Hello fellow bibliomaniacs!!!
I know it has been quite a while since I have posted, and I apologize profusely. Between hospital visits, schoolwork, work, and life in general, I haven't been organized enough to actually sit down and work on this website. Well, I am proud to say that is finally up to date, with my complete, (as of now), virtual library. Hence now I present to you the first review of a book.
Now, I'll admit, this book was originally assigned to me through my Introduction to Women's Studies class (I can hear some of you groaning already, but bear with me). It has really opened my eyes to some of the trends that dominate our culture, and I guarantee you can relate to it. It is The Rise of Enlightened Sexism: How Pop Culture Took Us from Girl Power to Girls Gone Wild by Susan J. Douglas.
I know it has been quite a while since I have posted, and I apologize profusely. Between hospital visits, schoolwork, work, and life in general, I haven't been organized enough to actually sit down and work on this website. Well, I am proud to say that is finally up to date, with my complete, (as of now), virtual library. Hence now I present to you the first review of a book.
Now, I'll admit, this book was originally assigned to me through my Introduction to Women's Studies class (I can hear some of you groaning already, but bear with me). It has really opened my eyes to some of the trends that dominate our culture, and I guarantee you can relate to it. It is The Rise of Enlightened Sexism: How Pop Culture Took Us from Girl Power to Girls Gone Wild by Susan J. Douglas.
The author delves into the many ways in how women are taught by society that feminism is through, and makes them believe that giving up their rights willingly is the new feminism. Many of the contradictions that today's women face are brilliantly explored, including the fine line women must walk between bad-ass, in-command, independent bitches, and helpless sex kittens who only need to please a man in order to be happy in life. Obviously, the women readers in my audience understand how false this expectation is in real life, and how the majority of us are somewhere in the middle. For the men reading this, don't think this book isn't valuable for you as well. Ms. Douglas, often compares the circumstances of men vs. women, and makes men aware of the changes they can make in order to be more understanding and supportive of the women they know. While books like this could easily become boring and overly political, I actually loved reading this because the author treats it with just enough humor to make it entertaining, while not turning the subject into a joke. She also reminds us that even though women have come a long way, we should not let the media fool us into thinking feminism's job is done. She exposes the many ways in which we still have a long way to go.
Overall, it doesn't matter whether you identify as a feminist or not, if you're a man or a woman, or even if you know nothing about the women's movement at all. Everyone can benefit from this book, because in explaining how women are held back and stereotyped, it shows how society is functioning in a flawed way and how we can fix it. This book is not normally one I would pick up off the shelves right away, but I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get a new perspective on media culture, anyone looking to gain a little insight into what feminism is still fighting for, or for someone who is just a little curious about how sexism still pervades everyday life. It will have you laughing and thinking at the same time.
Overall, it doesn't matter whether you identify as a feminist or not, if you're a man or a woman, or even if you know nothing about the women's movement at all. Everyone can benefit from this book, because in explaining how women are held back and stereotyped, it shows how society is functioning in a flawed way and how we can fix it. This book is not normally one I would pick up off the shelves right away, but I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get a new perspective on media culture, anyone looking to gain a little insight into what feminism is still fighting for, or for someone who is just a little curious about how sexism still pervades everyday life. It will have you laughing and thinking at the same time.