Asks Quote by Margaret Atwood
“If you're a woman writer, sometime, somewhere, you will be asked: Do you think of yourself as a writer first, or as a woman first? Look out. Whoever asks this hates and fears both writing and women.”
About This Quote
Female writers often face the dilemma of being defined by gender or profession, with the question itself revealing bias against both writing and women.
In simple terms: Women writers face gender vs. profession bias.
Resist limiting labels.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- publishing
- academia
- media interviews
- literary events
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assert your identity?
- What strategies counteract bias?
Not all askers are hostile; context matters.