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Sexism In America: Alive, Well, And Ruining Our Future (2009)

by Barbara J. Berg(Favorite Author)

3.89 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1556527764 (ISBN13: 9781556527760)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Chicago Review Press

review 1: If you know nothing about sexism in our country, or would like to take Sexism 101 in your free time, I would recommend this book. For someone like myself who was introduced to feminism at an early age, much of this book seemed like common knowledge, but that is precisely the point: it is not. There are still plenty of people out there who think the power and privilege gap between genders in our country has closed, and this book is for them.Berg begins with a history of the women’s movement starting after WWII. She then works up to current times and dedicates chapters to some of the major issues facing women today, including (but not limited to), reproductive right, the virgin/slut dichotomy, representation in the media, economic freedom, and more. It’s a great overview... more of the many battles we continue to fight.
review 2: Sexism in America is a fantastic book that takes a hard look at the realities of women in this country today. Think the feminist movement in the 70s accomplished enough and is over? Think again. Berg calls for a new wave of feminism to address issues like workplace discrimination against mothers, the hypersexualization of young girls, reproductive rights, pay inequity, inadequate health care for women, and more.The first half of the book is highly political, highlighting the ways in which Berg believes republicans from Reagan to Bush have eroded the rights hard won during the women's movement. She argues that women are worse off than we used to be in the 1970s. She also makes a case for 9-11 leading to a return in male insecurity and the need for the US to be macho, inevitably leading to a fear of and hatred for any characteristic thought to be feminine.The second half of the book moves away from the political (though of course it still plays a role) into the personal. Here you find stories of women who were laid off from jobs for getting pregnant, who were denied promotions because they "came on too strong," and whose 6 year old daughters threw fits in stores because they wanted a Naughty Nurse or Frisky French Maid Halloween costume. Welcome to 00's America.One of Berg's greatest strengths is her use of research and statistics to back each of her claims. You aren't asked to take her word for anything. In addition to pulling data from news reports, studies and countless other sources, Berg created an online survey that drew responses from hundreds of women across the country.Well worth the read. If you are put off by left-wing liberal ideology, I'd still recommend it, you might just skip the first few chapters and get down to the issues. Few readers will agree with every last thing Berg writes - that's how it is with political and social issues - but you will find many of her arguments compelling and they can open your eyes to some things you may not have even realized were going on. less

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