"There are many kinds of power, used and unused, acknowledged or otherwise. The erotic is a resource within each of us that lies in a deeply female and spiritual plane, firmly rooted in the power of our unexpressed or unrecognized feeling. In order to perpetuate itself, every oppression must corrupt or distort those various sources of power within the culture of the oppressed that can provide energy for change. For women, this has meant a suppression of the erotic as a considered source of power and information within our lives." ⁠- Chapter two: Uses of the Erotic

Audre Lorde guides us through a direct and tantalizing call to action for women and others to recognize and acknowledge the erotic power we all have deeply rooted within us. She shows us how we shouldn't confuse the word erotic with it's derogatory uses, that have been purposefully used to take away from it's true meaning, which are used to disempower and disengage us from our humanity. The erotic, our deepest cravings, emotions, desires, has been taught to be feared, for if we engage with those parts of ourselves we will certainly not fit the mold. By keeping us afraid of our true essence we are left insecure, unable to express, following for misguided safety. We need to learn to go in, accept what we find, embrace our own inner landscape, so that we learn our worth and we stand up for ourselves.⁠ For such a small book, there is a large impact! I find myself reading and rereading every paragraph because it says so much. My mind is constantly wandering into my own world and seeing how these sentiments relate to my own life. ⁠

I really enjoyed reading this book and joining the discussion. So much of the book was about understanding where oppression comes from and that it often comes from within. ⁠This book had me asking lots of questions of myself like: Where I am limiting myself? Where am I not doing enough in my life? Where am I creating divides instead of a coming together?

Audre Lorde implores us that we need to embrace our differences and not be threatened by them. So often our own internal oppressions get in the way of us being able to accept and embrace others for what they represent or how they exist in the world. Because we feel guilt or shame about racism, exclusion, or our own privilege, we can't engage in ways that are necessary for change. Change requires empathy, groundedness, and acceptance. When we come together, we can create something that works for everyone. When we stay afraid and distant or worse in conflict with each other, we waste time and energy. 

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