Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us

by Anna Malaika Tubbs

The new book from the New York Times bestselling author of The Three Mothers.

In Erased, Anna Malaika Tubbs recovers all that American patriarchy has tried to destroy.

Across the world, patriarchy has oppressed women and denied their contributions, but every nation has its own unique gendered hierarchy. Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs applies her signature approachable yet rigorous analysis to define American patriarchy in this definitive and groundbreaking history. Humanity in the United States is determined by gender in a limited and flawed binary logic that is also always tied to whiteness. Tubbs shows how a fabricated hierarchy became so deeply ingrained in the country over time that it now goes unnoticed, along with everything it intentionally conceals.

From the founding fathers to the current Supreme Court justices, from the treatment of enslaved women to the American maternal health crisis, from the exclusion of women in the Constitution to the continued lack of an Equal Rights Amendment, Tubbs brings together academic research, the stories of freedom fighters both past and present, and her own experiences to reveal what is erased in the wake of American patriarchy. The system has survived by hiding the tools that are necessary to dismantle it. But Tubbs beautifully reminds us that those tools, including our intuition, courage, ancient wisdom, and power, are still well within our reach.

Erased is the story of the United States from a new one where the people who shaped this country—who have been oppressed and whose contributions have been denied—are at the center, reminding us that we can restore what has been strategically kept from us. Once again, Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs has written a book that will be a touchstone for conversations on gender, race, and equity for years to come.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Feminism, Politics, Audiobook, Womens, Gender

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very difficult read for me. I am a product of the 50's., with a working career from the 70's and beyond. I delt with the patriarchy most of my life. I fought and kicked my way to the "glass ceiling" only to be held back by my fellow white male worker with less education and experience. This book brought back some very harsh memories, made me feel sad. I also understand the authors push for people of color but felt quite overwhelmed by being reminded in every chapter. I felt where she was coming from, just way too much overload. The author did disclose some very interesting statistics and historical events. Some were new to me, others not. Chapter 25, Our Vision of New Possibilities was exceptional, it gave me some hope for future generations. it explains what's wrong with American Patriarchy - Fear! I feel the information in this book is for a very specific group of readers, certainly not male, white, anglo's because they are the main grippes of who we are trying to complain about. As a retired female I could have used this information to my benefit many years ago, but it's too late for me. As for the comment "things do not have to be this way," I agree, however the "Man" has the control and I do not ever foresee that changing in the near future by looking at how the typical males act in society today. I'm glad I read this book but half way through I got so depressed that I could only read a little at a time to be able to finish it. Anna Malaika Tubbs writes it as it is, wish I had known her years ago! Thanks Book Browse for sending this book!

[Dusty Shell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. So much of this book is critical information. General society doesn’t often think about how enmeshed patriarchy is with every aspect of our lives, especially if you are a woman or POC. How even things that seem mundane can have originated from a need from the majority to dominate.

That being said, I felt the author took too many broad strokes with some conclusions, particularly involving religion. There was an obvious bias against any faith. There were also views she held that were just diametrically opposed to my own Christian beliefs. I’m on the progressive side, so I fully believe we should understand how humans have taken patriarchal models and absolutely ruined them and manipulated them into something ugly, but that doesn’t mean that any and all faith teachings are inherently suppressive.

Her views on being hyper vigilant over children and their influences seemed extreme. Of course, we should be diligent and intentional with how our children interpret the world around them in their formative years, but some of her examples seemed to spread into being neurotically over analytical (we can’t even enjoy The Lion King now??).

Finally, it was just a smidge long winded. I think we could have made the same impact with 100 or so less pages.

Overall, if you are able to dive in with some time to process well and sift through her bullet points, anecdotes, and the history, it’s a good read to add to your TBR.

I received a complimentary copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for sharing my honest thoughts.

