"We have been raised to fear the yes within ourselves, our deepest cravings. But, once recognized, those which do not enhance our future lose their power and can be altered" -Audre Lorde
The most influential text that I have read throughout my year in gender studies was definitely "Uses of the Erotic" by Audre Lorde. Just like the n-word in the black community and the word queer in the LGBTQ community, Lorde essentially reclaims the word 'erotic' for all women. While men have used the word 'erotic' to dehumanize and sexualize women, Audre Lorde creates a new use for the word that is spiritual. The erotic is supposed to empower women and inspire them to celebrate the deepest parts of themselves. According to Lorde, once the erotic is embraced, we cannot settle for less than we deserve.