A review by hannahh
Mask Off: Masculinity Redefined by J.J. Bola

challenging hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

Mask Off: Masculinity Redefined by J.J. Bola. 

An introductory work around masculinity and patriarchy and the way this advantages and disadvantages men in society. It includes the importance of understanding this for men but also having empathy and understanding for feminism and women's issues because the whole patriarchy inhibits all people. 

It deals with the intersectionality of the issues with an understanding needed for a beginner and for a male audience who may be new to the topic or wary of what it means for them and their position in society. I was pleasantly surprised at the understanding directed towards feminism and equality and the willingness to discuss particular issues and read further into something that men would not necessarily think was something to do with them. 

Would love for all men to be given this book as an entryway into talking about patriarchy, masculinity and feminism, especially because it tries to deal with specifically masculine topics like sports to make it feel more accessible to that audience.  

It also spends time debunking myths and automatic assumptions that people may have through reading the media or through right wing discussions of feminism and masculinity. This feels really important and helpful at the moment with social media spreading incorrect information or lacking all sides to people's stories. 

Highly recommend the book and the Outspoken series by Pluto Press.