This is in keeping with her philosophy that strict distinctions between emotion and reason, or poetry and 'serious' pursuits, are arbitrarily imposed by male-dominated western society. Though this is a collection of theoretical works, it is often difficult to discern a firm distinction between theory and memoir in them. How does Audre Lorde use memoir in her arguments about racism, sexism, and injustice? Therefore, the erotic can become a catalyst for individual people to pursue political action. As a result, they are likely to raise their expectations for life as a whole and demand change, even from people or institutions they once considered unchangeable. Therefore, a person who is able to nurture their own erotic potential begins to feel keenly the lack of joy and eroticism in other areas of their life, such as the workplace. In 'Notes on the Erotic,' Lorde argues that eroticism-the emotional response to sensory enjoyment-brings joy to those who experience it. Why does Lorde posit that eroticism is an important political tool? Therefore, while she actually agrees with some of the ways poetry has been characterized, she views these qualities as positive and important rather than negative and superficial. Lorde argues that femininity is in no way inferior, and, furthermore, that emotional expression is equally as essential to human happiness and functioning as logical reasoning. Moreover, emotion, poetry, and frivolity are all associated with femininity, which is considered inferior to masculinity.

This culture denigrates poetry, viewing it as a mere amusement geared towards expressing emotion, which is valued less than reason. 'Poetry Is Not a Luxury' points out that mainstream western culture, dominated by white men, overvalues rationality and productivity. What stereotypes and myths about poetry does Lorde identify in 'Poetry Is Not a Luxury,' and how does she counter them?

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