Fiction/Non Fiction: Non Fiction
Themes: Feminism, Transmisogony, Islamophobia, Sex Work, Food Issues
Pages: 145
One sentence summary: A powerful manifesto dissecting issues with traditional and modern feminism.
Overview: A critical review into what modern feminism has become and how some of those changes are certainly not for the better. Dissecting contemporary concepts such as white feminism, laws that don't mean won battles (think abortions - just because they're legal in the UK, that doesn't mean people won't try to stop you) and many more.
This is a critical read for those calling themselves feminists.
Personal Thoughts: This book blew me away. I've been reading feminist non fiction for some time now and this is by far one of my favourites and probably because it's looking at where we are right now.
Olufemi writes with a beautiful agenda, each topic grabbing you and pulling you further in. Critical topics such as sex work, islamophobia, abortions, art and food are covered in this engaging read. One chapter I was particularly grasped by and had some really "aha!" moments was the transmisogyny chapter. Two main quotes stood out to me:
"It is no coincidence that the most vocal and prominent TERFs [Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists] in the UK tend to be middle class white women"
"..the TERF obsession with genitalia and the penis as a symbol of violence".
TERFs are the perfect example of the oppressed becoming the oppressors. These middle class, white women are the products of the sexist societies and have fought for their own branch of feminism. They're quite happy with what they have and the way things are thank you very much, they don't want to share that with the trans women they believe have had it easier than them. They centre themselves in the narrative as the oppressed. Could it be a product of trauma from the sexism they've received themselves? Is there some internalised misogyny? You'll have to read it and message me about it.
Each chapter had me making notes and looking up the sources and referenced books to add them to my list. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Three last quotes that really stood out to me because I can't put it better than Olufemi has.
"solidarity has always been at the heart of feminist practice"
"refusing to remain divided by something as arbitrary as geographical location"
"we become accomplices and saboteurs and disruptors on each others behalf"
I'd recommend this book if you: enjoy critical reviews of feminism, looking to further your intersectionality or enjoyed Hood Feminisim.
Would I read it again? Undoubtedly. Another to add to the list of reading each year.
Read this? Plan to read it? I'd love to know! Let me know in the comments below and let me know.
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