We Should All Be Feminists

I love reading books on feminism, even more so when intersectionality is not only seen as optional but as necessary. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie described her experience as a woman in a very realistic way, highlighting the "little" things women deal with everyday (to avoid spoilers I won't mention what exactly I am referring to by this). Her stories were very relatable, an organic text (duh it's a speech) allowing conversation, thoughts and exchange to happen. I believe this would be a great book for "feminism newbies" who aren't too sold by the whole concept. I particularly loved the "Happy African Feminist who wears make up and skirts for herself " part - great ways of pointing out how even in such a movement patriarchal structures influence the way a woman is seen, treated, considered and respected, not only by men but also by women.

Although Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie speaks often of the experiences she makes in Africa, she has a good point in this book, because it addresses a general problem: Not only do we as a society need to better the general situation for women but also for men like the expectation of masculinity. Having to show no fear, always needing to be a 'hard man', paying the bill when going out with a girl and other stuff puts men in a position where they always have to prove themselves as better, bigger, stronger than women. In a world where femininity for a man is something he has to overcome and he has to distance from, our genders can never be equal. But it is the burden of this toxic masculinity we have to overcome, so that men can allow themselves to be comfortable being fearful and sensitive just as women are. Why wouldn't one want to read this book? It's a declaration and a demand for the equality of genders - women's and men's alike! If you didn't already got your hands on this little book, do so now!

Adichie ist eine der besten Autorinnen, die ich kenne. Ihre Sprache hat das gewisse Extra, ist klar und präzise und wundervoll zu lesen. Dieses Werk, das in jede Hosentasche passt, ist ein Appell, der zur Reflexion über Gendernormen und der Veränderung von Traditionen aufruft.

Ein Buch, das jede und jeder lesen sollte! Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie legt neue Perspektiven auf ein Thema, das uns alle angeht. Sehr empfehlenswert!

Are you a human being? Then you should read this. I really think that! I've already gave that booklet/essay to a couple of friends as a present. It's a short, sharp and insightful essay about gender, feminism, the wrong ideas about it and why it's so important for all of us! Just read it, or at least watch Adichies Ted-Talk.