[Ann Herrold · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this book is fantastic. It does a great job of being an introduction to the various impacts of patriarchy. However, I was concerned by the section on transphobia. Tubbs uses what I would consider a very harmful narrative for why people are transphobic. This is the same narrative that is pressed by the poet/comedian Alok which posits that people are transphobic because they envy not being able to be their full selves and that they are in pain. This is incredibly myopic and dangerous because it simplifies bigotry. While there are probably a few cases where this is true, bigotry overall is more complicated. Hate is not a one size fits all. This narrative leaves out an important aspect of hate, namely disgust. It is also confusing because no other form of bigotry is described this way. Racism is not framed as white people being envious of black people. Abelism is not framed as able bodied people being envious of disabled people. It also turns the focus away from the harm being done to gender nonconforming people. Trans people are literally being murdered. I was also alarmed that Tubbs brought up divine feminine and masculine because this, no matter how you spin it, reinforces the gender binary. As a queer disabled person, I was also alarmed that Tubbs praised "The Body Keeps the Score" since it is widely known in the trauma community to be written by a man who does not care for traumatized people and is sexist. Overall, while I think much of what Erased discusses is valuable I disagree with a few sections and the overall premise that American patriarchy is somehow noticeably different from other countries, given that patriarchy has been around for so long and the Founding Fathers brought it with them from Europe (especially England). I disagree that it is patriarchy that is the root problem and instead would argue it is capitalism and greed that requires the reinforcing of patriarchy, racism, transphobia, abelism etc because accumulating wealth requires exploitation.

[Anne Jisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot about patriarchy, white evangelicalism, Christian nationalism. This book goes right along with these topics, but specifically the great loss to society from erasing and/or banning women from so much. Patriarch's quest for control over women has come to a great cost for all, including themselves. We are a resurgence of this now in the USA, with the supreme court, with laws being put in place by the President, by removing human rights from women.

This book is important and timely. I hope many read it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Sharon Gawer chapman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry to say it was not as engaging as I hoped. Some sections were better than others. Her points were certainly valid and some were notable. Maybe it was just the writing style that was tough for me to get into and stay focused. Sentences were often really long. I don’t regret reading it because of the points I needed to stay present with me, just was hoping for something I could not put down. This just was not that.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive this book in the Goodreads giveaway, as I am a political junkie and love reading non-fiction books. There was so much great information in here, if you can call depressing information about the American Patriarchy great (still, very important to learn). There were just way too many 'I' and 'we' statements, though. Just took away from the book.

Besides that, another person brought it up in their review, but people aren't just transphobic because they are jealous of trans people. That's like saying every homophobic person is secretly gay. That type of hate is usually something that is a learned behavior. So ingrained in their psyche, passed down through generations.

[Yari · Rating 4 out of 5]

What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us by Anna Malaika Tubbs (book cover is in image) articulates the impact of how US gendered hierarchy and it's patriarchy has contributed to the masking of women's contributions and impacts to American history. Tubbs describes how a binary view of gender and its to whiteness has become so ingrained in the American psyche that it is not even noticed.

Narrated by the author, this book covers the themes of gender, race and equality. It feels well researched, but takes a dual tone of academic prose and political lecture, which I believe will limit the audience. I believe it would be better received if it was written in a more natural language. Nonetheless it is a great approach to the topic and I highly recommend.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: May 20 2025

#MacmillanAudio
#Erased
#AnnaMalaikaTubbs
#GenderStudies
#History
#GenderPolitics
#yarisbooknook
#NetGalley

[Diane D. Kahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book Read Over Decades

Cannot say enough about this book, by a young woman one-third my age!

Ms. Tubbs correctly diagnoses the painful symptoms of patriarchy, a patriarchy that I as a nonconforming straight white woman struggled through decade after decade.

Before it was acceptable I chose to remain childless--and paid a steep price.

As a divorced childless woman without children but with a college education I was punished by employers, not rewarded. Being overqualified stunted job growth and promotion. I was a threat to leadership, ridiculous as it seems.

Disgusted, I went to truck driving school, even worse, sweatshops on wheels paired with creepy men.

As a non-reproducing female, was always treated as an outsider--in the family and workplace.

Dating and marriage was abysmal, survived two abusers and a contemptuous husband. One abuser broke my back and got me pregnant (abortion pre-Roe courtesy mother, father never let me forget--for decades). The other abuser almost murdered me and I lost my job and had to flee my home town and then start all over.

Yes, some of this caused by dysfunctional parenting but much caused by PATRIARCHY.

Was a tomboy, ran a lot, identified as a runner before any gender identity. Realize now was running FROM patriarchy!

