We Should All Be Feminists

If you will ask me what is the shortest book that I have read so far which is thoroughly thought-provoking and insightful, this will be that one book. I was amused by the sagacious offering of this book, that too in just 48 small pages. It offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century via a personal, eloquently argued essay, adapted from one of the most admired Tedx talks of Author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It becomes more important because it portrays feminism in its original sense. The word ‘feminist’ is often confused by hating men, thinking only women should be in charge, hating bras, makeup, and whatnot. It carries heavy baggage of negativity and hatred. But the reality is completely in contrast. Feminism is a simple word that means the belief in social, economical, and political equality of sexes. So that means boys can also be feminists, right? and so the title of this book, “We Should All Be Feminist”. Now, why the concept of feminism is required, or why we all should be feminists?? This is because we have clearly evolved over time, but our ideas of gender have not evolved very much. Earlier were the days when men use to rule the world, only because that time required physical strength as a key attribute for survival, and no doubt, men are designed in such a way and gifted with all those hormones that impart and enhances their physical strength. But in today’s world, one who is more intelligent, knowledgeable, creative, and innovative is completely sufficient for taking the charge and these attributes do not demand physical strength. Anyone, of any gender, if capable, should be given the top positions and charges. But, since this is not the scenario in the practical world, and so feminists are required. As said earlier, that feminism carries heavy negative baggage along with it because of the presence of ‘pseudo’ feminists elements in our society. When feminism is a belief of gender quality, how can it talk about discouragement of another sex (male)? As they say, half knowledge is even more dangerous than no knowledge, and that is the case here. Without understanding the true essence of feminism, still claiming to be a feminist, clearly ignoring the main ground of feminism, that is equality, is nothing but an anti-social act. This will not provide benefit to anyone, rather will gradually eradicate the social etiquette and culture inculcated inside us, and who knows, it might result in the punishment of someone innocent on the ground of feminism (pseudo). I will request everyone to read this book at least once, or listen to the TEDx talks, but please get complete clarity about these matters before making any judgment or taking any action. Make this world a better place to live, together!

Very good quality

It's an insightful book, with lucid logics and instances. Throws light on some of the basic gender stereotypes being internalised by the culture and the society. About the book , The book's pretty small and handy with around 52 pages, it's kinda short jist of the ted talk given by the author. But it is a good read indeed. The cost is comparatively high with respect to the length of the book. The quality of the page is commendable.

If you’ve ever wondered what real feminism means, not the watered-down, misunderstood version floating around on Instagram or the performative narratives people throw around, these two short yet impactful books are the place to start. Both these books are less than 100 pages but they hold the kind of truth that many spend their whole lives avoiding. Every man and woman should read them, not just to understand feminism, but to understand why it matters. Feminism isn’t a threat. It’s not an attack. It’s not about hating men or glorifying women. It’s about fairness. It’s about humanity. It’s about dignity. It’s also heartbreaking that the idea of masculinity has been boxed into being “strong”-physically and emotionally. But why? Why can’t men cry? Why does emotional expression threaten their identity? Why is it seen as a weakness? Why is it that when a woman pays for a date, it bruises someone’s ego? Why does a woman have to earn less than a man to be treated well? Why is a man who smokes seen as careless, while a woman who smokes is seen as “characterless”? Last I checked, we all had lungs. The problem is deeper than just culture, it’s in the roles and expectations that have been blindly handed down for generations. The restrictions, the labels, the rules? Manmade. And they’re slowly suffocating the beautiful, complex, emotional beings we are all born as. We owe it to the next generation to do better. To stop feeding them outdated ideals masked as tradition. To raise better humans, not just better boys or better girls, but better people. And in a time when empathy, equity, and understanding are more necessary than ever, these are books that everyone, regardless of gender should read.

"We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a powerful and concise essay that eloquently advocates for gender equality. Adichie's writing is like a rallying call, challenging societal norms and shedding light on the pervasive impact of sexism. Through personal anecdotes and sharp observations, she highlights the importance of acknowledging and dismantling gender-based discrimination. The essay is a passionate plea for a more just and inclusive world, urging readers to embrace feminism as a crucial movement for social progress. If you're seeking a compelling introduction to feminist thought and a call to action for a more equitable society, this book is an essential and thought-provoking read. 📚🚺🌟

Shows you the subtle nature of gender related disparities, could be a good introduction to the topics. I suggest this book be read by young adults because it would be better absorbed than younger readers who might not be ready for it

I ordered it expecting it to be a normal book and I was excited about sitting down and settling in a for a long read. Turns out it was only 48pages and extremely tiny. Considering it cost me Rs. 215 I expected it to have more content. It was partly my fault for not reading the description.

