Free Downloads We Should All Be Feminists
In this personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from her much-admired TEDx talk of the same name—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, award-winning author of Americanah, offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now—and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Anchor; Reprint edition (2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 110191176X
ISBN-13: 978-1101911761
Product Dimensions: 4.4 x 0.3 x 6.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (563 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Gender Studies > General #4 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Women's Studies > Feminist Theory #7 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Specific Topics > Commentary & Opinion
If you heard this speech, you found yourself just listening to stories, giggling a bit. Then you realized she taught you something or she said something you couldn't quite explain to others very well. She has made people deaf to anything but stereotypes about feminism sit up and pay attention and realize, "Wow this is mostly common sense" and "I see that all the time and I never thought about how that affects" us/them.She did all this while making people laugh at some of the more ridiculous indignities she and other women deal with day in and day out. Then she goes a little deeper. Then gets lighter again. She's simply an excellent teacher-speaker that happens to be a feminist.
I find it interesting that Adichie, a woman 30 years my junior, echoes thoughts in my mind. After discussing her response to others' ideas, she writes:Of course...what it shows is how that word feminist isso heavy with baggage, negative baggage.You hate men, you hate bras, you hate African culture,you think women should always be in charge, you don't wearmakeup, you don't shave, you're always angry, you don'thave a sense of humor, you don't use deodorant. (loc 68)Substitute American for African and these could be words I heard in the late 60s, early 70s. These are comments that initially colored my perception of feminism at the time when I was a shallower, younger self. Isn't it sad that they are still being said---or even thought---anywhere.Happily, Adichie moves beyond this to provide a template for the future, a rationale for equality.Some people ask: "Why the word feminist? Why not justsay you are a believer in human rights, or something likethat?" Because that would be dishonest. Feminism is, ofcourse, part of human rights in general---but to choose touse the vague expression human rights is to deny thespecific and particular problem of gender. It would be away of pretending that it was not women who have, forcenturies, been excluded. It would be a way of denying thatthe problem of gender targets women. That the problem wasnot about being human, but specifically about being afemale human. (loc 237)Thank you Ms Adichie for this contribution to feminist writing.A copy of this essay was provided by the publisher through NetGalley for the purpose of honest review.
This is a very brief essay and well worth reading. Nothing particularly new in here, but it is nicely stated and persuasive. It’s interesting to see the Nigerian perspective on gender issues. One point that resonated with me: “Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture.” Also: “Our society teaches a woman at a certain age who is unmarried to see it as a deep personal failure. While a man at a certain age who is unmarried has not quite come around to making his pick.”
The bad – it’s just an essay, and they shoehorned it in this tiny little book.The dimensions are small, and they had to make the covers thicker to give it a bit more heft.The good – it is short. Though it may lack some nuance, it is a quick-hitter.The better – this gives voice to a woman outside the white milieu.The best – It shows the need for feminism everywhere. Ngoi Adichie has a strong voice, a storyteller’s voice. And it is a world voice. Big fan of that. I’m convinced. We all should be feminists.
This made me challenge my own ideas ,thoughts about gender and my place in society as a woman. Makes me reflect on how many times I have used oh he's a man as an explanation or she is a woman. My own bias
This was a non-confrontational, introduction to feminism. I want to buy copies and pass them out to everyone. If you have a knee jerk response to the word feminism or are interested in finding out what it all means but don't want to read a tome this will give you a short, personal story of what feminism is. I agreed with everything that Ms. Adichie writes. What I think hits home for me the most is that this is a world-wide issue that, while it may be tied to economic or race issues it is separate and therefore needs to be addressed on it's own.
I read this an excellent feminism 101 introductory lecture. Ms. Adichie's astute observations are an excellent starting place for a study or reflection on gender issues.
I saw a video of Ms Adichie's TEDX talk on this months before I had the opportunity to start reading her work. It was refreshing to read the words that entertained me during her talk. It's not hard to identify the differences between men and women. Hilarious if you're honest. Her views are intertwined with her family and life which makes them so realistic. Yes I'm a feminist. And you will identify either way after reading this book!
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