Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 12:15:14 -0600 (MDT)
From: Rinita Mazumdar <rinita-AT-nmt.edu>
Subject: Behula's Dream


Soumitra,
Well, it seems that my reply did not fully reach you. Yes, I know the
``problems'' of essentialism and representation VERY WELL. I do
have a great sympathy for the subaltern to speak, ect. Nonetheless,
I also believe that being in a priviledged position such as mine
I MUST have EMPATHY for those I represent and believe it or not,
I did it with FULL EMPATHY otherwise I would have written a sociological/
philosophical article not a POEM.

Also, do read up Isvarakrishna's Samkhyakarika (the only surviving
commentary on Samkhya), there is ONE PRIMORDIAL PRAKRITI (nature)
as avaykta and many Purusas. This prakriti (as I read it) is
``passive''. Woman to me (or the feminine principle) is also
nature and it is through her subtle passive yet resisting mode that
she asserts her subjectivity.

Again, I am PRETTY SURE coming from a bourgeois woman this will NOT
satify you,

Rinita