We Should All Be Feminists

Lesson 1. Introduction.

The book is basically a wonderful introduction to feminism and its goals in today’s society. However, this is just an introduction, because the short length only allows the author to provide us the gist of feminism and its importance. The author also talks about the fact that feminism is not just about women, but men as well. 

The author doesn’t preach anything but rather recounts experiences from her own life. Through these, she tries to point out sexism and stereotypes prevalent in our society. 

Let us begin with what is feminism:

In today’s society, whoever you communicate or argue with, has their own definition of feminism. It's a concept to generalize that women are not superior to men, but equal to them.

In these lessons, you will learn about:

1. The misconceptions regarding feminism.
2. How the professional world treats men and women differently.  
3. People’s perception of women in society, affects their lives.
4. Despite the biological difference between men and women, no gender is inherently superior to the other.
5. Why a cultural shift is important.

Lesson 2. Misconceptions.

The author takes us to the past, in a world where the word ‘feminism’ was unheard of. She ponders upon what it really meant to be a feminist at that time. She recalls an incident when she was still a teenager and didn't even know who a feminist was. At the age of 14, she quarreled fiercely with a close male family friend. As the controversy intensified, he called her a feminist, making it sound as if it was a crime to be one. This was not the last time she encountered this attitude. In an interview to promote her first book, Purple Hibiscus, the reporter who interviewed her, advised her not to call herself a feminist. He said that because women who call themselves feminists are jealous and unhappy, they cannot find men. The author has had many more similar experiences.  For example, a Nigerian female scholar told her that feminism is a Western term and is inconsistent with African traditions.

Another incident the author recalls is when she went out with her male friend. A Valet parked the car, and she tipped him. But the valet did not thank the author, looked at her male friend and thanked him instead. In that moment, her male friend caught a glimpse of the daily oppression of women.

Lesson 3. Discrimination in the Professional World.