We Should All Be Feminists
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The highly acclaimed, provocative essay on feminism and sexual politics—from the award-winning author of Americanah
"A call to action, for all people in the world, to undo the gender hierarchy." —Medium
In this personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from the much-admired TEDx talk of the same name—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now—and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.
"A call to action, for all people in the world, to undo the gender hierarchy." —Medium
In this personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from the much-admired TEDx talk of the same name—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now—and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.
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Community Reviews
She makes a very valid point. I think the mindset about gender needs to be changed but that can only happen over the course of a generation.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “We Should All Be Feminists” fits neatly in the legacy of progressive writing that was trailblazer by the likes of James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Angela Davis, and others. Adichie offers a perspective that aims to give us the freedom to think more broadly about gender. This work is concise and effective in its argument. To be fair, the discussion needs no nuance. Maintaining the status quo is an intellectually limiting attitude for our species.
Adichie’s take down of the usual defenses to keep things as they are is particularly effective. Through multiple examples, Adichie demonstrates how the default position results in constraints on both genders. Men are indirectly made achieve less than their own respective human potential by hoisting upon them false assertions and entitlements than they otherwise deserve. Moreover, there is no striving for real justice when you think the world was designed for you.
Furthermore, Adichie argues that culture and tradition are not reason enough to justify the dehumanizing and individually destructive aspects of a male centered society. Feminism itself is representative of a natural evolution of culture. Its positions are more representative of a social order far removed from feudalism, autocracy, and many other antiquated systems. This a swift and powerful read that I highly recommend.
A short empowering read for everyone. Like a great conversation with a wise aunt, the author brings a simple light and awareness to the fact that women are treated differently and set up for this mentality in society and future generations. This book is great as it is not a long winded, over factual, agressive rant but more of a kind, experienced guidance.
Short essay about raising our children to accept everyone as they are, not making them fit into a societal norm just because they are a specific gender
It was amazing to listen to Chimamanda read her essay on what feminism is. I'm not joking when I say everyone should listen to this. Such great insight into what happens to women every day and how we frequently restrict ourselves to be more feminine, less aggressive, and less intimidating. I shouldn't have to do those things to be considered a woman. I can be girly, feminine, intimidating, and so much more. And that is ok and acceptable and me.
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