Women, Solidarity And Poetry : Revisiting Tattooed With Taboos
critical look through the lens of 3 women poets
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 16 2012:
As part of a series of readings organised by Delhi University from an anthology of poetry Tattooed With Taboos, a reading was held at Miranda House, Delhi University, organised by the English Literary Society and Women's Development Cell on December 13 .
The anthology of poetry was jointly written and independently published by three women poets from Manipur, Shreema Ningombam, Chaoba Phuritshabam and Soibam Haripriya in 2011 .
The anthology was discussed in the context of various issues and challenges faced by women in Manipur, which was introduced by Ashley Tellis, gay rights activist and Assistant Professor in English at Miranda House, Delhi University.
Referring to the series of bans and diktats that affect women, Tellis spoke of the pressing need and power of the critique offered by the three women poets.
Arguing that the three women poets, who also engage in journalistic writings, social research and comment on Manipuri society, had a very powerful and useful critique to offer, Tellis spoke of how their work questions Meitei patriarchy as much as official feminism associated with the traditional women's movement.
Through the poems, the poets questioned the various layers and kind of conservatism in Meitei society, principally through their bold renderings of their sexuality, breaking the silence around the issue of sexuality.
They spoke of being inspired by their mothers and grandmothers, the challenges of bringing out the book on their own.
Pointing out that the critique is actually respectful and shows their love and commitment to Meitei society and a democratic future, Tellis emphasised on the title of the book, 'Tattooed with Taboos' which encapsulates this critique.
Recounting the escalating violence against women, recently in the form of rapes and gruesome murders, strongly repressive social practices and the recent rape, tonsure and parading of a mentally challenged woman, instead of offering her protection from her assaulters, the voices of the three women poets come as salutary and important, Tellis stressed.
Tellis expressed hope that their poetry is heard more and that Meitei society will reflect on their own anxieties in a way that helps it combat the forces that oppress rather than through practices and responses that exacerbates the oppression of women.