Elif Shafak on the power of storytelling, freedom of expression and the global water crisis
A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard
Deep Dive
Why is the global water crisis particularly critical for the safety of women and girls?
Women are often the primary water carriers in many parts of the world. When fresh water is scarce, women must walk longer distances to fetch water, increasing their exposure to gender-based violence. The water crisis is interconnected with issues like gender violence and racial inequality, making it a multifaceted challenge that disproportionately affects women and girls.
How did Elif Shafak's grandmother influence her mother's life and, subsequently, Elif's upbringing?
Elif Shafak's grandmother played a pivotal role by insisting that her daughter, Elif's mother, return to university to complete her education after a divorce. This decision not only empowered Elif's mother to pursue a career in the foreign ministry but also shaped Elif's upbringing, instilling in her a love for both written and oral culture. This act of solidarity between women had a generational impact, influencing Elif's values and her approach to storytelling.
What challenges did Elif Shafak face as a left-handed child in Turkey, and how did it affect her early education?
Elif Shafak, being left-handed, faced significant challenges in her early education in Turkey, where left-handedness was stigmatized and associated with negativity. Her teacher forced her to use her right hand, which made writing difficult for her. She struggled to hold a pencil properly and was one of the last students to earn a red ribbon for reading and writing. This experience left a lasting impact, and to this day, she prefers writing with a keyboard rather than a pen.
Why did Elif Shafak start writing in English, and how does she describe her relationship with the Turkish and English languages?
Elif Shafak began writing in English as a way to gain cognitive distance and a sense of freedom, especially given the challenges of being a novelist in Turkey, where freedom of expression is often restricted. She describes her connection to Turkish as emotional, ideal for expressing melancholy and longing, while her relationship with English is more intellectual, better suited for humor, irony, and satire. She values both languages and sees them as complementary in her work.
What was the significance of the silent 'G' in the Turkish alphabet for Elif Shafak's early learning?
The silent 'G' in the Turkish alphabet, a letter with a squiggle on top, played a crucial role in Elif Shafak's early learning. She connected with this letter, which she saw as an introvert, and it helped her bridge the gap with the rest of the alphabet. This connection eventually enabled her to learn to write with her right hand, despite her natural left-handedness, and earn the red ribbon for reading and writing in school.
How does Elif Shafak view the role of women in preserving cultural memory, particularly in the context of the Yazidi genocide?
Elif Shafak emphasizes that women are not only water carriers but also memory keepers in many cultures. In the context of the Yazidi genocide, she highlights how the elderly, who are often women, are the custodians of oral traditions and collective memory. The deliberate targeting of the elderly by ISIS was an attempt to erase the Yazidi cultural identity, as their history is transmitted orally rather than through written records. This underscores the critical role women play in preserving cultural heritage.
What is the central theme of Elif Shafak's novel 'There Are Rivers in the Sky,' and how does it connect to the global water crisis?
The central theme of 'There Are Rivers in the Sky' is water, symbolized by a single raindrop that travels across centuries, cultures, and continents. The novel weaves together stories of three characters connected by water, exploring themes of memory, colonialism, and environmental degradation. Shafak uses the narrative to highlight the global water crisis, emphasizing how water scarcity disproportionately affects women and exacerbates issues like gender violence and inequality.
Why does Elif Shafak believe that patriarchy is most dangerous when it becomes normalized and internalized?
Elif Shafak argues that patriarchy is most dangerous when it is normalized and absorbed to the point where it becomes an unconscious part of how women view themselves and each other. This internalized patriarchy leads women to judge themselves through a patriarchal lens, perpetuating division and inequality. She stresses the importance of empowering women and fostering solidarity to challenge and dismantle these ingrained norms.
How does Elif Shafak describe the impact of postpartum depression on her writing, particularly in her book 'Black Milk'?
Elif Shafak's experience with postpartum depression deeply influenced her book 'Black Milk,' where she explores the competing identities and internal conflicts women face, especially in motherhood. She uses humor and self-reflection to address the emotional struggles of motherhood, challenging the romanticized view of parenting. The book emerged from her realization that it's okay to ask for help and that depression, while overwhelming, is a temporary season in life.
What does Elif Shafak mean by 'inner democracy,' and why does she consider it important?
Elif Shafak uses the term 'inner democracy' to describe the internal balance between the multiple, often conflicting voices and identities within a person. She believes it's essential to acknowledge and embrace these diverse aspects of oneself, rather than suppressing them. This concept is particularly relevant for women, who often face societal pressures to conform to specific roles. Inner democracy allows for self-acceptance and the freedom to choose different paths without judgment.
Shownotes Transcript