Another Kind of Strength

The myth of manly strength is a narrative that has been imprinted on our bodies and minds. It narrates that fighting force belongs only to one gender, indeed, that it defines it, and that it is an agent of oppression and inferiorization. But is this the only way the nexus between gender and force can be articulated? And can force itself coincide solely with violence? A range of stories and experiences, overlooked by androcentrism, deeply challenge the “natural” truth of the weakness of female and feminized bodies, which manifests itself as a self-fulfilling prophecy rather than an objective fact. Through the gaze of those who have not renounced their “undomesticated” part, we will explore in how many other ways we can penetrate the paths of power relations that are not based on violence, while still not losing effectiveness or concreteness. These are paths of liberation that are opened up through “Another Kind of Force.”

Alessandra Chiricosta

Philosopher, activist, expert in Gender Studies, historian of religions specializing in cultures of mainland Southeast Asia, where she carried out field research for many years. She practices, studies and teaches martial arts following an approach that combines psycho-body practices and theoretical research. She is currently a lecturer in Gender Flows on the graduate program in Global Governance at Tor Vergata University; she teaches Gender Studies at John Cabot University in Rome, and she is coordinator of the “Intercultura” and “Forza” modules on the Master’s Program in Gender Studies and Policies, Roma Tre University. Her publications include Un Altro Genere di Forza, Iacobelli Editore (2019); Filosofia Interculturale e Valori Asiatici, ObarraO (2013).

Admission free, subject to availability.  Pre-booking required 

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The Public Program of the Andrea Bowers exhibition is made possible with the support of Deloitte.