Introducing Feminism: A Graphic Guide

Introducing Graphic Guides

by Cathia Jenainati, Judy Groves (Illustrator)

The term "feminism" came into English usage around the 1890s, but women's conscious struggle to resist discrimination and sexist oppression goes back much further. Introducing Feminism surveys the major developments that have affected women's lives from the seventeenth century to the present day. "Readers who have forgotten the struggles of women who came generations—and centuries—before will appreciate this handsome little guide introducing the basics of feminist theory. Although far from an academic study, the cartoon-drawing format and merry black-and-white illustrations will render the book popular among younger groups in need of a rapid overview of the movement. From Mary Wollstonecraft to Betty Friedan, the diminutive volume offers a chronological history of feminism in its nascent roots in colonial times, to the 1960s Women's Movement and its modern form today. Most notable, the book places a large emphasis on the struggles of African-American women, highlighting the lives and careers of such activists as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, bell hooks and Audre Lorde. Another standout section covers Germaine Greer, a proponent of the idea that 'heterosexuality is a form of oppression, conditioning women to conform to their society's expectations of femininity and encouraging them to believe that their value depends on their appeal to men.'"— Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, History, Graphic Novels, Philosophy, Politics, Comics

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2003

Reviews

[Julie Ehlers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. This was rather dry. Although its subtitle, A Graphic Guide, might lead the reader to expect a comic-book format, Introducing Feminism is text-based, albeit with a lot of unremarkable accompanying illustrations. An introductory note points out that it would be next to impossible to encompass all of feminism in a small overview and that, as a result, the book will focus mostly on Western feminism—specifically the U.S. and England, with a bit of Europe and Australia thrown in. This caveat was fair enough, but some of the choices of what to include were baffling to me. Spice Girls but no riot grrrl? Multiple mentions of literary critic Elaine Showalter but virtually no mention of Gloria Steinem? Near-complete omission of Roe v. Wade or anything related to reproductive rights and abortion?!? When I reached the end and saw the "further reading" list—mainly academic texts—and the author bio—she's (surprise!) an academic—I finally understood. This is a book for academics, not activists or general readers. Still, it's accessible and a decent overview of many (not all) aspects of feminism, so if you're looking for a quick read that packs a lot into a small volume, maybe check this out.

[Nandakishore Mridula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having lost my reading groove for a bit, I am trying to claw my way back. And I have found that the best tactic is to read books which don't require much in the way of cerebraion or emotional investment. This means thrillers, mysteries, humour, pop science... and these type of intro booklets.

I have been interested in feminism for a long time. In my patriarchal youth, I made fun of it. Then I accepted that there was something in it, though these girls were a bit extreme. As time went by, however, I realised that the feminist movent was one of the most important movements of modern times - especially in a country like India, where toxic masculinity is the norm.

As guides go, this book is adequate but a bit dry. But it gives a comprehensive view of the development of feminist thought in the West, especially the UK and USA, and briefly touches upon the same in India. In addition to delineating the various shades of this philosophy, from the most extreme to the excessively mild, it provides a timeline, a list of dramatis personae, and references for further study.

A good book for a dummy - like me 😁

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. It was informative and interesting but it was a bit too long which sorta dragged it on for me a bit.

[Noora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll give this a 5 out of 5 stars. It was very easy to read and understand. The illustrations complimented the written work perfectly and it introduced me to so many influential feminist works. I now have such a long its of books and articles to read, this guide did a wonderful job at introducing feminism clearly. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially the people who claim they hate feminism without knowing what it really is. I already recommended this book to a guy friend after debating with him on feminism and why it's important in our society; he agreed to read it.

[Moushumi Ghosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the book title indicates, this is a book to get you started on Feminism. By no means is it an end. I wanted to brush up on the latest developments and revise its history a bit. And that explains why this was my weekend read. It's an interesting take - a graphic almost full length work on a topic of non fiction. But I felt a bit removed from a topic that I care so much about. I can't help but compare with Peter Barry's 'Beginning Theory,' which was a very good survey of -isms of the 21st century. Barry's book comes off better even though Feminism is only one chapter of his book. Jenainati has not gone in depth at all. I suppose it's okay if it is an introduction and a graphic novel - two constraints she must feel keenly while writing this book.

I am glad that Chandra Talpade Monhanty and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak are mentioned. But I missed Susan Brownmiller whose 'Against Our Will' was important to the understanding of rape. I think Brownmiller gets one mention, which was a bit underwhelming.

What I felt was missing completely was the third wave of Feminism. I'd have liked to know what Jenainati thinks of Caitlin Moran.

Since the author comes from an academic background, I expected to know where the author's sympathies lie. Is she is a socialist Feminist, a radical Feminist or a Marxist Feminist? By the end of the book, I am none the wiser.

A few drawbacks mar an otherwise fairly good introduction to Feminism.