Always knew intrinsically why I did not fit in with American mainstream life, why my life was such a struggle, but never so clearly as after reading this extraordinary book.

Ms. Tubbs deserves a Pulitzer prize for this incredible work, it is a path out of hell--for all of us!

[Reese San Diego · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS!!!!! SOSOSOSOSOS GOOD AND INFORMATIVE AND AWESOME - tickled my gender studies brain like no other

[Marina Marcello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us was a Macmillan Audio pick, and what I thought I knew about the patriarchy only touched the surface compared to what Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs revealed. I learned that each society or nation has its own form of patriarchy, and in the United States our brand is always tied to whiteness. This book was well-researched, well-explained, and so revealing; I think it is a must read for everyone.

Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs not only has the education, but she also has the particularly unique life experience of being the child of a white mother and Black father who traveled the world and was raised in different cultures while growing up to see through the lens of American patriarchy down to the truth. I really loved how eye-opening this book was. So many aspects of American patriarchy were not previously obvious to me, especially how it is bound to whiteness.

One of the most surprising aspects of this book was the advice on pregnancy, medical care for women, and mothering. These are not things one necessarily thinks of when thinking of patriarchy, but it exposes just how much American patriarchy has usurped the female role in her own anatomy and procreation!

After reading this book, I feel so much better equipped to combat everyday patriarchy, as well as racism. This book was absolutely 5 stars, and I appreciated Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs narrating it herself!

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Using examples from the distant past and very recent history, Tubbs articulates the flow of patriarchy and its various ramifications throughout society. Readers who think about this topic often, consciously experience its consequences and impacts, and engage in regular conversations about it will still find some good info here, especially in some of the modern applications and - on the other hand - some of the apt historical examples that may have been previously missed.

Tubbs uses her own life as a structural mechanism for this narrative, and for me, that was one of several engaging elements. I really appreciated the personal stories, insights, and intersectional connections Tubbs makes throughout. There is a clear personal touch here that makes this feel much more human and relevant than it might if the focus were the information instead of its impacts on specific individuals.

I was skeptical that I'd get much new info because I've done so much reading and teaching on this subject, but I did very much enjoy the listen and recommend the audio version when and where accessible.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Megan Von Fricken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Absorbing

Books on this topic are often difficult to digest — full of complex theory, rhetoric, and philosophical arguments. This book is different. It’s written in a totally accessible way, enabling anyone who has an interest in this topic to pick it up and read it cover to cover without getting “lost in the weeds.”

I love how the author draws on her own personal experiences as well as the experiences of both well-known and little known characters throughout history in order to create a compelling and engaging narrative about the problematic ways patriarchy has been woven through every layer of the U.S.’s evolution, from the initial pilfering of indigenous lands to the active implementation of the Project 2025 playbook.

Highly recommend.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder how to successfully use your sociology or gender studies degree? I loved this book! I found it after listening to an interview with the author on a podcast and Tubbs' audio narration is perfection.

Filled with heavy, yet necessary topics, the few preachy moments didn't bother me. They were partnered with history (past and present), and real life examples. Sure, the patriarchy...but if we don't talk honestly about the systems that are fighting to oppress us, aren't we also part of the problem??

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and researched book about the history of American Patriarchy and its impacts. It would be a better confirmation of beliefs about feminism and anti-racism than to help introduce the ideas. The only reason I deducted a star is that I don’t feel I can hand it to my right leaning friends and family without explanation.

[Teri Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the autobiographical material, but the rest of the book didn’t work for me. Not enough new material or analysis.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, gut wrenching book, one that I am thinking of purchasing for my daughter, daughter in law, and best friend. The author meticulously analyzed her thesis and wrote a book that assesses our history and urgently stresses a call to action and change.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should have to read this.

