Power is not the same as brutality. The concepts are very different ... It's a question of mindset, of courage, of defiance. There is a kind of strength that is neither masculine nor feminine, one that intimidates, terrifies, reassures. An ability to say no, to impose one's opinion, not to duck the issue. p.126

King Kong Theory by Virginie Despentes (trans. Frank Wynne)

Part-memoir, part feminist essay collection King Kong Theory was first published in French in 2006. It certainly has the feel of an early 00's as a non-fiction piece as it talks about the 1990s, Sarkozy and the days before the internet. As a punk feminist collection that slams capitalist society it makes for an interesting read.

Despentes has a caustic style which critiques social constructs, behaviours and doesn't hold back on calling society out on its b*llsh*t. This made it both funny and an honest reflection of Despentes' views.

"When the collective unconscious, through the media and the entertainment industry, glorifies motherhood, it is not out of love for the feminine or a global sense of benevolence. To invest the mother with every virtue is to prepare the collective body for a return to facism." p.29

The collection focuses heavily on sex, rape, prostitution, and the constructs of femininity and masculinity.

Despentes discussions surrounding prostitution and pornography were particularly interesting. She unpicks the problematic framing of prostitution. She argues how those in power frame it as an act of violence against women; portray them as victims (with the caveat that it sometimes is). But how this removes women's agency, how this is an attempt of those in power to exert control. The subtleties she discusses between how a prostitute is criminalised and stigmatised and yet those who visit her are above being sullied. It makes for a compelling argument that made me think.

Overall I enjoyed the collection and whilst it had a tendency to be a little binary and heterosexual focused, Despentes does recognise this at moments. It's almost certainly a product of the early 2000's and very punk, but definitely worth a read.

"What is difficult to deal with, even today, is being a woman, and having to put up with your shit." p.122