The Erotic

File:Cover Page of Out & Out Pamphlet.jpg

Red Cover of Out & Out Pamphlet No. 3.

The Erotic, is a concept of a source of power and resources that are available within all humans, which draws on feminine and spiritual approaches to introspection. The erotic was first described by Audre Lorde in her 1978 essay in Sister Outsider, "Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power". The essay was later published in 1982 as a pamphlet by Out & Out Books. Lorde's essay on the erotic conceptualizes the erotic as a subliminal power that all women possess that provides satisfaction and joy in several ways besides lust and carnal desire. Other feminist scholars moved on with Lorde's argument on the erotic's purpose in daily life, furthering this progressive theory into a more contemporary understanding of everyday life and modern porn culture. Since the foundational work set forth by Lorde, feminist discourses on the nature of empowerment and human exchange have been inspired by her writings.

Conceptualization of the erotic

In the essay, Lorde describes the erotic as "the nurturer or nursemaid of our deepest knowledge," meaning it is an important source of one's inner wisdom, comfort, and insight into one's self. Through this lens, the erotic becomes a powerful resource in enabling women to reclaim and honor parts of themselves that otherwise would be cast aside. When she says, "The erotic is a lens through which we can scrutinize all aspects of our existence," she means that the erotic is not just something related to sensation; it is a tool in deepening one's relationship with themselves to inspire a fuller, more intentional engagement with life. Lorde describes the erotic as "a well of replenishing and provocative force to the woman who does not fear its revelation, nor succumb to the belief that sensation is enough," she claims the erotic as a source of replenishment and creative vigor for one willing to open fully to it. The erotic is a deep and abiding force for women who do not fear its depth or deny it by forcing it into limited preconceptions of what it represents: just physical pleasure. Lorde suggests that such a deeper understanding of the erotic would move beyond a superficial feeling to allow women access to a more complete sense of self which would be benefit them intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

Elements of the erotic

The scholar Caleb Ward argues that there are four essential facets of the erotic as described by Lorde that help remove some of the associated ambiguity surrounding the term:

1. The erotic is about feeling.
2. The erotic is a source of knowledge.
3. The erotic is a source of power in the face of oppression.
4. The erotic can catalyze concerted political action and coalition across differences.

The etymology of the erotic comes from the Greek word eros, which Audre Lorde describes as "the personification of love in all its aspects".

Erotic in everyday life

In "Uses of the Erotic," Lorde highlights the transformative potential of incorporating the erotic in daily life, drawing an analogy between the erotic and a deep source of joy and energy found in simple yet creative acts. The erotic transforms ordinary actions, such as dancing, writing, or creating, into profound satisfaction and fulfillment that empowers individuals to live more authentic and passionate lives. Engaging with the erotic enables women to gain more profound satisfaction and wholeness in their lives. It drives excellence and emotional fulfillment across all aspects of life, extending beyond sexual contexts. Embracing and utilizing the erotic appropriately empowers women to pursue greater depth and meaning in their lives, work, and relationships. The etymological affiliation of the Erotic as eros with notions of "life force" or "creative energies" underlines the presence of the Erotic in daily life. Though it is tied to passion and sensuality, in Audre Lorde's terms, the erotic is "far more than sexual or sensual contexts; it motivates excellence, survival, and delight through all of life's activities." This influence reveals itself in the small, meaningful moments that bring self-realization and dignity to simple, everyday acts. The Erotic is expressed when a person invests deeply in what truly fulfills them, like cooking a meal with care or taking the time to savor nature. In these simply daily actions, joy and happiness emerge, emphasizing experiences that align with one’s values and encourage a genuine, holistic way of living. Lorde also suggests sharing the erotic promotes in-depth emotional connections and strengthens interpersonal bonds. Lorde proposes, "The sharing of joy [...] forms a bridge between the sharers which can be the basis for understanding much of what is not shared between them, and lessens the threat of their difference." This form of sharing involves mutual joy and recognition of each other's humanity rather than using each other as a means of superficial satisfaction.

Furthering the erotic: insights from other feminist scholars

The idea of the erotic as a source of power and agency has been furthered by a number of feminist scholars and activists in the late 20th century. For example, in All About Love: New Visions, Bell Hooks argues that love opens people to intimate connections in a way very similar to Lorde's idea of the erotic. For Hooks, the erotic as love strengthens connections with others to be the grounding for solidarity to effectively resist systems of oppression and reclaim one's identity.

Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde

• A Burst Of Light
• The Black Unicorn
• Between Ourselves
• Cables To Rage
• The Cancer Journals
• The First Cities
• From A Land Where Other People Live
• I Am Your Sister: Black Women Organizing Across Sexualities
• Need: A Chorale For Black Women Voices
• The New York Head Shop And Museum
• Our Dead Behind Us: Poems
• Sister Outsider: Essays And Speeches
• The Marvelous Arithmetics Of Distance: Poems
• Undersong: Chosen Poems Old And New
• Uses Of The Erotic: The Erotic As Power
• Woman Poet—The East
• Zami: A New Spelling of My Name

See also

• Berkshire Conference of Women Historians
• Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press
• Black Feminism
• Black Feminist Thought
• Sister Outsider
• Audre Lorde Project
• Community Organizing