Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 1998. [Vol. 5.] Eger Journal of American Studies. (Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 25)

Studies - András Tarnóc: Voices From the Wild Zone: Three Versions of the Feminist Aesthetic in American Culture

Gerda Lerner and other female historians' efforts to provide alternative knowledges and histories are elements of feminist extensions. In the case of Black and Chicana feminism critique is dominant. In addition to sexism and the notion of the patriarchal society, race and ethnicity-based discrimination along with economic considerations are discerned as obstacles to women's advancement. It is noteworthy that one of the reasons for the advent of black feminism is the racism of white feminists, and Afrocentric womanism emphasizes the irrelevance of white feminist theories to the black female experience. Finally, Du Plessis' notion of the applicability of the female aesthetic to the experience of any marginal group must be qualified. Whereas she claims the non-hegemonic nature of the female aesthetic and points to women as a "historically non-hegemonic group," (149) this statement is only valid in reference to the patriarchal society as the racism of white feminists' underlines the existence of hegemonic thought within their ranks. WORKS CITED Alarcón, Norma. "The Sardonic Powers of the Erotic in the Work of Ana Casti 110." Breaking Boundaries: Latina Writing and Critical Readings. Ed. Asuncion Horno-Delgado et al. U of Massachusetts P, 1989. 94-107. Baker. Houston A, Jr. The Journey Back: Issues in Black Literature and Criticism. Chicago: The U of Chicago P, 1980. Baym. Nina. "Melodramas of Beset Manhood: How Theories of American Fiction Exclude Women Authors." The New Feminist Criticism. Essays on Women, Literature and Theory. Ed. Elaine Showalter. New York: Pantheon, 1985. 63-80. . et al. ed. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Third. Ed. New York: W. W. Norton, 1989. 1529-1541. Beard, Henry and Christopher Cerf. "Rape." The Official Sexually Correct Dictionary and Dating Guide. New York: Villard, 1995. 135. . "Sexual Harassment." The Official Sexually Correct Dictionary and Dating Guide. New York: Villard, 1995. 152-153. 117