[Att · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the US and the world in general are organized under patriarchal societies, the information the author presents is neither new or insightful. Regrettably, the book is filled with regurgitated and repetive information. As a woman, I agree our current societal structure favors white men and marginalizes women and people of color.
I also agree, better social programs, and educational and health care equality improve a society. However, chapter 24 sums up the biggest issue we face. People only care about things when it impacts them. In this chapter, which deals with climate change, the author points out the groups most concerned about climate change are the groups who will be impacted the most. That is, no matter the gender or color, people look out for themselves. Unfortunately, the author fails to draw this conclusion, but holds fast to the idea that the patriarchy is to blame for all the worlds problems, verse whoever holds the power and privilege (white men, women, people of color) want to retain that power and privilege at any cost. In order to achieve what the author proposes, and what has been proposed throughout history, requires people to always put others before themselves. In order to achieve the indoctrination and cultural changes the author is proposing, the memories of everyone in the world would need to be "erased". Undoubtedly, in the "alternative reality" the author proposes, someone will write a book suggesting resistance and change to that current situation.

[Anne Meyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good and important information but read like I was listening to a college student’s thesis. Too dry to be really interesting. I DNF’ed it at about 30%.

[Rachel Doubek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erased by Anna Malaika Tubbs is a well-written but emotionally heavy book. There’s no part of it that’s easy to digest. Tubbs methodically deconstructs how the U.S. has been built to uphold the patriarchy that created it. From foundational narratives like Lewis and Clark to modern examples like AI photo editing, she shows how these dynamics are woven into the fabric of everything.

The section on Sacagawea was immediately engaging and challenged me to rethink how I consume news and the stories we’re told. At the same time, it made me more critical of the book itself—a testament to how deeply Tubbs encourages critical thinking.

The most gut-wrenching part was Tubbs’s discussion of Anita Hill, Christine Blasey Ford, and Chanel Miller and their experiences with sexual assault. She drives home the point that despite decades between these cases, society still excuses harassment and assault—often rewarding perpetrators with power, including lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court. The indignation some feel when held accountable is especially disturbing.

I appreciated how Tubbs summarized each chapter and consistently tied her arguments back to the central thesis. These transitions kept the book cohesive and especially helpful in the audiobook version, where flipping back to reference earlier points wasn’t an option. Tubbs also does an excellent job narrating the audiobook herself.

This book aligned with my political views, but I often wondered how a conservative reader might react. Would they disagree with every point? Or at least find common ground in her critiques of the medical establishment and environmental impacts? Regardless, Tubbs makes a strong, well-supported case that urges readers to question widely accepted narratives—and that’s what will stick with me most: question the narrative. I’ll definitely be following Tubbs’s work in the future.

Thank you to Macmillan audio and NetGalley for the arc

[Itzy Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rating

While this was very informative and definitely shows readers just how prevalent the patriarchy is ingrained in us, especially at such young ages, it was quite repetitive at times.

Personal anecdotes were also used throughout this in order to further enhance the experience of a POC woman, specifically a black woman, in a world catered towards white men. Readers were also giving specific examples, such as Kathrine Switzer and her courageous effort in being the first woman to run a marathon, Ellen Craft who was an enslaved woman who pretended to be a white passing man in order to be free, Sacajawea and her incredible knowledge in helping and aiding men as a young mother, and Anita Hill who bravely spoke up about her struggles over Clarence Thomas.

Seeing how prevalent and deep rooted white patriarchy is in society, especially the United States, was disappointing yet not surprising. What was interesting to learn how much white women try and distance themselves as much as possible from other POC women in order to better fit in with white men, even though white men have created spaces and barriers that do not not allow them. The divide is prevalent and doesn’t seem to get much smaller.

While I do believe this could’ve been more concise, as it felt repetitive towards the end, it was also eye opening but even more so for those who are not POC. I encourage those who want to challenge themselves and the way they think.

Thank you to Flat Iron Publishing for the ARC. #flatironpartner

[L C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure who the author considers her audience for this one. Most people I know who exist within the range between neolib/moderate to conservative would DNF this one early on. They'd put it down immediately upon reading the author's emphatic yet unsubstantiated assertions about figures like Jefferson and Lincoln. She did not provide enough evidence within the text for any of her assertions (which are very likely true) and the notes were surprisingly spare as well. To overcome the massive hurdle that is the standard American public school education (or even the standard private/homeschool education for those within the range specified) which has long fought to instill a worshipful kind of reverence for the "founding fathers" in every student, a lot of very strong evidence needs to be presented. That evidence was profoundly absent here.

