I do love all the history brought in to prove how vital women coming together in thought and deep intellecutual debate and conversation is. However, the women who ran those rooms were all in the upper elite class. Curious how we can take this concept and rebuild them today without rebuilding their hierarchies? Becuase feminism is needed across sectors, ages, races and genders. Is there action plan to take what comes out of these salons and include more of a cross section of our world?
Absolutely agree, Holli! And have acknowledged this problem in quite a few posts. The salons we're starting here are intended to be fully inclusive, but only for those who identify as women. I think we need to keep the space safe for the kinds of topics and themes I hope to explore. I am consulting with others about how to build the environment that will encourage this
thanks for responding. I'm new to your platform. Would love to read where you have talked about this. And just to be clear (cause I know these platforms can cause confusion :-0)...and see that my question led to the "gender" question. My question wasn't about genders in regards to the salons. It was about the intersectionality of races/ages and the impacts patriarchy makes on all of us...not just on the intellectual stance, but in every faucet of life. Making sure lower middle class and low class women financially have access to places like this (whether it be yours or not)...and if not access that their interests and voices are also heard and accounted for. So that feminism doesn't stay in the classes...but is a cross sectional movement of women regardless of race/class.
Not sure I can write something by the deadline, but I've saved all the information for the next call, if I am not ready by Oct. 15 to submit.
LOVED this bit, especially:
"The female host controlled the room, steered discourse, and decided what mattered. There was no mansplaining derailing the conversation, or sucking the air from the room."
Lisa-Marie, it's like you're channeling all the work I've been engaged in for the past 15+ years with my YA Edge of Yesterday time travel adventure series and "learning through story" platform to promote MASTERY! Check out my Renaissance-girl wannabe series protagonist and modern-day STEMinista Charley, whose goal after building Leonardo da Vinci's plans for a time machine and accidentally triggering it to go back in time to the 15th, 18th and now 20th century, as she interviews her "heroes of history", including Isabella d'Este, and the aforementioned Emilie du Chatelet (a rival of Mme. du Deffand, et al.--also the sole female contributor to the Encyclopedie) irl back then.
Would love to chat in person--I am so primed for this deep dive into modern-day MASTERY as a New Humanist, a deterrent to the encroachemnt of the soul-stealing Age of AI.
Terrific post. I agree that the salons - buzzing, fizzing, debate, discussion, argument and wit - are needed more than ever.
I am writing a novel about Denis Diderot, Mme Geoffrin, Mme de Tencin and the vibrancy of the salons fuelling reason over dogma and driving the Age of Enlightenment.
I do love all the history brought in to prove how vital women coming together in thought and deep intellecutual debate and conversation is. However, the women who ran those rooms were all in the upper elite class. Curious how we can take this concept and rebuild them today without rebuilding their hierarchies? Becuase feminism is needed across sectors, ages, races and genders. Is there action plan to take what comes out of these salons and include more of a cross section of our world?
Absolutely agree, Holli! And have acknowledged this problem in quite a few posts. The salons we're starting here are intended to be fully inclusive, but only for those who identify as women. I think we need to keep the space safe for the kinds of topics and themes I hope to explore. I am consulting with others about how to build the environment that will encourage this
thanks for responding. I'm new to your platform. Would love to read where you have talked about this. And just to be clear (cause I know these platforms can cause confusion :-0)...and see that my question led to the "gender" question. My question wasn't about genders in regards to the salons. It was about the intersectionality of races/ages and the impacts patriarchy makes on all of us...not just on the intellectual stance, but in every faucet of life. Making sure lower middle class and low class women financially have access to places like this (whether it be yours or not)...and if not access that their interests and voices are also heard and accounted for. So that feminism doesn't stay in the classes...but is a cross sectional movement of women regardless of race/class.
Loved this entire essay/invitation.
Wish I'd received it sooner.
Not sure I can write something by the deadline, but I've saved all the information for the next call, if I am not ready by Oct. 15 to submit.
LOVED this bit, especially:
"The female host controlled the room, steered discourse, and decided what mattered. There was no mansplaining derailing the conversation, or sucking the air from the room."
I think the November theme is fun too if you don't make it for October. I'm looking forward to reading what you submit!
Lisa-Marie, it's like you're channeling all the work I've been engaged in for the past 15+ years with my YA Edge of Yesterday time travel adventure series and "learning through story" platform to promote MASTERY! Check out my Renaissance-girl wannabe series protagonist and modern-day STEMinista Charley, whose goal after building Leonardo da Vinci's plans for a time machine and accidentally triggering it to go back in time to the 15th, 18th and now 20th century, as she interviews her "heroes of history", including Isabella d'Este, and the aforementioned Emilie du Chatelet (a rival of Mme. du Deffand, et al.--also the sole female contributor to the Encyclopedie) irl back then.
Would love to chat in person--I am so primed for this deep dive into modern-day MASTERY as a New Humanist, a deterrent to the encroachemnt of the soul-stealing Age of AI.
https://edgeofyesterday.com/time-travelers/discover/heroes/isabella-deste
https://edgeofyesterday.com/time-travelers/discover/heroes/emilie-du-chatelet
Your work sounds fun, Robin. I'm swamped with salon submissions just now, but will try and check out your work soon.
I love this idea - am an elder and have wished for and wondered what happened to salons for years.
Come join us and bring your wisdom, Barbara!
Terrific post. I agree that the salons - buzzing, fizzing, debate, discussion, argument and wit - are needed more than ever.
I am writing a novel about Denis Diderot, Mme Geoffrin, Mme de Tencin and the vibrancy of the salons fuelling reason over dogma and driving the Age of Enlightenment.
I hope your new salons take off in 2025-26.
Good luck!
Thanks for being an ally, Paul!!
Extraordinary
Hear, hear! And here!
Thanks for putting this together Lisa-Marie! I am so excited to be a part of it.
Love it!! I plan to submit soon if I don't make this deadline! 👏👏🔥