me by the legacy of countless strong women and activists, you’ve been a constant presence, guiding me towards understanding the importance of equity, diversity, and the fight against systemic injustices.
Our relationship, however, hasn’t been without its challenges. There were times when the ideals of feminism seemed to clash with the realities of a deeply entrenched patriarchal system, leaving me questioning our path forward. It was the strength of the community—fellow LGBTQIA+ allies and advocates of intersectionality—that provided the support needed to navigate these challenges. Their resilience reminded me that our fight is collective, and in unity, there’s hope.
This relationship has evolved over time, embracing a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of feminism. The recent course I’ve completed has significantly contributed to this evolution, deepening my appreciation for the diverse expressions of feminism and its integration with narrative practice. This learning has invigorated my approach to my work in human services, highlighting the importance of a collaborative, non-hierarchical approach that respects and elevates every individual’s story.
Moving forward, I’m particularly excited about incorporating an intersectional lens more deliberately into my practice. This approach acknowledges the complex interplay of various social identities and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic space for everyone. I see this as a crucial step in not only challenging existing power dynamics but also in promoting genuine understanding and solidarity.
In my work, I anticipate this shift will enable more authentic connections and a deeper sense of agency among those I support. By prioritising collaborative storytelling and recognising the richness of diverse narratives, I aim to contribute to a more just and equitable society.
Thank you, Feminism, for being a pivotal influence in my life and work. I look forward to continuing our journey together, armed with the insights and inspirations gained through this course, towards a future where everyone’s story is valued.
Sincerely,
Karley French
crystalsoares90
January 15, 2024Dear Feminism,
It has been a long journey for us, starting with how celebrated I was when it was announced I would be born a girl. It was you that allowed my grandmother to immigrate on her own with kids to a new country, leave an alcoholic abusive husband without being stigmatized, work freely to be the breadwinner of her family, and give me strong ideological roots that would later empower me to take up narrative therapy as a clinician.
It has not been a perfect road for us though. In spite of the freedoms you allowed in my generation, your mortal enemy, patriarchy, prevailed and exposed me and the women in my family to a lot of social injustice. From being sexualized and fetishized as an ethnic community, assaulted, pushed into female dominated industries like cleaning, created barriers for higher education, expectations of heterosexuality due to catholic roots, and to this day, still finding it hard to fully excel in my work while also being a mother to young children.
Feminism, I value and appreciate what has happened to give me the privilege I have today. But I am eager to be a part of this wave and version of you, that can embrace and promote spaces in narrative settings that understand and apply an intersectional lens.
thank you