Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics 2nd Edition

Wow, for a short book, without too many five dollar words, this work is extremely thorough and requires a lot of work and contemplation on the part of the reader.hooks covers so much ground, so many facets of feminism in this work. From what consciousness raising is, to reproductive rights, to the impact of beauty standards, race and gender, classism, parenting, hetero and LGB relationships... Feminism is about love, and more, it's about freedom for men and women, to get away from the toxic societal models that are literally killing us."Most citizens of this nation still do not understand the link between male domination and male violence. And that failure to understand is underscored as our nation is called upon to respond to violent murders of family members, friends, and schoolmates by young males of all classes."Feminism, for those in the back, is NOT about hating men. hooks likes men; I love them - most feminists I know, love men as well as women. When hate enters the picture, it's about hating a dynamic that pits men and women against each other, that forces people into stereotypes that don't fit them. hooks addresses the problems created when feminism seemed to become white, academic, and classist, and encourages us all to learn about intersectionality (something I'm not great at yet, but am working on it)."If feminist movement had not offered a true accounting of the dangers of perpetuating sexism and male domination, it would have failed. There would have been no need to mount an anti-feminist campaign." There's a backlash BECAUSE doing something other than the thing we know, patriarchy, is terrifying to many, and threatens those who might lose their privilege.Yet if they did, there's so much to be gained, for all of us. Feminism is for everybody.

I heard of bell hooks years ago, but have put off reading her for some time. I recently began to work alongside a mostly female team at my job, so I’m reading several feminist texts to appreciate their life and work experiences better. After reading this short work, I wish I would have read her sooner because her perspective was so healing! I liked it so much that I immediately purchased another book of hers, specifically discussing and addressing men (The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love).It’s no secret that American society has been undertaking a huge discussion about gender in the past 65 or so years. “Discussion” might not be the right word; “argument” might be better. Anyways, I’ve become concerned that our conversations tend to branch off from each other too much and never unite again. Fortunately, hooks’ words unite without losing feminism’s salty essence. Indeed, she seems to argue that feminism’s essence should unite. As a longstanding voice in feminism who grew to fame by bringing racial issues to light, her dual identity – or intersectionality – allows her to come to a bigger picture of human togetherness than a lot of white feminists can. Which is just another way to show how black women rock.The book’s only drawback for me was the chapter on feminism and spirituality. I’m about as passionate about Christian history as hooks is about feminism, so history’s depths root my words. She suggests swapping masculine religious symbols out for feminist ones because of Christianity’s “patriarchal norms.”I wholeheartedly agree that fundamentalist/evangelical Christianity in America maintains these norms and that they should be overcome. I disagree that this has always been the case in Christianity. Look at the long, positive history of dealing with the “Virgin Mary” which expresses the value of women choosing God. (Yes, Mary’s role is so strong that negative gender norms have fixated on her, too.) Or how the medieval church declared that God transcended gender. Or how Jesus invited women into his circle when no one else in Judaism gave them access. Or how the Second Great Awakening empowered women and enslaved persons. Etc. I support her argument for feminist inclusion in contemporary religion, but it needs to be made by someone with deeper theological roots.Overall, though, I love this book. It brought healing and unity in places it was lacking. More people should consider hooks’ insights. The word “feminism” in the title might scare some people off – particularly men – but considering her thoughts can only make us better people. And better people include men like me that want to be rock starts at work, in our families… and even trash talking with each other about sports. I’m grateful that hooks enlightened me a bit, and I’m looking forward to her next book.

This book is a quick read and reminder of the true meaning of feminism. It is so much more than simply being female! Highly recommend if you need/want to remember what feminism is, really.

Though the book makes no mention of a possible fourth-wave feminism (as it is a bit outdated) and does not touch up much on third-wave, it still taught me a lot. Bought this for a Women Studies class. hooks had many powerful things to say as a black feminist, and she discusses all aspects of feminism. Lots of good points and quotations.

It is essentially one of the foremost informative books on feminism, besides "Why we should all be Feminists?". It makes all the concepts clear, a drawback I have is that there isn't a glossary for all the terms.

Book was shipped fast in great condition. It was a requirement for a philosophy course. Although the book is short, Hooks is able to open the reader's eyes to the many inequalities within society. Even though I wouldn't have chosen this book on my own, I definitely did not mind reading this for class. Hooks uses everyday language and draws upon personal experience which makes the book enjoyable and an easy read.

I love this book, it’s a great introduction to feminism, the author makes it very easy to understand and it’s not overwhelming long or hard to get through. Great quick book to have a better understand of feminism!