Feminism is for Everybody

My years in college were among the most important that shaped me to become the woman I am today. I was exposed to countless books, articles, studies, and amazing pieces of art, but none were as influential to my political development as one small book by Bell Hooks. Among her long list of academic and theoretical writings is an amazingly approachable book titled Feminism is for Everybody.

As a feminist writer, Hooks would often encounter people questioning the definition of feminism or people wrote off the movement as “a bunch of angry women who want to be like men.” At each of these encounters, she wished that she could whip out a small book and say – read this and it will tell you what feminism really is. Feminism is for Everybody is approachable, insightful, and interesting a quick read that reminds you why you why you started calling yourself a feminist back in the day and why it is relevant now.

Hooks defines feminism as “a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.” She appreciates this definition because it does not single out men as the enemy but rather identifies sexist acts as the core problem. Hooks clarifies that women are just as capable of being sexist – having been socialized from birth to accept sexist thoughts and action – and that women can be just as much part of the problem as men. She makes it clear that whether you are a woman or man, Democrat or Republican, young or old, poor or rich – anyone can subscribe to feminism.

What is key to her discussion on feminism is the importance of reproductive rights – an issue that is our main focus here at National Women’s Political Caucus. Reproductive rights don’t just refer to abortion, but also include sex education, prenatal care, preventative healthcare, birthing practices, sterilization practices, and menopause treatment practices. When women loose their right to choose when to have an abortion, are forced to have unneeded cesareans, or are denied access and knowledge to contraception, this is a strike against women’s right to choose how to care for their own bodies. Hooks defines this political issue as the cornerstone of importance to the feminist movement.

Today, the popularity of "pro-life feminism” and women running for political office on a pro-life platform is providing a deceptive vision of contemporary feminism. According to Hooks, “the anti-choice movement is fundamentally anti-feminist.”

Especially in Fresno County, it is important for NWPC to keep this vision strong. When we gather for our monthly general meetings, we often take for granted that we are in a room with 60 other pro-choice women and men. Read this book and let’s remind each other at each general meeting that THIS is what a group of feminists with voice and vision looks like.