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.
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“The problem with gender is that it prescribes how we should be rather than recognizing how we are.”
This mini-book is actually an essay adapted from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TEDx talk piece. Beginning with humor and covering focused points, the author is convincing on things we should all realize by common sense already. We deserve the same respect - man should not be above woman, woman should not be above man. She explains misconceptions regarding feminism, what she feels it is and isn't, pointing out it's a cry for the equality for all and not just the rising of women. Using potent examples from her past experiences and personal acquaintances and friends, she points out how the smallest things can make the greatest differences.
We Should All Be Feminists isn't about educating people on moral decency or enlightening readers on what it means to be a woman in the twenty-first century, but rather acts as a supportive appeal to demand decency and equality for men and women in a world that struggles to keep the balance. Once the author shoos away some misconceptions about the word 'feminist' and what she feels it really means, she goes into examples to illustrate points (pausing with humor to keep a camaraderie feel), and then ends on a more academic and speech-type tone.
The book deals into the shame culture should feel for alienating and boxing in both men AND women, not just women, including stereotypical roles they're raised in.
“Masculinity is a hard, small cage, and we put boys inside this cage.”
It's short and easy to read, good to make one ponder the world and how to keep improving the space we live in. One person makes a difference, but we're in it together for the whole world eventually.
Book Quotes:
“I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.”
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