“The game is a dominance game called I Must Impress This Woman. Failure makes the active player play harder. Wear a hunched back or a withered arm; you will then experience the invisibility of the passive player. I'm never impressed -- no woman ever is -- it's just a cue that you like me and I'm supposed to like that. If you really like me, maybe I can get you to stop. Stop; I want to talk to you! Stop; I want to see you! Stop; I'm dying and disappearing! SHE: Isn't it just a game? HE: Yes, of course. SHE: And if you play the game, it means you like me, doesn't it? HE: Of course. SHE: Then if it's just a game and you like me, you can stop playing. Please stop. HE: No. SHE: Then I won't play. HE: Bitch! You want to destroy me. I'll show you. (He plays harder) SHE: All right. I'm impressed. HE: You really are sweet and responsive after all. You've kept your femininity. You're not one of those hysterical feminist bitches who wants to be a man and have a penis. You're a woman. SHE: Yes. (She kills herself)”
Quote by Joanna Russ
Work
The Female Man is a work of speculative fiction that examines themes of gender, identity, and social structure. The narrative follows four distinct female characters, each from a different parallel world, whose lives intersect to challenge conventional notions of womanhood and humanity. The book is known for its experimental style and feminist critique, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a woman in various societal contexts. more
Author
Joanna Russ was an American writer renowned for her science fiction and fantasy novels. Her works are celebrated for their profound themes and critical social commentary, particularly their exploration of gender, power, and culture. Notable works include 'We', 'Sophie's Choice', and 'Kate Delorians'. more
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“I expect that Woman will be the last thing civilized by Man.”