Discussion: Feminism is for Everybody, Global Feminism, + A Question 2018

Hi friends! it’s Meonicorn, OPEN here to get the 【Table of Contents】↓↓↓

◉ The Feminist Orchestra Bookclub info
*A twitter chat about this book will be hosted on Friday the 30th of March at 7pm GMT. No reading required, come chat with us!

◉ The book

◉ Let’s be friends!

[nicoleisheretolearn]

Really great video!! I'm hoping to do a video on it soon too. It's been so interesting seeing everyone's take on the book. I didn't personally find the reading inaccessible or dry, but thinking about some people I know who I'd like to introduce the concept of feminism to...well, I don't think this would be the right introductory book for them and I feel a lot of it would feel inaccessible and like "too much". For people who are already curious about feminism and those who have sort of already accepted it but, like you, just hadn't got around to reading feminist theory yet, I think it's a good introduction, but probably not for most people outside of that thinking.
As far as getting people n board who aren't, I personally tend not to mention "feminism" or related terms until having already had discussions about the issues. Then I bring the labels in later because I think they just get in the way otherwise. I find a lot of power and validation from consciously identifying as a "feminist" but I have recently been wondering how important that label is. For those who already believe that sexism needs to be combatted, I don't find it as important whether they claim the name "feminist" or not (unless they're hostile to it or berate it). If they just don't consider themselves to be feminists but continue to essentially do feminist work and advocacy but without the label, that's less of an issue to me than those who are actively working to undermine and work against feminism. For those who act like there aren't grave problems of sexism in our society, I try to have respectful conversations hearing out their points and explaining the issues with examples and scenarios. But I'm still figuring things out about how to have these conversations, if what I'm doing is the best way to go about it, etc... I still don't know yet. I think, like bell hooks mentions, it is useful for feminism to also focus on what feminism is in favour of because that is a more positive message than what one is against and will often get more traction than a message that just seems like a no fun, anti-things message.

[josmith]

This book sounds so interesting and I appreciated the quotes you chose and points you made especially about the global perspective that is missing. I understand we have to write what we know and that it is such an enormous topic that focus was needed but perspectives from non Western women are vital. Perhaps you could recommend some books that do this Meonicorn.

[WillHollandstorytime]

I saw a shirt the other day that said, "And still She Persisted! " When I asked what the shirt meant, they told me to try being a woman these days.

I got a bit upset about this due to this idea. I love and respect women, but I am not a fan of people that accuse me of having toxic masculinity. I asked them what they meant by it & they didn't even know.

[challengethyshelf]

I can’t speak about other countries, but in the U.S., I feel like the word “feminism” has been tainted. I’m certain that there are many men and women that align with the basics of feminist theory/feminism, because at it’s heart it is human rights. Unfortunately, many examples we see in the states are very extreme, toxic, and narrowly focused. It is my belief that this is what turns men and women away from identifying as “feminists” and deters them from investigations into the theories. Great discussion! I’ll have to find a copy of this.

[mcs-books]

I completely agree with all the things that you've learnt from this book, and what is scary to think is that in some cases in academia, feminism isn't wholly embracing many different perspectives (though like you said, it is definitely better than previous years). There's a massive research project going on within my department at uni about gender, child abuse, and child immigrants in Sweden which is certainly interesting and deals with all the patriarchal issues that you spoke about here.
I love that you were able to draw awareness of the need for intersectional feminist from your own experience here, and you pull out suitable quotes so well. I wonder if Bell Hooks didn't talk much about the global feminism as she may not know too much about it, which could be a good thing, though perhaps she should have tried to add pointers to own voice writers who discuss the topics further.
I wish I had an answer to your final question, but alas, it is something that I also have trouble with thinking about and trying to do. I'm not sure there's one answer to it, and perhaps it requires just practicing what you discuss here and using that as a tool to gain awareness for others, but sometimes, many people just aren't willing to learn. It's a shame, and I am also at a loss of what can be done to reach a wider audience.
Anyways, this was a lovely video as always, and so glad you enjoyed the book!

[CarlasBookBits]

I liked hearing your thoughts on this book and how it relates to yourself. You're always so aware of how books fit into and/or change parts of the world as you see it. Totally agree that "bossy" feminists are not feminists at all - the point is not any gender being better than the other! Global feminism is not something I'm too familiar about, but this still might be something interesting to check out if I want more explanation on Western feminism. :D

[LiaMahony]

Very interesting video. I always love how you tie things back to your upbringing. That is such a great way to break down so many barriers.
Articulate as always. I’d love to hear your partners views as well after starting his GoodReads account.

[beatrizmallow]

I added this One to my to buy list in order to read it for the book club but it was too expensive, I'll keep it there and read it eventually. I struggle to talk about feminism with grownups who don't call themselves feminists in my personal experiencia they don't really want to listen. I teach teens and with them I find it easier, I try to be very clear and simple with them and I think little by little it makes them understand.

[curioushmm]

i don't have an answer...i don't really understand women who resist the name of feminist and it's often better if i don't engage them!