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Eloquent rage6/30/2023 ![]() Cooper points to tennis star Serena Williams, former first lady Michelle Obama, and singer Beyoncé as contemporary black feminist role models. ![]() Once uncovered and focused, however, the rage that inevitably comes from such injustices is of tremendous benefit to all. Cooper’s feminist journey also forced her to shed cultural “baggage”-such as the racism of a white society that questioned her movements on American streets and the sexism of black society that sought to control her sexuality through the church-that limited her passage through the world. Participating in these separate battles did not blind her to the need for alliances with both groups, however they only made her more aware of the need for creating solidarity across communities to topple patriarchy. The author begins by detailing the difficult journey that led her to “disidentify with whiteness” of mainstream feminism and learn to embrace her “particular Black girl magic.” Her quest for political authenticity meant fighting with white women over racism and black men over sexism. But as her feminist foremother Audre Lorde once remarked, this anger was not only legitimate it was also “a powerful source of energy serving progress and change.” Here, Cooper brings together essays tracing her evolution as a feminist while giving voice to the political (out)rage seething within. “We are told we are irrational, crazy, out of touch, entitled, disruptive and not team players,” writes Cooper (Women and Gender Studies, Africana Studies/Rutgers Univ.). The above questions are adapted from the publisher's, Macmillan, discussion guide.A professor explores the ways “sexism, and racism, and classism work together to fuck shit up for everybody” and how feminism can begin undoing the damage. In “Never Scared,” Brittney Cooper says that “white fear is the cultural refuse of white supremacy.” How do you see this played out in politics today? Since then, we have worked with nearly 26,000 men across six countries to ensure that they will not be barriers, but instead, serve as support systems for women’s empowerment.Ħ. As a result, Women for Women International first piloted a men’s engagement program in Nigeria in 2002. ![]() They asked us to educate the men in their communities about women’s rights. After years of working towards creating greater equality in communities, the women we serve told us we needed to go a step further. How can men best fight for equality, and be allies to women, in a patriarchal society? At Women for Women International, we believe we must all work together to shift the unwritten rules that marginalize women. Who are the strong female leads you look up to in the media and in your own life? Why do you look up to them?ĥ. How did you become a feminist? What does being a feminist mean to you?Ĥ. In “Capital B, Capital F,” the author, Brittney Cooper, shares how she became a feminist. In what ways have you seen anger “focused with precision,” as Brittney cites from Audre Lorde’s Sister Outsider, enact political change? Have you ever acted in this way?ģ. What is intersectional feminism and why is it crucial to the definition of feminism? How does the author give examples of intersectional feminism?Ģ. Discussion QuestionsĬheck out the discussion questions below and connect with readers on Instagram to share your reactions, thoughts and questions by using the hashtag #WFWIBookClub, and tagging us with We want to hear what you think-share with us your take on the book!ġ. This book argues that ultimately feminism, friendship, and faith in one's own superpowers are all we really need to turn things right side up again. In Brittney Cooper’s world, neither mean girls nor bad boys ever win. And it took another intervention, this time staged by one of her homegirls, to turn Brittney into the fierce feminist she is today. When Cooper learned of her grandmother's eloquent rage about love, sex, and marriage in an epic and hilarious front-porch confrontation, her life was changed. ![]() It reminds women that they don’t have to settle for less. It’s what makes Michelle Obama an icon.Įloquent rage keeps us all honest and accountable. It’s what makes Beyoncé’s girl power anthems resonate so hard. Black women’s eloquent rage is what makes Serena Williams such a powerful tennis player. But Cooper shows us that there is more to the story than that. Join the #WFWIBookClub Facebook Group What is Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower about?įar too often, Black women’s anger has been caricatured into an ugly and destructive force that threatens the civility and social fabric of American democracy. As you read this month’s book, don’t forget to join the #WFWIBookClub Facebook Group. We’ve launched a space for readers passionate about women’s power to connect. We hope you’ll join us soon to help build a community of sharing women’s stories and our strength with one another. ![]()
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