Enlightened Sexism: The Seductive Message That Feminism's Work Is Done (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
So far this is covering familiar territory (some similarities to Female Chauvinist Pigs, but not identical) It is giving me happy memories of feminism a la the early 90's (I miss bib overalls and plaid more than I dare admit - not to mention everything from Lilith Fair to Riot Grrrls). I can't always follow her logic and can't always follow the pathway to her conclusions - or buy them fully. But maybe (for one) it's because I want to fully embrace Buffy the Vampire Slayer for her empowerment of girls and not see her as a misleading or false representation of where we're at as women. I know I can't slay vampires, i really do, but I like to feel that I could, because Buffy did. Is that so wrong? I can feel that way and know that our work as women is still not done, even if we have Joss Whedon on our side (so glad we do).The tone is meandering and opinionated (but I must be honest and confess if it were purely scientific it would interest me less).A few words upon finishing:While I agree that many of the shows cited by the author were more aspirational than representational, I fail to see them as part of a larger patriarchal impulse to keep women down. In fact I and my daughters have found them empowering and they have fostered useful discussions about the differences we see in entertainment vs. reality. I can't help but think that, had I grown up watching Buffy and Alias I would have known better how to handle situations like the boy who emblazoned "I hope you get raped over the summer" over two pages in my year book. Instead of absorbing shame and embarrassment, I might have throat punched him (best case scenario) or simply reported the incident and insist he replace said year book...So, while I agree that feminisms work is not done, and really enjoyed the reviews of many of my favorite tv shows and movies, some of the criticism seemed misdirected towards media representations that were, in my estimation, primarily positive. The central thesis is clear: in recent decades, the media has disproportionately portrayed women as if parity between genders has been achieved, while underlining the importance of being feminine and conforming to exacting and unattainable standards of beauty. The author goes through the effects of this on women, and lists numerous examples from the last two decades. Once the thesis was introduced, and some examples were given, I found the book quickly became repetitive. I feel like the author could have condensed the material. Worth a read.
What do You think about Enlightened Sexism: The Seductive Message That Feminism's Work Is Done (2010)?
Love Susan Douglas. I think I will have to go on a mission to meet her. Longer review forthcoming.
—1234
I wish every female I know would read this book . . . and all the males, too.
—ash
It's a very informative and wonderful read.
—ZRaiysa
