Book Review: Fight Like A Girl: How To Be a Fearless Feminist by Megan Seely

Book Review by Dawn “Belladonna” Thomas

New York University Press, New York and London, 2007

ISBN-13: 978-0814740026

I was intrigued by the title of this book and picked it up on a whim. I am glad that I did. Even though this book is written for the perspective of the third wave generation of feminists (These are women under the age of 40), there is a lot of valuable information for all women. There are different ideas and approaches are valuable to everyone. This book is divided into eight chapters:

The F-Word: An introduction is a discussion on how feminism became a bad word - ‘the f-word.” First and foremost, feminism simply means that women are the equals of men. A feminist is someone who supports this principle. Feminism is about advocacy, activism, standing up, and speaking out. It is about fighting for social justice. Feminism does not have a static definition but encompasses and encourages many types of feminism. She tells the history of the “bra-burning” incident (where bras were not actually burned). Ms. Seely gives us a list of things to thank the feminism movement for. She asks the question, “Why people are afraid of women having equality.”

Fight Like a Girl – discusses activism and things that anyone can do to support the feminist movement. She discusses ways to incorporate activism into daily life and opportunities that are all around us. She states that true equality and respect have not yet been achieved and that makes activism a necessity. The movement belongs to us all and we should all contribute to share a stake in it.

Catch a Wave – This section describes the different waves (generations) of the women working for feminism. The feminist movement has a rich history – a history full of struggle, sacrifice, justice, resistance, and many victories. The first wave is marked as the suffrage movement during the 1800s and 1900s. The second wave occurred during the 1960s and 1970s was characterized by economic and personal power with abortion rights and domestic violence laws. The term “third wave” is a way to identify with today’s feminism and not just with a movement that has been presumed to belong only to our foremothers. She tells us about Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December 1979, and is the first international human rights treaty to define discrimination against women. Interestingly, as of March 1, 2009, the United States has not ratified it.

A Movement for Everyone – This section addresses the fact that men are also included in feminism. The author provides information on several men’s organizations that are actively working towards equality for all. The author makes a statement that until men recognize the importance of sharing partnership with women and begin to fight a patriarchy that hurts not just women but also men, we – women and men alike – will not achieve true equality and the endless benefits that go along with it. There are lists of Do’s and Don’ts for both veteran and young feminists but the most important message is to give credence to both groups. She discusses the problems faced by women with disabilities, transgendered, and intersexed. She also states that together we are strong and our fight is a collective one and that for any of us to be free from oppression, we must all be free from oppression.

At the Table – this section discusses the history of a few important women in the fight for equality. There are also references to the different attributes that are associated with children (boys are tough and girls are sweet, etc.). Also a good discussion on the powerful role the media plays in our society. She gives her opinion that the government should stay out of religion and religion out of government. She touches on the glass ceiling that it is invisible and it is not discovered until one tries to pass through it. She informs us on Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments is a federal statue that prohibits sex discrimination in education and also prohibits sexual harassment by employees or agents of a school.

Good Enough – discusses the fact that all women (whether they say they are a feminist are not) have the same issues facing other women (eating disorders, etc.). This is another example how strong our culture is today. The culture is what needs to change, not women and not feminism.

Knock ‘Em Up… Knock ‘Em Down – discusses the need for women-centered health agendas , She also writes of the need to make menstruation a positive experience instead of dirty or shameful. It is something that should be honored and celebrated in a in a supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental way.

Fighting Back – This chapter discusses the fact that women have always been warriors; a fact that has been documented from Greek and Roman times to modern day. Ms. Seely discusses ways to try to end rape and provide support to the victims. Violence prevention is a key area of activism for feminist men. She discusses that millions of women around the globe live with violence every day and millions more have undergone female genital mutilation.  It is the fight for recognition that will protect women and punish perpetrators.

…. Like A Girl – She reminds us the importance of fighting for the women that have fought before us and create a better world for all of all. There are many lists of excellent references which includes books and websites. There are timelines for activist work and a history of important milestones in the battle for equal rights. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of feminism. Because equity is still an issue!