Book Review: Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall

Book: 101/150

Rating: 4/5

"There's nothing feminist about having so many resources at your fingertips and choosing to be ignorant. Nothing empowering or enlightening in deciding that intent trumps impact. Especially when the consequences aren't going to be experienced by you, but will instead be experienced by someone from a marginalized community."

I am committed to doing better, and learning more. Hood Feminism caught my eye when I was visiting Indigo for the first time since it opened up again. I've heard of critiques of the whiteness of feminist movements before, but wanted to delve into a book that looks at the lack of intersectionality in the modern feminist movement.

This was a really informative read for me about how the modern feminist movement has left behind Black women. Kendall shows how mainstream feminists rarely discuss meeting basic needs as a feminist issue (for instance food security, access to quality education, safe neighborhoods, a living wage, and medical care are ALL feminist issues). Mainstream feminism today focuses more on increasing privilege for the few instead of basic survival for the many.

Overall, a very thought provoking and insightful read on the gaps in the modern movement. I highly recommend this to anyone who is working to be a better feminist and learn more about intersectional feminism.