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A review by monetp
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
5.0
"Nor can we pretend that feminism is fracturing our communities. It’s the patriarchy; it’s always the patriarchy. But the patriarchy has more heads than the Hydra and must be tackled from all sides." ~ [b:Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot|36687229|Hood Feminism Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot|Mikki Kendall|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577489813l/36687229._SY75_.jpg|58481445]
The six-month wait for this book was worth it. I can't say enough positive things about this book! The writing is witty, informative, and riveting. I love the way Kendall points out what white feminists are doing wrong, but she points out ways everyone can do better. As a white feminist myself, I found this book to be an inspirational resource. After reading this book, I was left with a warm, happy feeling and believing that I can do my part to make the world a better place. Also, the amount of research that went into this book - so impressive! The use of statistics, articles, quotes, and personal experiences balanced each other out so perfectly.
This is without a doubt one of my new favorite feminist reads and I'm gonna recommend it to every feminist I know! There were some specific moments in the book that really spoke to me. First, I appreciate Kendall's inclusion of statistics and facts about Indigenous women because those are so difficult to find on the Internet!
I love all the nods to the waves of feminism throughout history; acknowledging the Black women that came before her gave this book such dynamic storytelling. For example, I loved the mention of Rosa Parks being involved in the Committee for Equal Justice for Mrs. Recy Taylor because that is too often overlooked in history classes. I've never heard of the terms "misogynoir" and "carceral feminism" and now I feel that those terms are necessary to understand Black feminism.
I appreciate this specific quote: "We think of Beyoncé’s feminism as fierce right up until she turns out to be a human being who loves her spouse more than the idea of the Strong Independent Woman Who Doesn’t Need a Man," because it puts into words something I was thinking about previously. This quote reminded me of how often my feminist girlfriends feel guilty for dating because they think it puts them at odds with being a strong, independent woman. I agree with Kendall that the mere presence of a man in a woman's life doesn't discount her feminist beliefs. Kendall does a superb job explaining that men aren't the enemy so much as they need to be educated to be better allies.
Also, can I just take a moment to say that what sets this book apart is that Kendall actually provides a possible solution to the problems she writes about! So few authors do this. I wish American women could work together long enough to implement this plan Kendall suggests: "Perhaps the best example of what I have in mind is found in the solutions that some women in India and Kenya who were victims of gender-based violence have found. They band together, prioritizing their safety above broader societal narratives about the need for a patriarch to protect them. True feminist solidarity across racial lines means being willing to protect each other, speaking up when the missing women are not from your community, and calling out the ways that predatory violence can span multiple communities."
Finally, Kendall's commentary and thoughts about feminism in the time of the Trump era really motivated me to not give up and to not to feel hopeless. Speaking as someone who looks to history for answers, I totally agreed with Kendall's assessment of President Barack Obama's time in office. When Kendall pointed out the connection between the backlash after President Obama's time in office compared to the backlash of Black men getting into office during the Reconstruction era, my mind was blown! I can't believe more people aren't talking about this. Her commentary was cohesive and focused and full of raw, honest truths like this one: "It’s bad enough that white women won’t even vote to protect themselves; what’s worse is that as a voting bloc they have enough power to harm others." After reading this amazing book, I can't wait to vote in my first presidential election! I am so grateful for this book.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"There is a tendency to debate who is a 'real' feminist based on political leanings, background, actions, or even the kinds of media created and consumed."
"Fight against hunger as hard as you fight for abortion rights or equal pay."
"Portraying Black women and Latinas as promiscuous, American Indian and Asian women as submissive, and all women of color as inferior legitimizes their sexual abuse."
"Depending on who you ask, I am either fiercely feminist or incredibly toxic."
"We love the idea of a Strong Black Woman, celebrate those who, like Anita Hill, manage to continue to have a successful career in the aftermath. But what about those who can’t do that?"
"I wasn’t a cool kid. I was a nerd; my nickname was Books. And yes, I got teased for talking so proper and reading so much."
The six-month wait for this book was worth it. I can't say enough positive things about this book! The writing is witty, informative, and riveting. I love the way Kendall points out what white feminists are doing wrong, but she points out ways everyone can do better. As a white feminist myself, I found this book to be an inspirational resource. After reading this book, I was left with a warm, happy feeling and believing that I can do my part to make the world a better place. Also, the amount of research that went into this book - so impressive! The use of statistics, articles, quotes, and personal experiences balanced each other out so perfectly.
This is without a doubt one of my new favorite feminist reads and I'm gonna recommend it to every feminist I know! There were some specific moments in the book that really spoke to me. First, I appreciate Kendall's inclusion of statistics and facts about Indigenous women because those are so difficult to find on the Internet!
I love all the nods to the waves of feminism throughout history; acknowledging the Black women that came before her gave this book such dynamic storytelling. For example, I loved the mention of Rosa Parks being involved in the Committee for Equal Justice for Mrs. Recy Taylor because that is too often overlooked in history classes. I've never heard of the terms "misogynoir" and "carceral feminism" and now I feel that those terms are necessary to understand Black feminism.
I appreciate this specific quote: "We think of Beyoncé’s feminism as fierce right up until she turns out to be a human being who loves her spouse more than the idea of the Strong Independent Woman Who Doesn’t Need a Man," because it puts into words something I was thinking about previously. This quote reminded me of how often my feminist girlfriends feel guilty for dating because they think it puts them at odds with being a strong, independent woman. I agree with Kendall that the mere presence of a man in a woman's life doesn't discount her feminist beliefs. Kendall does a superb job explaining that men aren't the enemy so much as they need to be educated to be better allies.
Also, can I just take a moment to say that what sets this book apart is that Kendall actually provides a possible solution to the problems she writes about! So few authors do this. I wish American women could work together long enough to implement this plan Kendall suggests: "Perhaps the best example of what I have in mind is found in the solutions that some women in India and Kenya who were victims of gender-based violence have found. They band together, prioritizing their safety above broader societal narratives about the need for a patriarch to protect them. True feminist solidarity across racial lines means being willing to protect each other, speaking up when the missing women are not from your community, and calling out the ways that predatory violence can span multiple communities."
Finally, Kendall's commentary and thoughts about feminism in the time of the Trump era really motivated me to not give up and to not to feel hopeless. Speaking as someone who looks to history for answers, I totally agreed with Kendall's assessment of President Barack Obama's time in office. When Kendall pointed out the connection between the backlash after President Obama's time in office compared to the backlash of Black men getting into office during the Reconstruction era, my mind was blown! I can't believe more people aren't talking about this. Her commentary was cohesive and focused and full of raw, honest truths like this one: "It’s bad enough that white women won’t even vote to protect themselves; what’s worse is that as a voting bloc they have enough power to harm others." After reading this amazing book, I can't wait to vote in my first presidential election! I am so grateful for this book.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"There is a tendency to debate who is a 'real' feminist based on political leanings, background, actions, or even the kinds of media created and consumed."
"Fight against hunger as hard as you fight for abortion rights or equal pay."
"Portraying Black women and Latinas as promiscuous, American Indian and Asian women as submissive, and all women of color as inferior legitimizes their sexual abuse."
"Depending on who you ask, I am either fiercely feminist or incredibly toxic."
"We love the idea of a Strong Black Woman, celebrate those who, like Anita Hill, manage to continue to have a successful career in the aftermath. But what about those who can’t do that?"
"I wasn’t a cool kid. I was a nerd; my nickname was Books. And yes, I got teased for talking so proper and reading so much."