A review by gvstyris
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

We rarely talk about basic needs as a feminist issue. Food insecurity and access to quality education, safe neighborhoods, a living wage, and medical care are all feminist issues. Instead of a framework that focuses on helping women get basic needs met, all too often the focus is not on survival but on increasing privilege. 

This novel is so immeasurably important, not only because it offers a much needed re-framing of mainstream feminism, but because it is an absolute wake-up call for all white upper/middle class women who call themselves feminists -- myself included. 

My main takeaway was the need for us cis white women to learn how to listen and exclude ourselves from the narrative where necessary. Kendall's anecdotes were powerful and compelling, and I was repeatedly forced to sit with and analyse my discomfort.  

I've docked some points because of a couple minor issues: this novel is a bit repetitive at times and perhaps works best as an introduction to intersectional feminism. Still such a worthwhile read, and much more compelling than Allende's feminist memoir... 

Privilege not only blinds you to oppression, it blinds you to your own ignorance even when you notice the oppression.
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