The thing about her writers voice, especially to a black African Female Read, is her ability to draw you in as though she was sitting right across conversing with you. Her work is so related, and easy to understand. It is not filled with pompous empty big unnecessary words that most feminists use to put across a point. I might be biased because I am a black African woman with similar childhood experiences that she writes about, but that's the fact that helps me relate with her. She tells my story is ways no other feminist can. Because she understands the female point view of what it means to be a female African feminist. Love her truly.

I’ll start this review with a personal anecdote. A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I were discussing what he would like to do for his birthday. He said that he would like to stay in a really fancy hotel that we had been looking into staying in for a while. I thought that this was a great idea and since it is six months until his birthday it gives me time to save up. When I told him this, he became sweetly defensive and told me that he didn’t expect me to pay for it. This was lovely of him to say because I earn substantially less than him. What I earn in a month he can in 3 times that amount in a week. However, it will be his birthday and I told him no, that I will pay for it. We then argued for a bit and I posed the question to him asking if it was my birthday and I wanted to stay somewhere would he let me pay and he became quiet before agreeing that he wouldn’t let me. When I asked him what the difference was his response was….wait for it…. “because I am a man.” Apparently you need to have a penis to pay for hotels these days. Who knew? Now my boyfriend is a good guy, he is respectful and he does believe that everyone (not just women) should have equal rights and I would even say that he is a bit of a male feminist. However, these ideals of men have money, they pay for things, this is how the world works mentality is so ingrained in our minds and societal functionality that even he slipped up and made this faux pas. This whole theme of male power is the concentration of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s essay, We Should All Be Feminists. This essay was only written a few years ago but the same issues are happening everyday in modern society: men get paid more for the same jobs that women do; men still hold the majority of high paid positions; women still take on the bulk of housework whilst holding down a full time job. Now, of course, you could argue that these are massive generalisations and I am homogenising groups for my own pleasure but, come on, even you (dear review reader) have to admit that there is some truth in what I am saying. Please give this short essay a read; it is fascinating in the fact that many things that we take for granted – both women and men (linguistic flip intended) – and gives us a deeper insight into modern society and how much things have changed yet how much there is still yet to achieve. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is available now.

The author speeds directly about an issue, the solution of which is very simple - we should all be feminists 😌

O livro é curto pois afinal de contas ele é a adaptação de uma palestra Ted ministrado pela autora e as palestras Ted são conhecidas por serem curtas, mas ao mesmo tempo esclarecedoras. E neste objetivo esse livro não falha. Ele é importante pois podemos entender as bases do feminismo e o porquê ele é importante na construção de a sociedade mais justa. Recomendo a leitura. Quanto ao nível de inglês, acredito que quem está no nível A2/B1 não vá ter muitos problemas.

"We should all be feminist" est en réalité la transcription d’une conférence TED Talk donnée par Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie en 2012 et dans lequel elle aborde la nécessité du féminisme dans notre société. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie est une autrice nigériane, son roman "Americanah" a connu un succès mondial et elle est une des figures majeures de l’afro-féminisme. Ce court essai de 50 pages est également disponible en français sous le titre Nous sommes tous des féministes, traduction complètement ratée qui perd le sens d’origine : nous devrions tous être féministes. La nuance est quand même non négligeable et c’est d’ailleurs tout le propos de ce livre ! A travers son expérience personnelle, Chimamanda revient sur les bases du féminisme et les principales problématiques auxquelles les femmes font face aujourd’hui : le harcèlement, l’intimidation, l’éducation genrée qui imprègne les enfants de clichés sexistes, la difficulté de se revendiquer féministe dans un monde qui a diabolisé ce mot, jusqu’au sexisme intériorisé par certaines femmes qui nuit non seulement à elles-mêmes mais à toute la cause féministe. Le format TED Talk a l’avantage de rendre le texte particulièrement facile d’accès (la VO se lit très bien sans avoir un excellent niveau d’anglais) et pédagogique. Pour ma part, étant déjà bien sensibilisée à ce sujet, je n’y ai d’ailleurs pas appris grand-chose mais le récit de Chimamanda résonne avec mon expérience et ça fait du bien parfois de pouvoir lire un texte qui nous fait dire "MAIS OUI, c’est exactement ça !" toutes les deux pages. Cependant l’essai étant très court, il reste en surface et n’aborde pas du tout les questions de genre qui vont bien au-delà de la dichotomie homme/femme. C’est en tout cas un livre que je mettrai entre toutes les mains, il est à la fois une bonne introduction pour les personnes peu sensibilisées au sujet qu’un moment de répit pour les féministes aguerri•es. Il permet aussi d’avoir le point de vue et le vécu d’une femme noire, une sorte de double peine qu’il n’est pas toujours évident de percevoir en tant que féministe blanche.