So many of us have been victims of or witnessed sexual violence or are likely to know someone who has. But if we speak of it all, we do so in whispers.
Unspoken, unshared, these stories haunt us with fears we are too ashamed to name.
Yet every day we read about rape and other forms of sexual and gender violence in our newspapers. But sometimes violence is implicit, revealed in a glance, a stance, a touch. Sometimes it is far more explicit. It is almost always layered. Inequities -historic, gendered, socio-economic - participate in violence.
A newspaper article, rooted in fact and objectivity, does not always permit exploring multiple aspects and perspectives in the way that stories allow. Stories express ambiguity, confusion. Enable us to navigate a world that is not always black and white, to understand the complexity of choices and prompt introspection. The best literature changes us by helping us understand ourselves, others and the world around us better.
The act of telling stories, of articulation, can empower us. It can be a way of changing the narrative, exploring alternatives, achieving catharsis. We are no longer silent. We take control of the narrative. We take control of our fear.
The next issue of Out of Print is themed around sexual and gender violence. For the first time, Out of Print, in addition to fiction, will also welcome creative non-fiction.
The last date for submissions is 20th February and the issue will come out in early March. This issue will be guest-edited by Meena Kandasamy and Samhita Arni.
Submission guidelines here: http://www.outofprintmagazine.co.in/submission-guidelines.html
Unspoken, unshared, these stories haunt us with fears we are too ashamed to name.
Yet every day we read about rape and other forms of sexual and gender violence in our newspapers. But sometimes violence is implicit, revealed in a glance, a stance, a touch. Sometimes it is far more explicit. It is almost always layered. Inequities -historic, gendered, socio-economic - participate in violence.
A newspaper article, rooted in fact and objectivity, does not always permit exploring multiple aspects and perspectives in the way that stories allow. Stories express ambiguity, confusion. Enable us to navigate a world that is not always black and white, to understand the complexity of choices and prompt introspection. The best literature changes us by helping us understand ourselves, others and the world around us better.
The act of telling stories, of articulation, can empower us. It can be a way of changing the narrative, exploring alternatives, achieving catharsis. We are no longer silent. We take control of the narrative. We take control of our fear.
The next issue of Out of Print is themed around sexual and gender violence. For the first time, Out of Print, in addition to fiction, will also welcome creative non-fiction.
The last date for submissions is 20th February and the issue will come out in early March. This issue will be guest-edited by Meena Kandasamy and Samhita Arni.
Submission guidelines here: http://www.outofprintmagazine.co.in/submission-guidelines.html
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