Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist - Softcover

Seely, Megan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0814740022 ISBN 13: 9780814740026

Publisher: NYU Press, 2007

Synopsis

Fight 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 women and girls face while emphasizing the strength that they independently, and collectively, embody. Seely delves into the politics of the feminist movement, exploring both women's history and current–day realities with easy-to-follow lists and timelines like those on “Women Who Made a Difference,” “Chronology of the U.S. Women's Movement,” and “Do's and Don'ts for Young Feminists.”

A Third Wave manifesto as well as an introduction to feminism for a new generation, Fight Like A Girl is a powerful blueprint for young women today.

About this title

About the Author:

Megan Seely is Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology at Sierra College in Rocklin, California. She is a prominent feminist activist and was California NOW’s youngest-ever president, serving from 2001–2005.

Review:

“A primer on the women’s movement that brims with reading and film lists, web resources, and worthy reminders. . . . Textbook-y in the best way. . . . Several appendices give practical advice. . . . It’s the perfect gift for the burgeoning activist in your life.”
-Bitch

“An amazing and comprehensive resource. . . . Serving as both an introduction to feminism and a blueprint for what’s next for the movement, Fight Like a Girl is simply invaluable.”

-Bay Windows

“The so-called ‘third wave’—the newest generation involved in the women’s movement— faces an uphill battle in getting people to listen up, partly because of knee-jerk negative reactions to the f-word: ‘feminist.’ In fact, says Seely, ‘I’m not a feminist, but . . . ’ has become a common qualifier among young people who support the principles of equality but don’t want to be associated with words like ‘militant’ or ‘butch.’ Seely addresses this stumbling block and many others, including discord within the movement due to racial and generational differences. She provides an accessible overview of the women’s movement, including timelines, suggested reading and numerous ways for young people to get active and make a difference.”
-Newsday (How-To Book of the Week)

“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 Bitch

“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

“A useful antidote to the widespread attitude of the many young women that passivity and resignation are the only rational responses to the enormous cultural, religious, political and media forces arrayed against feminism. . . . This book could be a useful supplement to Women’s Studies courses.”
-Susan B. Hansen,University of Pittsburgh

“Seely dispels the notion that there are secrets to successful organizing by creating a step by step, compelling manual that challenges even the cynical.”
-Feminist Review

About this edition

• Publisher: NYU Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0814740022
• ISBN 13: 9780814740026
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288