who came up with saying “herstory” instead of history anyway
You're asking: Who came up with saying “herstory” instead of "history"?
Quick Answer
The term "herstory"—a deliberate play on "history" to highlight women's perspectives—was first documented as a wordplay by early feminist John Neal in 1817. However, the feminist writer Robin Morgan is widely credited with popularizing and first using "herstory" in print in her 1970 anthology Sisterhood Is Powerful (Wikipedia).
A Closer Look at Its Origins
1. Early Instance – John Neal (1817)
The concept of wordplay "His‑Story/Her‑Story" appears as early as 1817 in the novel Keep Cool by feminist writer John Neal, making this the first recorded instance of the pun (Wikipedia).
2. Popularization – Robin Morgan (1970)
The term really gained traction when feminist poet-author Robin Morgan used it in print in 1970 in her anthology Sisterhood Is Powerful. There she referenced the acronym W.I.T.C.H. as “Women Inspired to Commit Herstory,” giving the pun visibility and cultural momentum (Wikipedia).
3. Context & Meaning
By adopting "herstory," feminists of the 1970s emphasized how traditional historiography often centers on male experiences ("his story"), prompting a corrective lens that centers women’s narratives and contributions (Wikipedia).
Summary Table
| Year | Person | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1817 | John Neal | Earliest documented wordplay |
| 1970 | Robin Morgan | First popular printed use, widely credited |
In Short
The clever pun "herstory" traces back to 1817, but it was Robin Morgan in 1970 who brought it into feminist discourse and popular awareness. She used it to challenge historical narratives that largely ignored or erased women.
Want to explore how "herstory" has shaped feminist historiography since then? I’m happy to dive deeper!
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