Punctuation Rule Number 36, Underlining

Makenna F.

• Artist Statement

  Punctuation Rule 36 says that when using a word as a word or a letter for a letter, it should be underlined. Another thing I learned in my English class is that when writing a thesis, one should pick to use a singular pronoun in order to make it grammatically correct. I started to hear people use the pronouns she and her in formal writing, which stood out to me since I usually opt for using he or him. I started to wonder why that was, why did I pick he and him when I always identified with she and her? When I always talked about being able to take up space using she and her? I thought about it quite often, trying to figure it out. I think that from all the media and stereotypes I'd experienced in my life, I started to associate girls as being less strong and not as good because of that: a shocking self realization for someone who always promoted gender equality and strong women and who felt that she herself was just as good as any man.

  I hate that I have internalized the patriarchal views of the world around me, but it's important to recognize the uglier parts of ourselves if we are to grow as people and move past flawed, problematic perspectives. I underlined she in my poem because I am not just referring to one person - I am referring to the meaning of the word, what it means to be she. I am acknowledging that I have flawed views and problematic opinions, I have been lead astray in thinking that she is any less strong, or worthy than he. I am learning to correct my errored thoughts, and by sharing my mistakes, I am hopefully correcting them in the world around me. I am learning how to accept myself and every other she as what we are: just as wonderful, and strong, and worthy as anything else could be.

• Creative Statement

  I often feel like I can't communicate very well with on the spot speaking, I get very jumbled up, but crafting words allows me to build a feeling from inside my head or heart in a place where I can share it and connect. There is so much beauty in the world, creativity is how I add to it.