'One of the most important books you'll read this year ' THE NEW FEMINIST
'A bold, unapologetic exploration of modern relationships, self-image, and the complexities of navigating social media and intimacy in today's world' MARIE CLAIRE Are women asking for it because of their outfits, routes home, profile pictures or social media posts? Or can we finally admit that there might be something wrong with masculinity in the digital world?
The rising popularity of misogynistic content and toxic masculinity influencers combined with a lack of regulation within social media has created a perfect storm. Our increasingly online world has opened women and young girls up to a whole new level of violence that follows them into their homes, schools and workplaces.
In No One Wants to See Your D*ck, women's rights campaigner Jess Davies reveals the shocking realities of this epidemic and what we can do to stop it. Covering everything from cyberflashing and deepfakes to the manosphere and catfishing, Jess offers practical advice and accessible language to help you understand what is happening online, what to do if you become a victim of it and why drastic change is needed now. Urgent and eye-opening, this is a vital toolkit for understanding and putting an end to violence against women.
For reasons that make no sense whatsoever, I was almost put off reading this book, because the title gave me the ick. Thankfully, I managed to overcome this uncharacteristic squeamishness, and I’m pleased I did. Jess Davies explores what I can only describe as the cyber equivalent of Labyrinth’s ‘Bog of Eternal Stench’, so we don’t have to, and while it’s still grossly unpleasant, it’s presented in manageable chunks and also offers some ‘top tips’ to help us avoid total meltdown and a life of hermitdom (apologies for made up word). I thought that I was reasonably well informed about the issues Jess covers, but I don’t think I completely appreciated the depth of what’s out there or just how quickly the cybersphere is mushrooming and the devastating impact this is having on so many lives. It’s a credit to Jess’s research and writing skills - as well as her tenacity - that she is able to speak both about and to, victims, survivors, perpetrators, educators and activists and to present each with balance and curiosity. The book will speak to readers of all ages, backgrounds and standpoints and I’m sure it will facilitate enlightening conversations that can open dialogue on how we can continue to enjoy the many benefits of the internet and associated technologies without destroying individuals and communities, through misogyny, racism, transphobia, homophobia etc. in the process.
I started reading this a while ago and whilst I loved what I read of it, I just find it really hard to engage for long periods of time in non-fiction. So, with it due back to the library, I accepted that for now this wasn’t one I was going to continue with! Hopefully in the future.
I did however make note of a few quotes from it that needed a little more thought, one of which was:
“There is a saying that every woman has a story of sexual harassment, abuse or assault, while no man seems to know the men who carry out these attacks”.
And I think this is so true - we all know through personal experience or the experiences of other women a whole spectrum of harassment and assault. It made me reflect on all the times that I would have had a hand up my skirt when dancing (and once when I was getting out a taxi), and how *normal* this was, and how “lucky” I am that this is the extent of my experiences. But I also wonder how many of the men in my life now or in the past would be able to reflect on either their own behaviour with women or the behaviour of their mates.
The book reminded me of the saying that men are afraid that a woman will laugh at or humiliate them, whereas women are afraid that a man will rape or murder them.
Anyway, this book is focused upon sexual violence and intimidation experience by women at the hands of men online. Definitely one I want to try again with in the future.
This book is a must read for anyone looking to explore what it means to exist as a woman online, but also how we can help men to break free of the misogyny that causes them to perpetuate harms. While at times you are forced to face some deeply upsetting truths, you’re left feeling more equipped to deal with them.
really enjoyed this audiobook!!! the internet talk irked me a bit but when i realised it was partly autobiographical (and it was the author voicing the audiobook) i got over it ! i didn’t know anything about jess davies but now i feel she is an old friend of mine
Essential reading: well written and researched. It's incumbent on all of us to know, understand, identify, and call out online misogyny. This book is a helpful guide for anyone who cares about women's safety and self-determination.
Absolutely everyone needs to read this book. If you're a woman, it'll help you navigate the online world in a safer way. It's full of great tips from sending trackable nudes to responding to unsolicited dick pics. If you're a man, it'll help you understand the onslaught of online misogyny that your female friends and family members face, and give you the courage to call out your male friends. It's pretty hard going at points, but such an important book.
Pretty tough and despairing reading, but essential for everyone in this digital era, particularly younger people, and also policymakers and tech bros (but good luck with that). Most women already know about this online crap, whether victim or not, but men need to be more aware of what their "normal" male friends and colleagues are up to and do something about it. Jess seems to have the perfect background to write about the dangers and also what to do about it. I loved her writing style - very straightforward and clear. She included her own experiences, but in a way that illustrated the issues rather than making her story the focus.
Just a note about the 2-part title - one part addressed to men, the second part to women. Unfortunately, this may limit who actually reads this book. It is much much more than just about unsolicited d*ck pics. As the author highlights, it is all about consent.
Really enjoyed this book, the content was something I only knew bits about, and as angry as learning about the manosphere made me im so glad I read this book. Well written and would recommend to everyone!
So well written and eye opening. I was excited when getting to the solutions because of all the names I recognised and the push I have made personally and professionally to get involved with these conversations.
i struggled with this book as it has really distressing themes, but themes nonetheless that as a woman you’re familiar with. this book was super informative and very thorough, even though it was a tough read for me emotionally, i really really enjoyed it.