If that group, to which the overwhelming majority of American women belong, somehow is not the audience she studied in order to be able to reach, then perhaps she addressed her argument to the rest of us, i.e. progressives? Well, there's little reason to think so. Nothing in the book was new information to the educated and progressive book club I read the book with, and the book was presented in a style that presumed its contents surely would be.

Early on the author passionately presented her goal in writing this book. She wanted to finally, once and for all, lay the evidence of American Patriarchy all out in such straightforward, black & white terms, that it could not be disbelieved or hand-waved away any longer. The way she presented this goal reminded me of T. Jefferson's explanation of his goal in penning the Declaration of Independence: "[...] to place before mankind the common sense of the subject; in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent."

It was this mission statement that got me to recommend this book to my book club in the first place. I was actually pumped to read it. Not because I expected to learn anything new, necessarily, but I wanted to enjoy the breath of fresh air that is a highly detailed, yet plainspoken and matter-of-fact accounting of the interconnected whys and hows that create and reinforce immense systems of power. More than that, I wanted this to be a resource to refer back to again and again. I expected I'd be quoting from it, and that I'd want to donate copies to every neighborhood lending library. I anticipated foisting copies of it upon unsuspecting friends and neighbors, in the hopes that its distribution would spread like revolutionaries of history distributed *A Vindication of the Rights of Women*, *Common Sense*, and *The Communist Manifesto.*

So it's fair to say I really hoped she'd accomplish at least some part of her stated goal. I was very disappointed to find that she seemed to have completely forgotten that goal almost immediately.

It didn't help my disappointment that even when she remembered (on occasion) to address Patriarchy first and foremost as a system, she kept undermining that all-important framing by devoting the overwhelming majority of each chapter to anecdotes involving individuals. This is a problem because she presumably did research on her audience in order to be able to reach them. And from that she ought to have known that those folks have been taught, and they believe, that every form of bigotry and oppression is the fault and responsibility of individuals, not systems. But her predominant focus on the actions of individuals did nothing to address that harmful and insidious falsehood.

Not only did the approach of this book fail to address that belief that individuals bear responsibility for Patriarchy. But to a mind that hasn't been taught critical thinking, the "vibe" of the book actually plays right into that belief. This book will seem to such a person to live up to its stated goal, and yet it will have done very little to dismantle one of the most harmful assumptions that they brought with them. Because the only way to dismantle an assumption as broadly reaching as that one is to be meticulous, going piece by piece, leaving no room for any counterproductive ideas to sneak back in. I had every reason to believe at the start that she intended to be that meticulous. She plainly said that that was her intent.

So that's why I've given this review two stars instead of the higher score it might have received otherwise. The same is true of every type of relationship involving any degree of trust, whether it's between a doctor and patient, a plumber and homeowner, teacher and student, or author and reader: The greater *impression* of competence given, the greater disappointment when the one granted trust turns out to be no more worthy of it than any other person who casually makes claims without having already proved their work lives up to them. Too harsh? I don't think so. Not when this very well might be the only book about Patriarchy a lot of people ever pick up, and the stakes are as high as our basic human rights.

[Off Service Book Recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Destroy the patriarchy" is not just a glib phrase on a T-shirt - it's a call to action. American patriarchy is an intentional, deeply-ingrained, insidious system that hurts all it touches, and can be founds with claws in all aspects of life in the United States, from the Supreme Court, to the maternal health crisis, to the exclusion of women in the Constitution, to the day-to-day interactions within social media. This fabricated hierarchy, which limits gender to a binary deeply enmeshed with whiteness, still goes virtually unnoticed and intentionally hides the tools needed to dismantle it. Drawing on rigorous research, historical accounts, and personal experiences, Anna Malakia Tubbs shows us that the tools needed to effect change - including courage, wisdom, power, and our own intuitions - can be used to restore what has been kept from us, building from discussions on race, gender, and equity, to effective societal-level changes that will make life better for all.

