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A review by ambershelf
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
5.0
In this critical collection of essays, Kendall examines social issues often overlooked by modern feminist movements. Expanding upon the topics that primarily affect middle-class white women in mainstream feminism, like having more women CEOs, HOOD FEMINISM delves into why basic needs should be front-and-center for every feminist.
Frankly, prior to reading HOOD FEMINISM, I didn't consider some of the topics covered in the book as feminist issues. And wow, was I wrong. Kendall analyzes basic needs from the focal point of marginalized communities and leverages statistics to show why sexual violence, food insecurity, eating disorders, education, housing, and more, are all intertwined with racial injustice and gender hierarchies.
I listened to HOOD FEMINISM on audiobook and would love to revisit this one with a physical copy so I can annotate (something I rarely do!). I've included some notes below for those interested in a deeper dive or discussions, but HOOD FEMINISM should be required reading for everyone.
On the issue of poverty and hunger, Kendall analyzes why current policies established by mostly white politicians fail to protect those in need. While donation through local food banks can affect small communities, it fails to change policies in a widespread and long-lasting way. Current guidelines focus on treating the "symptoms" of food insecurity by establishing a soda tax without considering how poverty, such as access to healthy and affordable food, having a safe environment to play in the neighborhood, and nutritional education, are the underlying causes of rising obesity rates in America.
On sexual violence against women of color, Kendall examines the misconception that "bad things don't happen to good girls." For outsiders, there is no presumption of innocence for young Black girls, while those within the Black community often perpetuate victim blaming. Furthermore, white women contribute to the hypersexualization of women of color under the disguise of empowerment through cultural appropriation, such as sexy Pocahontas and Black face. Kendall concludes that the feminist movement should shift our anti-rape efforts from teaching people how not to become a victim to teaching people how not to become a predator in the first place.
On confronting the patriarchy when it comes from people you love and respect, Kendall observes that within her community, the urge to see Black men succeed sometimes means Black women need to sacrifice themselves. Subsequently, Black and Latinx girls are expected to perform emotional and social labor at the expense of their own girlhoods. Leila Mottley explores this theme in NIGHTCRAWLING beautifully and makes a fantastic companion read.
On using respectability politics to measure someone's "qualifications" to ask for feminist rights, Kendall points out that society expects women of color to deliver their concerns with a respectable tone that is calm, with accents that white Americans are comfortable with, and devoid of any negative emotions. "Approval from white supremacy shouldn't be something any community seeks." Kendall encourages marginalized women to be less concerned about appearance and more concerned about solutions.
On beauty standards, Kendall reflects on her painful childhood of having to straighten her hair to conform to white beauty standards. While women of color risk employment opportunities if they don't fit into the narrow box of white supremacy, white women benefit from non-white beauty standards with spray tans and appropriated hairstyles without engaging in the harm of these beauty standards.
Frankly, prior to reading HOOD FEMINISM, I didn't consider some of the topics covered in the book as feminist issues. And wow, was I wrong. Kendall analyzes basic needs from the focal point of marginalized communities and leverages statistics to show why sexual violence, food insecurity, eating disorders, education, housing, and more, are all intertwined with racial injustice and gender hierarchies.
I listened to HOOD FEMINISM on audiobook and would love to revisit this one with a physical copy so I can annotate (something I rarely do!). I've included some notes below for those interested in a deeper dive or discussions, but HOOD FEMINISM should be required reading for everyone.
On the issue of poverty and hunger, Kendall analyzes why current policies established by mostly white politicians fail to protect those in need. While donation through local food banks can affect small communities, it fails to change policies in a widespread and long-lasting way. Current guidelines focus on treating the "symptoms" of food insecurity by establishing a soda tax without considering how poverty, such as access to healthy and affordable food, having a safe environment to play in the neighborhood, and nutritional education, are the underlying causes of rising obesity rates in America.
On sexual violence against women of color, Kendall examines the misconception that "bad things don't happen to good girls." For outsiders, there is no presumption of innocence for young Black girls, while those within the Black community often perpetuate victim blaming. Furthermore, white women contribute to the hypersexualization of women of color under the disguise of empowerment through cultural appropriation, such as sexy Pocahontas and Black face. Kendall concludes that the feminist movement should shift our anti-rape efforts from teaching people how not to become a victim to teaching people how not to become a predator in the first place.
On confronting the patriarchy when it comes from people you love and respect, Kendall observes that within her community, the urge to see Black men succeed sometimes means Black women need to sacrifice themselves. Subsequently, Black and Latinx girls are expected to perform emotional and social labor at the expense of their own girlhoods. Leila Mottley explores this theme in NIGHTCRAWLING beautifully and makes a fantastic companion read.
On using respectability politics to measure someone's "qualifications" to ask for feminist rights, Kendall points out that society expects women of color to deliver their concerns with a respectable tone that is calm, with accents that white Americans are comfortable with, and devoid of any negative emotions. "Approval from white supremacy shouldn't be something any community seeks." Kendall encourages marginalized women to be less concerned about appearance and more concerned about solutions.
On beauty standards, Kendall reflects on her painful childhood of having to straighten her hair to conform to white beauty standards. While women of color risk employment opportunities if they don't fit into the narrow box of white supremacy, white women benefit from non-white beauty standards with spray tans and appropriated hairstyles without engaging in the harm of these beauty standards.