I was a young feminist in the '70s. Feminism saved my life. It gave me a life. But I saw how so much of what people were saying was not matching up with what they were doing. For example, we were talking about sister solidarity, and women were putting each other down. We were talking about standing up for our rights, and women weren't leaving abusive relationships with men. There were just so many disconnects.
Eve EnslerI want to read so I can read the Koran read the signs in the street know the number of the bus I'm supposed to take when I one day leave this house.
Eve EnslerSince cancer, I feel like I have dreams rather than ambitions, visions rather than plans.
Eve EnslerMy relationship to the desecration of the earth was very theoretical and intellectual until I got sick. I could never watch anything about polar bears dying or the death of bees. There were certain things I knew I couldn't go near because they were too devastating. But I don't think until I got cancer did I get it in my body, what was happening to the earth. I finally went: "Oh! Earth! Organism!"
Eve EnslerWhy are women immobile? Because so many feel like theyโre waiting for someone to say, "Youโre good, youโre pretty, I give you permission."
Eve EnslerNaming things, breaking through taboos and denial is the most dangerous, terrifying, and crucial work. This has to happen in spite of political climates or coercions, in spite of careers being won or lost, in spite of the fear of being criticized, outcast, or disliked. I believe freedom begins with naming things. Humanity is preserved by it.
Eve Ensler