This was such a timely and incredibly well-written book, and a must-read for anyone who has seen the last 5-10 years of American political machinations (whether on a local or national level) and had that queasy, sinking feeling in their stomach. I have read several books about American patriarchy, Christian nationalism, and feminism, and still had a lot of gasp-out-loud moments listening to Anna Malakia Tubbs moving through each section (and as an aside, I highly recommend the audiobook of this title as it is read by the author herself), blending history, studies, and anecdotes/personal stories with each point of discussion. I loved the way that the author organized this book, dividing the complex topic of American patriarchy in stages relevant to her own life, and, as she mentions in her afterward, I think this would be a great reference tool for those working on addressing the invisible bonds of patriarchy in their own spheres - it was also completed at the end of 2024, so it's quite relevant for today's readers, and I would love to see an update in about a hear under the current presidency, since some of the things Tubbs discussed in the book have unfortunately come to pass.

Overall, if you want to learn more about American patriarchy and don't know where to start, this is a fantastic primer and richly detailed text all-in-one, and will also give you many more jumping off points for reading (I wrote down about five other books and articles mentioned throughout this reading for more investigation at a later date) and reflection. There is a dire need for books that address patriarchy and its uncomfortable edges head-on - including and especially the role of white women as instigators and enablers of a white patriarchy, even though they themselves are victims of patriarchy themselves. Absolutely pick up this book and make it part of your toolkit if you're interested in effecting bigger changes for yourself and your communities - there is hope, and it's within reach!!!

[Steph (starrysteph) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really clear & compassionate breakdown of American patriarchy, all the insidious ways it harms intersecting communities, and how we can think about restructuring our future. I appreciated the call to action and hopeful tone towards the end, and Anna Malaika Tubbs prompts us to shout about how it doesn’t have to be this way.

I thought the structure was very organized which made it easy (ish? it is quite emotionally heavy of course) to digest. There were several bits of information that surprised me along the way.

Just a handful of quotes that resonated with me:

“Black women are the most astute observers of American patriarchy as a result of being violently excluded from it historically, named by law as direct opposites of white men but forced to live dangerously close to them … Black women have shown others paths to transforming systems and challenging long-held assumptions to create a world that is more equitable, and to leave space for new ways of living.”

“It is always an option to stand against the norm, especially when the norm is wrong, and it is always valid to revisit history and question those who accepted injustice rather than simply excusing their actions as ‘products of their time.’”

“If you have been told that the world belongs to you, you see yourself above the law, above the rules; you grant yourself permission to follow your own orders, to act on even your most detrimental desires.”

“In fact, several scholars believe that these affirmed sustainability and eco-friendly practices are more likely to develop with girls and women because they are taught, from the moment they were born, that they are caretakers, and that what they do impacts others; they therefore become more selfless and socially responsible. Men, on the other hand, are taught that altruism and regard for others, especially weaker beings and mother nature, will make them less powerful. Men will go so far as to deny scientific facts and purposefully engage in environmentally harmful activities to reassert their manhood.”

CW: mentions of death, murder, sexism, misogyny, racism, ableism, antisemitism, police brutality, gun violence, mass shootings, body shaming, rape, xenophobia

Follow me on social media for book recommendations!

(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)

[Ceindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author blends in some of her life experiences, but mostly this is a well researched book that educates the reader on just how many ways and angles the American patriarchy has painted itself as “how America is meant to be.” I enjoyed the parts where history was expanded, the story of Sacagawea, Mount Rushmore, and more. Much of this book dived into things that I (as an American) already know, but also are good reminders that I’ve easily just accepted as cynical ways the world works, I guess. I loved the part on illusory truths and how familiarity is confused with facts. How we may be comfortable with how things are, not because it’s what is best for all people in our country, but because it’s what we know.

There were many times in this book where I felt angry and defeated. It seems that everywhere we look, everything we deal with perpetuates the American patriarchy model. So, when we get to Part 6 where the author talks about how we can overcome it - the broad way of how we can change the system feels impossible. There are also many instances where the author feels a bit repetitive as she tends to summarize past points as the book moves forward. This made the pacing of the book a little slower as I got to the end.

But by the end, I think the way she says this is quite perfect: "It won’t always be a straightforward path-it never has been-but if we can focus on the basic principle that all humans possess inherent worth and dignity and we aim to accomplish a nation that professes and respects that, we will find our way."

[Mehgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder and what feels like the current constant threat about speaking ill of a man who did a lot to hold up American Patriarchy, this book feels so important but also so incredibly hopeful.

