Quotes With Meaning
...when I was successful, but accused of arrogance, I wanted to drag every journalist who misunderstood to this place, and make them see that for a woman, a working-class woman, to want to be a writer, to want to be a good writer, and to believe that you were good enough, that was not arrogance; that was politics.
...when I was successful, but accused of arrogance, I wanted to drag every journalist who misunderstood to this place, and make them see that for a woman, a working-class woman, to want to be a writer, to want to be a good writer, and to believe that you were good enough, that was not arrogance; that was politics.
This quote highlights the struggle of women, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, in asserting their ambition and talent in writing. Jeanette Winterson reflects on her own experiences of being labeled arrogant for simply believing in her abilities. She emphasizes that for a woman to pursue her aspirations and to strive for excellence is not an act of arrogance but rather a political statement against societal norms. Winterson's frustration with journalists indicates a broader misunderstanding of women's aspirations, where confidence is often misinterpreted. The need for acknowledgment and validation in a male-dominated field is paramount for growth and freedom. Her words serve as a reminder of the challenges women face in claiming their space and voice in creative industries. Ultimately, the quote calls for a reevaluation of how ambition is perceived, especially when expressed by women.