Ivana Bodrožić spoke at the European Short Story Festival about the role of literature as a mirror of society that can change the world but also reinforce stereotypes. She criticized the concept of ‘women’s writing,’ emphasizing that literature should not be divided into male and female, as this diminishes the value of women’s literary production. She particularly addressed the topic of abortion as a relevant female issue that has only recently begun to be articulated in literature. She highlighted that inequality shapes society and that men are often unfamiliar with women’s experiences, which is reflected in decision-making bodies like the Constitutional Court. Bodrožić stressed the importance of empathy and tradition in writing, as well as the discipline and craft skills necessary for literary creation. The festival also included discussions and readings with other authors.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize Bodrožić’s critique of gender inequality in literature and society, highlighting the importance of female voices and experiences, especially on topics like abortion. They focus on the social critique and call for greater empathy and inclusion of women’s perspectives in cultural and legal spheres.
Center: Center-leaning sources present Bodrožić’s views as a balanced reflection on the role of literature in society, acknowledging both its power to reflect and shape social norms. They highlight the importance of tradition and craft in writing, and the evolving articulation of women’s experiences in literature without strong ideological framing.
Right: Right-leaning media may focus on Bodrožić’s emphasis on tradition, discipline, and craft in literature, possibly downplaying the gender critique or framing it as a cultural discussion rather than a political one. They might stress the importance of universal literary values over identity-based categorizations.
