Greer’s book “The Female Eunuch” was the first book I read on Feminism. Although its incredibly dated, at the time (I was just out of my teens) it was a revelation, even though I didn’t agree with all of it.
Over the years Greer’s stances and opinions on things have become more and more skewed from my personal philosophy on what Feminism is. Therefore I have moved away from her work as I don’t see her as a role-model or person of excellence in the field even though she placed herself as a pioneer feminist during the second wave. I personally don’t feel she’s an activist like one of my idols Gloria Steinem who I saw speak and inspired me very much.
Suffice to say the event put on by The School of Life didn’t inspire me and in fact left me thinking – wtf Germaine?!?!
From the outset Greer was vague, defensive and refused to answer questions purposefully derailing the conversation and changing the subject.
I couldn’t find a single element of her talk which I agreed with and I felt like the whole thing was created to draw controversy in order to get people to read her essay. I would of appreciated it moreso, if I didn’t have to pay for a talk which was simply an advertisement for her essay.
Like the majority gathered there, I attended as a curiosity and was left laughing at her not with her and the most interesting aspect of the talk was when a small handful of protesters interrupted about 1/3 of the way through.
I won’t quote what stood out as inspiration because all that stood out is how NOT to be a feminist in my opinion. At least now I can say I have seen her speak.
My parting words on this is that I have moved past her work and will continue to focus on feminist writers who inspire and keep the movement progressing.
. Overall I am glad I attended it was one of the best workshops I have attended at a writing festival.
tinaaltman.com 