Lauren McKeon

Part of me feels like I should pretend to like this more than I do because y'know, sisterhood. But I firmly believe feminism can take it, whatever damage misogynists might have inflicted on it recently.

Ms. McKeon has plenty to say on the subject of anti-feminists and why they are wrong but I don't think her intermittent snarkiness really makes her voice more credible and it does nothing to bring said anti-fems back onside. Basically this book is only interested in preaching to the converted. Which makes me sad. Especially since most of said converted are already well-acquainted with all of the information being presented. I feel like, after writing a whole book about everybody needing to be on the side of feminism, our girl Lauren has sort of missed the point.

I recieved a free copy of this book for review from Goose Lane Editions via Goodreads.… (plus d'informations)

I'm not sure who the intended audience of this book is. Given some of the authors personal, often snide, comments, I think she is writing for feminists. But isn't that like preaching to the choir?

What I did appreciate what the author's ability to report on and, to some extent, explain, the views of antifeminists. I feel I understand some of them a little better, although I continue to strongly disagree with them. I will never understand women who advocate against women.

I the 1980s, I think feminism did send, intentionally or not, the message that being a married, stay-at-home mom was not the best idea. I think that feminism did introduce a culture of victimhood as well as a culture of empowerment. These are issues we should learn from.

I'm still working my head around intersectionality. Obviously, we shouldn't leave women behind or be exclusionary. But must the feminist movement be all things to all women? Wouldn't it be better to actively partner with other minority groups struggling for a full place in society?

The problem I have with men's rights is that they seem to have to come at the expense of women's rights -- like men can only advance if society as a whole regresses. As Margaret Atwood once said, women are afraid men might kill them; men are afraid women might laugh at them. I don't want to see men treated unfairly -- I have sons! But some Men's Rights Activists are scary.

This book is well worth reading. It has sparked a lot of thought about the issues in me. And some great discussions with other women.… (plus d'informations)