Elizabeth A. Flynn Response

Composing as a Woman and Contextualizing “Composing as a Woman” by Elizabeth A. Flynn

Summary: In her first article Composing as a Woman Elizabeth Flynn introduces the idea that is beginning to grow in discussion. She argues for the concept of women and men developing and growing differently. Flynn also argues how this then in turn changes or affects the ways in which males and females act, react and think about things. Flynn uses other author’s articles to help her discussion on why there is this difference and how we have never noticed it. Flynn as well as others in her article discusses how men have always been the cue and learning example for both males and females to develop and write and so forth. She argues women voices and different experiences than that of men have been oppressed. Flynn argues through examples that women and men think about and take things differently than each other. She also in turn agrees that we do think and conform and so many ways but that we are also so different. Flynn concludes the article arguing for us to embrace the differences in society between men and women and those we remain aware of these differences. Also she argues women embrace their differences and write from the power of these differences and experiences. After this article Flynn talks about it in Contextualizing “Composing as a Woman”. Flynn explains why she put out this information and how it was important to woman at the time. Flynn wanted to express the need to know and embrace the differences in which men and women grow as well as write. Flynn talks about how she doesn’t regret what she says but how she knows in modern time some things differ now like the fact that mothers aren’t always the main parent now. She also expresses that she thinks it is still very important to view the article but that it should be understood for when it was written and that it doesn’t all apply to today’s day and age.

Synthesis: I think that these two articles relate highly as they are written by the same author and discuss the same topic. Although the second article by Fylnn is extremely short they both talk about and discuss the importance of seeing and embracing differences between men and women. They both discuss examples and methods used to finding these differences. Also in the second article Flynn explains why she said certain things and how they were relevant and important back then as well as some are still today. They also relate as they express the importance of knowing we have similarities but that it is possibly more important to know and use the differences we have.

Question for Journaling and Discussion:

2. I think that we should always take in to account when a piece is written in order to understand their point and meaning behind the piece. This is important because it will allow us to better understand where they are coming from and maybe why they said the things they did. Also there will be differences in style of writing as well as vocabulary and it is important to note this and take it into account. Although I say all this I think that a piece that is most valid and important for us to use and keep is one that is timeless. Articles or any piece of work even music can last forever if what behind it and how it is expressed is done so in the best and most righteous manner.

3. I think what Fylnn is saying here is that all of women’s voices and or works ever expressed or attempted to be so had failed. She is arguing that we have never given any credit or notice to women but instead used men for the example of everything. She argues men use to be the experimented and exampled for every piece of understanding from writing to growing up. I think that she is arguing g that this was a way for society to come as one but really it was just hiding and riding of the differences.  Fylnn notes that these differences aren’t a problem they are something we need to use and keep in mind instead of silence. I believe this has the same effect or leads to effects in turn on minorities because If we also look at the past we have never looked at these differences. Men are men and women are women and that is how we have always thought about it. However, different minorities and different people in general have different cultures and voices. This means that everyone grows, develops, experiences and even writes differently. The marginalization has taken away from our opportunity to see and understand the different ways in which people of different cultures develop in life.

5. I think that this claim between the differences of feminine and masculine identification is a very strong one. This arguments hits big points that I would see true in both male as well as female. Also I can even notice and observe some of this in my life as well as the first readings examples in themselves. This argument expresses and explains how we have differences in between the two and what exactly these differences are. These differences due exist and I see them relevant around society however I also see some faults in the argument so I don’t know if what exactly he is saying is true and fitting. This is my best answer but I will say a lot to is his argument is valid and I stand by.

Applying and Exploring:

 4. I think it shows the limitation of research especially. After reading Flynn’s article and thinking about everything that she said I understand her points and they are valid I would think. This may be the case but she even admits before she can confirm anything she would need to conduct a lot of research and observation. Also with this I don’t think it would be easy to get this research or observations done. In saying this I mean that I don’t see what ways or methods in which they would collect and observe the differences between males and females in growth, experiencing and possibly in some ways even writing. I think that her piece isn’t able to stand on its own and it has some flaws but her point makes sense and I can see it in today’s society so I think that for the purpose she wants to reach I would say generalization serves as a benefit. This is because generalization doesn’t allow us to see how much we are alike or how little we differ but instead lets us know that we do in fact differ. Also besides driving her point home better it gives the audience an opportunity to think over and maybe discover the relevance of this in their life or society.

5. How does gender influence how writers use language? Explain. Gender is a big influence or writer’s choice of language. When writing women and men think differently as women tend to want to express every detail as well as involve feelings and emotions. This seems more refrained in male writing depending on the topic but men for the most part write to summarize and entail the key and important parts. Men tend to think and write more for a purpose and less for the fun of it or just saying something. Also men are more masculine then women and tend to use language and vocabulary that is more aggressive and vulgar because men are that way and seem to enjoy writing and expressing themselves freely. Women on the other hand tend to write and use vocabulary that is hidden or metaphorical: writing that makes you think and feel the way they do. I think that gender is a big influence on the ways in which we write and its very importance to establish and embrace this for all that it is.

Opinion on Article: I think that both of these articles were interesting to read. I first felt annoyed because I thought it was going to be just another big argument for women’s rights. I was caught off guard fast as it was less about that and more about how we have been over-looking and neglecting things in our society. I never thought of the differences in develop of writing to have anything to do with gender. I thought this article or the first one by Flynn offered a very strong argument and explanation. Also I think it was interesting to hear what she had to say and then see back up for it with her examples. These articles were easy to read and kept me interested as well. I was very pleased to read this and it helped me to see and hopefully now understand and embrace the differences between male and female writing and experiences.