Five reasons to read ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

We Should All Be Feminists is a book-length essay by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It talks about the definition of feminism for the 21st century. The essay was adapted from Adichie’s 2012 TEDx talk, first delivered at TEDx Euston in London. This book includes anecdotes and analyses about what it means to be a feminist. There are interesting illustrations of several instances where she felt that she was treated differently because of her gender.

If I have to summarise this article in a few words, I’d say this: Do yourself a favor and read this book. Why? Well, read the article!

1. The book presents rational arguments advocating feminism

At the start, Adichie clarifies the definition of feminism for you. Then, she indicates how some people deny that gender discrimination ubiquitous. Then she goes on to give a reason that’s surprisingly true — It is ingrained into us emotionally, then intellectually.

“If we do something over and over again, it becomes normal. If we see the same thing over and over again, it becomes normal.”

Finally, she presents the common question surrounding feminism. Why the word feminist? Her answer:

“For centuries, the world divided human beings into two groups and then proceeded to exclude and oppress one group. It is only fair that the solution to the problem acknowledges that.”

The book doesn’t just preach about feminism. It educates you and answers your questions on the fundamentals of feminism.

2. Touches other important issues

This book not only talks about women’s rights. But, it also emphasizes the other factors that have influenced the differences in society.

Adichie presents many personal narratives to drive her message home, to the readers. In one of her examples, she speaks about how women in her country entering posh hotels alone are questioned while men are spared the scrutiny. The automatic assumption is that women cannot afford rooms inexpensive hotels, and, therefore, be sex workers. To which she questions:

“Why, by the way, do those hotels not focus on the demand for sex workers instead of on the ostensible supply?”

This book is comprised of funny and witty elements. She presents her points of view in many amusing ways, sometimes as a question, sometimes as an anecdote, most of the time sarcastically. However, her words will linger in your minds long after you’ve read them. This book will definitely force you to think.

3. Not only about women

Adichie speaks about feminism from a men’s point of view and why many men don’t understand feminism. She believes we bring up our men in all the wrong ways which results in their defiance of the ideas of equal rights.

“But by far the worst thing we do to males — by making them feel they have to be hard — is that we leave them with very fragile egos. The harder a man feels compelled to be, the weaker his ego is.”

4. Demystifying the myths around the idea of Culture

Another remarkable argument that she makes is how people defend themselves under the cover of culture. To this, she says, “Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture.”

And so, this book makes you believe in the idea that if we must create a fair future for both the sexes, then we must change our cultures accordingly.

5. Not just a rant, but hope for a better future

This book is not like other feminist arguments, it is different. Instead of rattling on the problem, it will give you hope. We Should All Be Feminists not only convinces you of the problems, but it also leaves you with a hope to find a solution.

“Gender, as it functions today, is a grave injustice. I am angry. We should all be angry. Anger has a long history of bringing about positive change. But I am also hopeful because I believe deeply in the ability of human beings to remake themselves for the better.”

All in all, after reading We Should All Be Feminists, I have a better and fresh perspective on gender-related issues. My thinking and my arguments have evolved. With each sentence that she wrote, I couldn’t help but remember many instances in my life where I couldn’t stand up for feminism due to the lack of persuasive argument. I am sure that Adihie’s deft storytelling and intense ideas will change your outlook on society and feminism. Again, do yourself a favor and read this book.

So, these are the important points that I learned from the book We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. If you have read the book then please let me know how you felt about it in the comments section. If you haven't then tell me when are you planning to pick it up! Until then, Happy Reading🧡
~Botopsy