It could be both, maybe they hurt themselves because they want to call some attention or it could also be their way to feel better with themselves
Chisholm´s use of repetition draws attention to the heart of the matter she wants to point out ; discrimination for women.Discrimination is a word she repeats as she wants to show that women were considered inferior for certains posts, so inferior that the fact that they are able to become representatives in Congress needs a celebration or a great display.She is ironic in the sense that she knows women understand what she is talking about , but still uses repetition to be emphatic and to show frustration at so many years of not being recognized...." calculated system of prejudice..."..I am not stranger to prejudice.."She is persuasive because by mentioning women and their inferiority suffered for so long , which was created for them from a men´s world, she is expressing change is at hand.
