W9 - Discussion
- Mat Wenzel

- Oct 28, 2018
- 1 min read
Upload a brief summary/response of your discussion text here.
Freaks and the American Ideal of Manhood by James Baldwin http://challengingmalesupremacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Here-be-Dragons-James-Baldwin.pdf
The Gutted by Justin Chin
Her Body, Mine, and His by Dorothy Allison
Ode to the Blowjob by Sharon Olds https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/blowjob-vulgar-slang-audio-only
Arabesque by Gary Fisher TW
My Vomit Fetish, Myself by Melissa Broder



This W9 discussion post provides a powerful space for exploring complex themes of identity, gender, and the "American ideal of manhood" through the works of iconic writers like James Baldwin and Audre Lorde. By engaging with these diverse perspectives—from Baldwin’s critique of societal expectations to Audre Lorde’s exploration of the erotic as power—this curriculum encourages deep reflection on how our personal and collective identities are shaped.
Just as these discussions help us navigate the complexities of identity and power, building a strong community requires a commitment to visibility and mutual support. For students and creators inspired by these literary voices, a free business listing for black owned business is a valuable resource for finding and supporting local ventures. Utilizing a Business…
This week's reading list is incredibly powerful and really pushes the boundaries of how we discuss identity and the human experience. Whether it's Baldwin's exploration of manhood or the raw vulnerability in Melissa Broder's work, these pieces force us to look at the 'uncomfortable' parts of ourselves with more empathy and clarity.
It’s interesting how deep academic or creative work like this requires a certain level of mental and physical readiness to truly engage with the material. I’ve always found that I think more clearly when I’ve taken a moment to ground myself with a consistent routine. For me, that means staying dedicated to simple acts of self-care, like a scalp care routine or the refreshing boost of a High Frequency…
Really appreciated this week’s discussion prompt—so many strong choices and insightful reflections from classmates. By the way, on a slightly different note: if you’re looking to maintain a clean space for focused writing, you might try using Diatomaceous Earth for Ants to keep distractions (literally) at bay and consider cds solution as an extra support.
Really thought‑provoking discussion—thanks for sharing your reading of the material! If you’re ready to focus on the deeper ideas rather than chores, consider checking out house cleaning services to help you clear the space. And if you’re in the area, they also offer house cleaning Queen Creek so you can get back to the writing and thinking without distractions.
The article I decided to read was "her body mine and his". This was a very interesting piece to read. Reading the title, I figured this essay would revolve around a threesome with two women and one man. However, that was definitely not the case. The authour makes it clear that she is engaging in sexual encounters with only a women. For instance, she states, "my libia swells. I can feel each hair that curls around the harness she wears". This alerts the reader that the "his" the author is referring to is the dildo they're using. This particular phrase is very effective because it provides some sort of explanation for the title. This article relates to eroticism because the…