In a passage on page 172 from This Bridge Called My Back by Gloria Anzaldúa, the author claims that, through both writing and queerness, one must challenge the heteronormative ideals held by society.
Anzaldúa first puts her emphasis on writing; “Shock yourself into new ways of perceiving the world, shock your readers into the same” (172). The word “shock” conveys a feeling of urgency and extremity. This makes readers feel motivated to write, while also providing encouragement that they can make an impact.
Anzaldúa then writes, “If you are going to spit in the eye of the world, make sure your back is to the wind” (172). She utilizes this idiom to illustrate the existence of queer people in society. The act of simply being queer is a disregard of societal norms; therefore, it is to “spit in the eye of the world”. Anzaldúa continues this thought with the claim that the world will retaliate against this queerness. By explaining that the opposition will travel back to you (“… make sure your back is to the wind”), she is explaining how the world believes being queer is an act of violence.
Overall, I think this passage, and most of Anzaldúa’s essay, are showing how queerness is inherently radical. One cannot be queer without being radical, and therefore, she wants readers to utilize their queerness to create change in the world. She does this through writing, but the concepts are applicable to all forms of activism. Because, standing idly while your community suffers, is a waste of your voice.