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A review by amymariedoug
Feminists Don't Wear Pink (And Other Lies): Amazing Women on What the F-Word Means to Them by Scarlett Curtis
4.0
You can also read this review on my blog.
Turns out, feminists do wear pink. They also wear blue, green, yellow and purple. Surprise, surprise, believing in sexual equality does not dictate one’s fashion choices. True to form, Feminists Don’t Wear Pink highlights this lie, and in a inspiring collation of texts from actors, activists and the like, the book proves other lies to be wrong as well.
“Just as every girl around the world has her own unique story to tell, she also has her own particular version of what feminism means to her.”
As it says above in the book’s foreword, each contributor has something unique to offer about their experiences of feminism. A few of my favourite chapter’s include:
Tell Him by Jameela Jamil
Ah, Jameela, how I love you. Not only is she an avid online activist, notable for calling out the Kardashian’s for their body shaming, but she writes too! This chapter is an interesting take on how misogyny affects men as well – their emotions are dismissed for being too ‘feminine,’ and they are encouraged away from any ‘girly’ behaviour. Jamil encourages women to share the conversation of feminism with men to help further the movement.
A Short History of Feminist Theory by Claire Horn
As the title says, this chapter is a brief history of feminism from the early 19th-century to the present. Detailing the struggles of the early suffragettes, the riots of the 60’s and 70’s to the internet’s influence on the #metoo movement, the novel is a helpful guide at succinctly explaining the importance of the feminist movement.
The Weaker Sex by Keira Knightley
Keira’s chapter was the first I read that made me think – hang on, this book is important. In a brutally honest detailing of childbirth and the motherhood that follow, Knightley examines how birth-givers’ feelings are often dismissed in favour of excitement around the child. It was enlightening to hear this from a Hollywood actress, whose genuine feelings are often dismissed.
Other honourable mentions go to, An Ode to Improv (And Poehler and Fay) by Amy Trigg, I Don’t Feel Like a Woman by Swati Sharma, The Power of the Period by Amika George and Sharia State (of Mind) by Emtithal Mahmoud.
There’s no mansplaining here. This book is written by feminists for other feminists (or aspiring feminists). Remember, as long as it strives for gender-equality, is intersectional and trans-inclusive, your feminism is valid. Lets open the conversation to further strive for gender equality.
To inspire you, here are a few words of wisdom from fellow females that I’d like to remember:
Why was I below any male? Why was I regarded as not smart enough, strong enough or worthy of the same rights the males in my society so liberally enjoyed? Why was I not allowed to have opinions? Why was I not treated equally?
‘Feminists are rare birds. They are rare birds who fly above us, trying to look down and see the world for what it is. They look down and see the mountains that our world will have to overcome if freedom is ever going to be possible, and then they fly back down to earth to help us all with the climb. I am a feminist. And boy do I wear pink. ‘
And my personal favourite:
So, Theresa May, if you’re reading this, watch out for the rise of the bleeding teenager. We’re armed with jumbo tampons and we’re ready for a fight.
Turns out, feminists do wear pink. They also wear blue, green, yellow and purple. Surprise, surprise, believing in sexual equality does not dictate one’s fashion choices. True to form, Feminists Don’t Wear Pink highlights this lie, and in a inspiring collation of texts from actors, activists and the like, the book proves other lies to be wrong as well.
“Just as every girl around the world has her own unique story to tell, she also has her own particular version of what feminism means to her.”
As it says above in the book’s foreword, each contributor has something unique to offer about their experiences of feminism. A few of my favourite chapter’s include:
Tell Him by Jameela Jamil
Ah, Jameela, how I love you. Not only is she an avid online activist, notable for calling out the Kardashian’s for their body shaming, but she writes too! This chapter is an interesting take on how misogyny affects men as well – their emotions are dismissed for being too ‘feminine,’ and they are encouraged away from any ‘girly’ behaviour. Jamil encourages women to share the conversation of feminism with men to help further the movement.
A Short History of Feminist Theory by Claire Horn
As the title says, this chapter is a brief history of feminism from the early 19th-century to the present. Detailing the struggles of the early suffragettes, the riots of the 60’s and 70’s to the internet’s influence on the #metoo movement, the novel is a helpful guide at succinctly explaining the importance of the feminist movement.
The Weaker Sex by Keira Knightley
Keira’s chapter was the first I read that made me think – hang on, this book is important. In a brutally honest detailing of childbirth and the motherhood that follow, Knightley examines how birth-givers’ feelings are often dismissed in favour of excitement around the child. It was enlightening to hear this from a Hollywood actress, whose genuine feelings are often dismissed.
Other honourable mentions go to, An Ode to Improv (And Poehler and Fay) by Amy Trigg, I Don’t Feel Like a Woman by Swati Sharma, The Power of the Period by Amika George and Sharia State (of Mind) by Emtithal Mahmoud.
There’s no mansplaining here. This book is written by feminists for other feminists (or aspiring feminists). Remember, as long as it strives for gender-equality, is intersectional and trans-inclusive, your feminism is valid. Lets open the conversation to further strive for gender equality.
To inspire you, here are a few words of wisdom from fellow females that I’d like to remember:
Why was I below any male? Why was I regarded as not smart enough, strong enough or worthy of the same rights the males in my society so liberally enjoyed? Why was I not allowed to have opinions? Why was I not treated equally?
‘Feminists are rare birds. They are rare birds who fly above us, trying to look down and see the world for what it is. They look down and see the mountains that our world will have to overcome if freedom is ever going to be possible, and then they fly back down to earth to help us all with the climb. I am a feminist. And boy do I wear pink. ‘
And my personal favourite:
So, Theresa May, if you’re reading this, watch out for the rise of the bleeding teenager. We’re armed with jumbo tampons and we’re ready for a fight.