It’s definitely a book that will get some people, specifically white women*, in their feelings. If they haven’t unpacked the myth of America, it can hurt at times. Even as someone who knows “we were founded on equality” is a fucking lie, sometimes it sucks to see it laid out as it is.

But the way the book spends an entire section on “well now what” when similar books that tackle these sort of topics save “now what” for their conclusion? That’s what makes this book so incredible. Normally, you end in a hopeless place with some ideas of what can happen moving forward but Tubbs masterfully makes sure that a section is just spent on the future, one what we can do. On the lessons we can learn.

Incredibly moving and powerful stuff


* hi, it’s me. I’m white women. I’m pretty far into my antiracism journey, but it still sucks to be reminded that we’re a BIG problem. But we really need to gather our friends, sisters, mothers, aunts, and co-workers and push them to hear these stories. Because we are in community with white women, as we are white women, our voices carry more weight. We need to do the work. But it’s okay to have big feelings. That’s what journaling is for.

[Savanah Bytheway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Malaika Tubbs leaves no room for misunderstanding or bad faith assumption. Her language is concise, her perspective insightful, her summaries leave her ideas and intentions clear. I found most personal relatability in part 4. Part 6 was particularly succinct. I feel as though I have a better understanding of how to educate myself and of the how and why behind certain legal proceedings, social hierarchies, and prejudices of the collective mind.

This book isn’t written with the kind of language I would expect is meant to persuade a conservative of the existence and consequences of our patriarchal system. Rather, it seems to be written to inform those already curious or engaged in civil rights, about how patriarchy both exhibits and hides itself on a national and interpersonal scale.

Although I’m not educated in data analysis nor have I researched the statistics presented in this book, the case studies provided specific and astute examples of both intentional and unintentional patriarchal standards.

Overall I appreciate the perspective offered here and its invitation to look at all these situations and places while considering something new.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn’t just call out the patriarchy—it documented the receipts, highlighted the erasures, and then handed me a match and said, “Let’s talk systems.”

Anna Malaika Tubbs delivers a searing, stunning, and absolutely essential listen. Erased is a sharp, intersectional investigation into how American patriarchy has intentionally buried the lives, labor, and leadership of women—especially Black women—throughout history. This isn’t just history; it’s a reclamation.

Tubbs’ voice—both literal and literary—is clear, powerful, and unapologetically challenging. If you’re a fan of The Three Mothers, this takes that brilliance and puts it on a national scale with even more urgency. I found myself pausing, rewinding, and yelling “YES!” out loud in my car more than once.

Whether you’re an educator, organizer, bookseller (hi, it me), or just someone trying to deconstruct the toxic structures we’ve inherited—this is the book to press into hands this year. Bold, brave, and beautifully researched.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an ARC from Bookbrowse.
Wow! Dr. Tubbs gave me much to think about. Her writing is very organized, and she presents how those who are NOT white men have been erased in history. Her book could not be coming out at a better time. Women are stronger than ever. Fighting for what we have already earned is a battle that needs to be finished, though.
I am a white widow who has had to struggle to keep my independence from condescending white men who "mean no harm", yet do harm every time they call me "young lady" or say things to me that they'd never say to a fellow white man. I can't even imagine what Dr. Tubbs has gone through as a black woman.
I was hoping that Dr. Tubbs would offer some solutions as to how to create a world where we all are "seen" and not "erased". And she does. Her alternative universe is as perfect as possible when dealing with imperfect humans.
I recently found a quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made". I couldn't agree more.

[Laura Hanes (Gestal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erased is full of important connections and information.

The last section of this book is easily 5 stars and provides the hope that so many books about the state of our world lack. Not the blindly optimistic hope but the kind of hope for that dreams for a specific more healthy world so we can keep working for ourselves and our children.

The rest of the book is full of personal and historical examples setting out to prove that patriarchy is more complicated than we traditionally acknowledge and part of our countries design. I really enjoyed her personal story and learned a good amount for from the historical examples. I rated the full book 4 stars because some of the things she claims as “proven” are not as solidly argued as she says they are.

But Erased does deliver on its opening claim to help me see the effects of patriarchy more clearly in my life. Especially highlighting how the same patriarchal system looks and impacts everyone differently depending on things like race and socioeconomic position. And demonstrates that patriarchy is a feature and not a bug of our society.