Fight Like a Girl : How to Be a Fearless Feminist

by Seely, Megan

• ISBN13: 9780814740026
• ISBN10: 0814740022
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-01-15
• Publisher: New York University Press

Summary

With her guide addressed to a generation of girls who have grown up ''denying feminism but embracing its rewards,'' the youngest woman ever elected president of the California chapter of NOW seeks to make feminism palatable for a generation put off by outmoded images of unshaven legs and burning bras. . . . This is a thorough, thought-provoking introduction. --Publishers Weekly"Fight Like a Girl is a much-needed primer and call to action for the next generation of feminist activists. In this regressive cultural climate, it''s more important than ever to speak loudly and proudly about the work we''re doing and what still needs to be done." --Lisa Jervis, co-founder and publisher of BitchSeely, the youngest elected president of California''s chapter of the National Organization for Women, combines her own story of third-wave feminism with an overview of the feminist movement and words to guide others. Third-wave feminists are aware of both the victories won by earlier feminists and the problems of class, race, sexual orientation, and internationalism that must still be overcome. This book weaves a deep respect for the foremothers with commonsense discussion of current obstacles and suggestions for direct action, resulting in a work that reminds us of what too many activists forget-every progressive movement has a long history, few organizing tricks are new, and problems must be understood before they can be solved. Seely includes booklists, time lines, web sites, and how-to tips that will help readers over the bridge from her insights to real world activism. For midsize to larger public libraries, academic libraries, and all feminist collections. --Library JournalWant to know what it means to be a feminist of the third wave? Megan Seely''s Fight Like a Girl is the answer; there''s enough information here to make you angry and enough resources to make you an effective activist. --Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards, co-authors of Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism and the Future"Always engaging, interesting, and insightful. Fascinating and sure to engage many young women!" --Sherrie A. Inness, editor of Action Chicks"The resources, helpful hints about organizing and working with the press, the short bios of companies and fabulous feminists are great!" --Caryn Aviv, co-editor of American Queer, Then and NowFight Like a Girl is packed with both information and inspiration for young women by a young woman who knows her stuff. It''s a terrific practical feminist resource book with an optimistic attitude that says in clear language, ''You''re in charge of your life and here''s how to stay that way.'' --Gloria Feldt, former president, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and author of The War on Choice: The Right-Wing Attack on Women''s Rights and How to Fight BackFight Like A Girl offers a fearless vision for the future of feminism. By boldly detailing what is at stake for women and girls today, Megan Seely outlines the necessary steps to achieve true political, social and economic equity for all. Reclaiming feminism for a new generation, Fight Like A Girl speaks to young women who embrace feminism in substance but not necessarily in name.With an eye toward what it takes to create actual change, Seely offers a practical guide for how to get involved, take action and wage successful events and campaigns.The book is full of valuable resources for novice and committed activists alike, including such features as "How to Write a Press Release," "Guidelines to a Good Media Interview," "A Feminist Shopping Guide," and a list of over 100 Fabulous Feminist Resources, including organizations, websites, and events to attend. Each chapter is full of ideas, both big and small, for ways to get involved, get active, and make a difference.Exploring such issues as body image and self-acceptance, education and empowerment, health and sexuality, political representation, economic justice, and violence against women, Fight Like A Girl looks at the challenges that

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Preface: How I Became a Teenage Activist	p. xi
The F-Word: An Introduction	p. 1
Fight Like a Girl	p. 15
Catch a Wave	p. 27
A Movement for Everyone	p. 59
At the Table	p. 93
Good Enough	p. 122
Knock 'Em Up...Knock 'Em Down	p. 147
Fighting Back	p. 185
...Like a Girl	p. 218
Timeline and Checklist for Action	p. 227
Building an Activist Kit	p. 231
How to Write a Press Release	p. 233
Guidelines to a Good Media Interview	p. 235
Guidelines to Creating and Earning Effective Media	p. 239
Feminist Shopping Guide	p. 243
Where to Donate Stuff	p. 247
Notes	p. 51
Bibliography	p. 263
Index	p. 275
About the Author	p. 279
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