We Should All Be Feminists

Well, we should all be feminists indeed. And if your first response to this statement is „no.“ or „why?“ or starts with a „but…“ then please do us all and also yourself the favor and read this book. Since it was originally a TED-Talk it has only 64 pages and is a fantastic introduction to feminist literature. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie uses simple but impressive examples to show why feminism is still indispensable today. Highly recommended for all those who are afraid of the word „feminist“, use it as an insult or for whom it is still a little too radical. Chimamanda prepared this text for you. Enjoy.

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!