Meaning: This quote by Andrea Dworkin addresses the societal construction of womanhood and the impact it has on women's ability to express their true selves. Dworkin was a prominent feminist and writer known for her radical and uncompromising views on issues such as pornography, violence against women, and gender roles. In this quote, she argues that women are not inherently defined by their gender but rather shaped and constrained by societal expectations and stereotypes.

Dworkin's assertion that "woman is not born: she is made" challenges the essentialist notion that women possess inherent qualities or characteristics by virtue of their gender. Instead, she suggests that women are socialized into specific roles and identities that are imposed upon them by a patriarchal society. This socialization process, according to Dworkin, results in the destruction of women's humanity, as they are forced to conform to narrow and limiting definitions of womanhood.

The quote also highlights the pervasive nature of societal symbols and stereotypes that are imposed on women. Dworkin argues that women are reduced to symbols such as "mother of the earth" or "slut of the universe," which serve to confine and dehumanize them. These symbols reflect the polarized and often contradictory expectations placed on women, constraining their ability to assert their individuality and authentic selves.

Furthermore, Dworkin contends that women are forbidden from becoming their true selves within this societal framework. The restrictive nature of gender norms and expectations prevents women from fully expressing their identities and desires, relegating them to predefined roles and representations that do not align with their individual experiences and aspirations.

This quote encapsulates Dworkin's critique of the ways in which patriarchal systems perpetuate the subjugation and devaluation of women. She challenges the notion that women can freely and authentically express themselves within a society that imposes rigid and oppressive gender norms.

Dworkin's perspective reflects broader feminist critiques of gender essentialism and the societal construction of gender roles. Her work calls attention to the ways in which women are shaped and constrained by social expectations, and the resulting impact on their autonomy and self-expression.

In conclusion, Andrea Dworkin's quote serves as a powerful indictment of the societal construction of womanhood and the limitations it imposes on women's ability to define themselves on their own terms. It underscores the importance of challenging and dismantling the oppressive gender norms and stereotypes that constrain women's humanity and individuality.