[Courtney Bassett · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read historical crash course on feminism that taught me quite a few things I wasn't well versed in. However, it conspicuously lacks almost any account of third wave feminism, and more worryingly - ignores trans women all together. Black feminism is accounted for, but only with a few pages, a stark contrast to the hundred pages the development of white English and America suffragettes and thinkers. It's almost entirely a Western account, which gets a little limiting. Happy International Women's Day!

[Hayley Williamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun! I definitely learned some things I didn't know. I do wish it had included more information about modern (third wave) feminism and things like trans inclusive feminism or feminism for other minorities. So basically, I guess I wish it was longer.

[Mustakim · Rating 2 out of 5]

বই - Introducing Feminism: A Graphic Guide
লেখক - Cathia Jenainati
ইলাস্ট্রেটর - Judy Groves
পৃষ্ঠাসংখ্যা - ১৭৬

বইটিতে নারীবাদ নিয়ে আলোচনা করা হয়েছে। বইয়ের নামের সাথে গ্রাফিক গাইড দেখে মনে করেছিলাম বোধহয় কোনো গ্রাফিক নভেলের মতো শুধুই গ্রাফিক থাকবে(আর গ্রাফিকের ওপর অল্প অল্প লেখা থাকবে, মূলত গ্রাফিকই বেশিরভাগ জিনিস উপস্থাপন করবে)। কিন্তু বইটায় মূল লেখার পাশাপাশি কিছু গ্রাফিক ব্যবহার করা হয়েছে। আর গ্রাফিকগুলোও যে খুব আহামরি কিছু প্রকাশ করে এমনও না। গ্রাফিকগুলো না দিলেও খুব ভালোভাবেই পড়া যেত। নারীবাদ নিয়েও খুব গভীরভাবে আলোচনা করা হয়নি। খুব ভাসা-ভাসা আলোচনা। ফার্স্ট আর সেকেন্ড ওয়েভ ফেমিনিজম নিয়ে বেশি আলোচনা করা হয়েছে, থার্ড ওয়েভ নিয়ে তেমন কোনো আলোচনা হয়নি। এক কথায়, খুব একটা ভালো লাগেনি।

[একজন অ্যান্টি-ফেমিনিস্ট হিসেবে অনেস্ট রিভিউ দেয়ার চেষ্টা করলাম]

| বইয়ের একটা অংশ আমি আমার ফেইসবুক ওয়ালে শেয়ার দিয়েছিলাম, চাইলে দেখে নিতে পারেন :

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রেটিং - ২/৫

~ মোঃ মুস্তাকিম বি.
১৫ ফেব্রুয়ারি, ২০২১

[Ciahnan Darrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes. Just yes.

I don't know if society has ever acknowledged the positive and necessary content signified by the term 'feminist', but I do know that since some cretin coined the term 'feminazi' (Limbaugh?) in the 90s, the word has been coopted and used to describe a mythical man-hating, unhygienic she-beast that has nothing whatsoever to do with the founding, radical idea of feminists, namely that women are human beings.

This book pushes back.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

For such a brief introduction (176 pages) to such a broad topic, I feel like Introducing Feminism: A Graphic Guide did an admirable job of covering a broad range of the history and types of western feminism.

This is probably the first introduction to feminism that I've read that included this level of detail on the history of feminism. Beginning before the first wave was even close and leading all the way up to the time when the book was published (2007), it covers a wide variety of feminists, concepts, events, and reading materials. I do feel like it lumped the beginning of the third wave in with the second wave. I also think that it glossed over some rather important topics, although I am not surprised, as many of the international feminist efforts, non-white feminist efforts, LGBTQ+ feminist efforts, and disabled feminist efforts have really only been so in the forefront since the time this book was written. It did manage to cover lesbians in feminism and black women in feminism all throughout the history it presented. Jenainati managed to keep any biases out of the writing when discussing various feminist views throughout time, often switching between one viewpoint and its opposing viewpoint in order to provide the full picture. The illustrations were a nice touch that added to the readability of the book.

While not a complete view of feminism, it is incredibly broad for such a short read. I would definitely recommend Introducing Feminism: A Graphic Guide to anyone looking for a quick introduction to the history of feminism. It is definitely a good starting point for anyone who isn't sure where to start, whether they be adults or teens.

[Khalaf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. The book went through the history of feminism, the waves, the social movements, the main figures. Very informative, yet focused on US and British feminism only.

Here are some information about feminism waves through history:

First Wave - Late 19th to early 20th century:
- mainly focused on women's suffrage and legal rights. Managed to obtain women's right to vote in many countries.

Second Wave - 1960s to 1980s:
- mainly focused on women's liberation and workplace equality.

Third Wave - 1990s to early 2000s:
- explored identities, like: race, sexuality, and gender. And encouraged individualism.

