From Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde

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From Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde

In this reading, Lorde has a sexual awakening at a young age (516). Because of her complicated relationship with her mother and her emotional estrangement from her older sisters, Lorde longs for a relationship with a younger girl (510). We know that later in life, Lorde becomes openly lesbian, and I believe that this text gives insight into the discovery of this. Through this interaction with another little girl named Toni, young Andre starts to discover a new part of herself (516). 

Growing up in Harlem during the time she did, and also being black and a female, was difficult. She was also visually impaired. From a very young age, Lorde learns that nothing will ever be easy for her. Even when around her family, where she should feel relaxed, she must walk on eggshells to please her mother. She seems to get in trouble for the smallest things. “How many times have I told you not to call me mommy on the street?” (516). 

Being black, female, and lesbian could have held Audre back from her potential, but she never allowed it too. She embraced her differences and empowered others by writing about her experiences. 

In her documentary A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde we see a new, stronger side of Lorde. As an adult, Audre embraces the struggles of her youth. Lorde is very passionate about activism and changing the face of the community she lives in. Out of all the authors we have covered in this class, I would say she might be the most openly feminist. When giving a speech for receiving the title of State Poet of New York, she declares that she is proud to be a  “black, lesbian, feminist, warrior, poet, and mother”. While most people consider the arts to be a luxury, Lorde considers them to be the lifeblood of society, and is constantly advocating for more funding and education in the arts. I admire how she doesn’t back away from anything and is firm on her beliefs. I believe her tough childhood shaped her into the strong woman she becomes.