Elitist: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:35, 21 January 2026

“Elitist” is probably the most abused word in the women’s liberation movement. It is used as frequently, and for the same reasons, as “pinko” was used in the fifties. It is rarely used correctly. Within the movement it commonly refers to individuals, though the personal characteristics and activities of those to whom it is directed may differ widely: An individual, as an individual can never be an elitist, because the only proper application of the term “elite” is to groups. Any individual, regardless of how well-known that person may be, can never be an elite.

Cultural Hegemony

There is an interesting connection between elitism, as Jo Freeman interprets it, and cultural hegemony as theorized by Antonio Gramsci.

How intentional or how spontaneous is the formation of such groups? Cultural hegemony is based on the accruing and gatekeeping of cultural and social awareness by an elitist few.

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-<blockquote>''"Elitist" is probably the most abused word in the women's liberation movement. It is used as frequently, and for the same reasons, as "pinko" was used in the fifties. It is rarely used correctly. Within the movement it commonly refers to individuals, though the personal characteristics and activities of those to whom it is directed may differ widely: An individual, as an individual can never be an elitist, because the only proper application of the term "elite" is to groups. Any individual, regardless of how well-known that person may be, can never be an elite.''
+<blockquote>''“Elitist” is probably the most abused word in the women’s liberation movement. It is used as frequently, and for the same reasons, as “[[pinko]]” was used in the fifties. It is rarely used correctly. Within the movement it commonly refers to individuals, though the personal characteristics and activities of those to whom it is directed may differ widely: An individual, as an individual can never be an elitist, because the only proper application of the term “elite” is to groups. Any individual, regardless of how well-known that person may be, can never be an elite.''
 </blockquote>
+=== Cultural Hegemony ===
+There is an interesting connection between elitism, as Jo Freeman interprets it, and cultural hegemony as theorized by Antonio Gramsci.
+How intentional or how spontaneous is the formation of such groups? Cultural hegemony is based on the accruing and gatekeeping of cultural and social awareness by an elitist few.
+[[Category: Grapevine]]