Meaning: The quote "I write it to get it out of me. I don't write it to remember it" by Kathy Acker, a prominent American experimental novelist, essayist, and performance artist, encapsulates the cathartic and expressive nature of writing. Acker, known for her unconventional and challenging literary works, often delved into themes of gender, sexuality, and identity. Her quote sheds light on the idea that writing serves as a means of release and self-expression rather than a method of preserving memories or experiences.

In interpreting this quote, it is important to consider the personal and artistic motivations of Acker as a writer. Acker's creative process was deeply intertwined with her own experiences and emotions. For her, writing was a way to externalize and process the inner turmoil, conflicts, and passions that she grappled with. This notion of writing as a form of personal liberation and emotional purging is evident in her raw and unapologetic literary style.

The phrase "to get it out of me" suggests a sense of urgency and necessity in Acker's writing. It conveys the idea that the act of writing is an essential outlet for her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Rather than holding onto or internalizing these emotions, Acker turns to writing as a means of expelling them from within herself. This mirrors the therapeutic function that writing can have for many individuals, serving as a way to confront and process inner turmoil.

Furthermore, Acker's statement "I don't write it to remember it" offers insight into the transient and ephemeral nature of her creative process. Unlike traditional notions of writing as a means of recording and preserving memories, Acker's approach emphasizes the immediate and visceral act of expression. Her focus is on the present moment and the act of channeling her emotions and thoughts onto the page, rather than capturing them for posterity.

Acker's quote also speaks to the idea of writing as a form of activism. Throughout her career, Acker was a vocal advocate for challenging societal norms and conventions, particularly in relation to gender and sexuality. Her writing often pushed boundaries and defied categorization, reflecting her commitment to dismantling established power structures and advocating for marginalized voices. In this context, the act of "getting it out" through writing can be seen as a form of resistance and assertion of personal agency.

In conclusion, Kathy Acker's quote "I write it to get it out of me. I don't write it to remember it" encapsulates the deeply personal and expressive nature of her approach to writing. It reflects the cathartic function of writing as a means of externalizing emotions and experiences, as well as the transient and immediate nature of creative expression. Moreover, Acker's quote aligns with her identity as an activist and advocate for social change, highlighting the power of writing as a tool for personal liberation and resistance.