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Reviews tagging 'Sexism'
Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions: The Inspiring Guide to Raising a Feminist from global bestselling author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
10 reviews
challenging
informative
This is such a wonderful introductory summary to intersectional feminism. It is written as a letter to a friend who is raising a daughter and wants tips on raising a feminist. Adichie makes 15 different suggestions and expresses her reasons for each. A lot of the passages go over what women's expectations of men should be in an equitable relationshop. For example, on page 13 Adichie tells her friend (referring to her friend's husband, Chudi): "And never say that Chudi is "babysitting"—people who babysit are people for whom the baby is not a primary responsibility.
Chudi does not deserve any special gratitude or praise, not do you—you both made the choice to bring a child into the world, and the responsibility for that child belongs equally to you both." This is something that a lot of people don't think about. Babysitting implies that you are doing a paid job or are doing someone a favor. This should not at all apply to men who are caring for their own children. By that logic, women would always be babysitting when caring for their own kids.
Another example of a gendered expectation Adichie gives is cooking. On page 15 Adichie states "The knowledge for cooking does not come pre-installed in a vagina. Cooking is learned. Cooking—domestic work in general—is a life skill that both men and women should ideally have. It is also a skill that can elude both men and women." Personally, I see cooking as equivalent to knowing how to do laundry. What I mean by that is that they are both skills that anyone can and should learn how to do. It is a basic survival skill that is necessary and an economically intelligent decision as well. However, I understand that generally society much more harshly judges women for not knowing how to cook in particular.
This manifesto addresses feminism as a whole as well. One of my favorite quotes is on page 20 where the text states "Being a feminist is like being pregnant. You either are or you are not. You either believe in the full equality of men and women or you do not.". It's so true. You either believe in equal rights regardless of gender or you don't. It's the same reason it is so important that feminism be intersectional. Regardless of what kind of profession you have or whether you are cisgender or transgender your rights as a woman should be defended. Otherwise, you are not a true feminist.
This short read was refreshing and has so much important information jam packed into such a small package. I'm looking forward to continuing to read more by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I have a friend who informed me that if I like Adichie's work I should check out works by the man who influenced her, Chinua Achebe. I will definitely be checking that out soon.
Chudi does not deserve any special gratitude or praise, not do you—you both made the choice to bring a child into the world, and the responsibility for that child belongs equally to you both." This is something that a lot of people don't think about. Babysitting implies that you are doing a paid job or are doing someone a favor. This should not at all apply to men who are caring for their own children. By that logic, women would always be babysitting when caring for their own kids.
Another example of a gendered expectation Adichie gives is cooking. On page 15 Adichie states "The knowledge for cooking does not come pre-installed in a vagina. Cooking is learned. Cooking—domestic work in general—is a life skill that both men and women should ideally have. It is also a skill that can elude both men and women." Personally, I see cooking as equivalent to knowing how to do laundry. What I mean by that is that they are both skills that anyone can and should learn how to do. It is a basic survival skill that is necessary and an economically intelligent decision as well. However, I understand that generally society much more harshly judges women for not knowing how to cook in particular.
This manifesto addresses feminism as a whole as well. One of my favorite quotes is on page 20 where the text states "Being a feminist is like being pregnant. You either are or you are not. You either believe in the full equality of men and women or you do not.". It's so true. You either believe in equal rights regardless of gender or you don't. It's the same reason it is so important that feminism be intersectional. Regardless of what kind of profession you have or whether you are cisgender or transgender your rights as a woman should be defended. Otherwise, you are not a true feminist.
This short read was refreshing and has so much important information jam packed into such a small package. I'm looking forward to continuing to read more by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I have a friend who informed me that if I like Adichie's work I should check out works by the man who influenced her, Chinua Achebe. I will definitely be checking that out soon.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexism
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Rape, Sexism
Minor: Toxic relationship
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism
The gender binary is so strongggg in this. I cannot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
fast-paced
The advice within the book is good, as far as I can tell. I just wish it weren't written by a transphobe. Some people can separate the art from the artist (whatever that means); I cannot and will not.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
This letter is a pocketbook for those who want to raise a feminist child in the modern world. I love her 15 suggestions-they are clear and relevant and has a personal touch that makes them easily digestible and understandable by the average person. Highly recommend, even if you do not identify as a feminist or raising a child.
I read it while listening to the audiobook. This makes it feel like Adichie reading her letter to her friend Ijeawele. A great experience.
I read it while listening to the audiobook. This makes it feel like Adichie reading her letter to her friend Ijeawele. A great experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
this tiny volume is the very definition of "this is fcking IT!!!" i almost had a cramp from how much i was nodding while reading this (at least once every pg). adichie is somehow able to succinctly and concisely sum up so many things that are wrong w/ the world's raising of girls and attitude towards women, and there were times i was startled at how she seemingly effortlessly verbalizes things ive always thought of but never so effectively articulated. this is a book i want--and plan--to give to every parent-to-be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Rape, Sexism
informative
reflective
fast-paced
A beautifully written and intimate essay on how to raise your daughter to be a feminist.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism
Minor: Body shaming, Racism
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
On first read in 2020:
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Knowledge/content: 4 stars
Honestly this would have been five stars, but suggestion 13 felt off to me
2025 reread:
No rating. I found this to be a better rereading experience than We Should All Be Feminists, but it still has some of the same issues.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Knowledge/content: 4 stars
Honestly this would have been five stars, but suggestion 13 felt off to me
2025 reread:
No rating. I found this to be a better rereading experience than We Should All Be Feminists, but it still has some of the same issues.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Rape