Fourth Wave - From the 2010s onward:
- utilised social media and technology to address sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and online misogyny.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise history of the feminist movement. Which fell short if expectations because it was too Western centric. Also intersectional feminism was barely spoken of. Though it occupies so much mind space today.
The graphics were good, but hard to read

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having now read two books in this graphic guide series, I’d say I’m not the biggest fan. The information delivered does not have a discernible flow to keep page-turning, nor do the graphics really add anything. Though they’re a step up from the hideous ones from Buddhism.

I learned a few things but not that I’d remember more than a day later. It’s was basic in its delivery at best.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible historical account of feminism!

[Noninuna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. After reading 33 Things Every Girl Should Know About Women's History: From Suffragettes to Skirt Lengths to the E.R.A last year, there're only a few new things in this book for me. Everything in it are from US & UK history & community.

Personally, I don't claim myself to be a feminist but I would fight for equality. Rant: I have a very practical mind and there are things that i read and heard from the news that people that called themselves feminist fighting for are unnecessary and I wouldn't fight for. I dont want a female version of the street sign (what are they even for?!), I want chances in education, equal chances to hold positions, equal chances to a job vacancy (and not to discriminate when we're pregnant). In my environment, the problem with discrimination comes from more of tradition, culture and people mindset. So to change that is broaden one's mind and to do that, one need to read more!

[Nike Andaru · Rating 4 out of 5]

81 - 2024

Baca dalam perjalanan pesawat PLM-CGK di malam hari yang sebetulnya enakan tidur, tapi karena gak bisa bobok dan perjalanan masih panjang maka buku ini bisa tuntas dibaca ternyata gak nyampe sejam.

Menyenangkan membaca soal feminis ini, lebih ke sejarah ini sih, awalnya gimana, bergeraknya seperti apa dan tokoh-tokoh tentunya. Ada beberapa nama-nama besar yang sudah sering kubaca juga buku-bukunya, lebih menyenangkan lagi karena ada ilustrasi yang membuat buku ini jadi asyik aja dan gak jadi sesuatu hal yang berat gitu.

Beli bukunya pas BBW di Bandung.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read. The book illustrates the historical development of feminist activism mostly in the US and Britain, gives important definitions, background information, and quotes by renowned activists in the history. I think as an introduction book, it does a great job of boiling down centuries of historical context into less than 200 pages. Good book for getting further reading recommendations, and getting familiar with the various ideologies of feminism.

[Vishy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Tatiana]

Muy buena síntesis

[Katie Rose Ravelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read (finished in one sitting). Had a very good description of feminism throughout history to modern day. Also provides recommendations throughout and at the end for more in-depth/further reading.

Free on Prime reading so definitely recommend if you have Amazon Prime and a spare afternoon.

[Seif Kamel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick inclusive guide to the main milestones of the feminist movement from the early days B.C until today.

The book is a great introduction for people with no prior knowledge about the movement. Also, it might introduce feminists to theories/topics/events/activists they were not aware of.
Overall it’s a good starting point for people who want to research Feminism, and a good brief for those who just want to know what feminism is about.

[nehir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think graphic guides help people to learn things more affectively. I admire this series a lot.

About the book, it gives you a time travel throughout the history of good ol' feminism and introduces diffrent waves and representatives. It refers to suffragette movement, pornography, Freud, womanizm, LBTQ community, motherhood and much more..

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and nice to read, not really a story more informative with a timeline

[Fatima · Rating 1 out of 5]

“This displays the double standard of the beauty pageant. It judges women on their physical appearance yet condemns then for revealing their physicality on the grounds of immorality.”

This book should’ve been called ‘Introducing White Feminism’ instead of what it currently is. I wouldn’t even use the word Western because there were maybe 3 pages max describing the African American feminist movement. Maybe it’s my fault for thinking a book with this title would have an intersectional view of feminism but I suppose we’re still living in a society that deems the white experience the universal experience.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very standard introduction. I learned a few interesting details but found there to be a lot missing and the book primarily focusing on the mainstream history of feminism and although it addresses the lack of diversity in both feminism and the telling of it, the book falls into the same trap. I disagreed with a couple of the perspectives and how they were posited in the book but it is a good quick primer.

[Alisa Cupcakeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It was a great introductory book to understand feminism, including divergent approaches from different types of feminism. The book focuses on the history of feminism in the US and England throughout time. It also include a list of milestones in the history of feminism.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was the illustrations made by Jude Groves, I didn't like her style but the content of the book is so great that I can forgive that detail.

[Sophia Exintaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had never read a linear history purely focusing on gender-based discrimination nor had I read accounts or texts of "feminist" thinkers before.
An enlightening read, which has added about a dozen books to my to-read list.
Would strongly recommend it as an excellent introduction and primer.
The illustrations and layout help with recall of the points made. An excellent series!!

[doramaar717 · Rating 5 out of 5]

great primer on feminist history and theory without having to read it all.

[Frightful_elk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to feminism, covers the strong women who led the way, the classic feminist texts and the challenges still faced.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read and gave a great view and history on feminism.