Book Review- Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

“An intersectional approach to feminism requires understanding that too often mainstream feminism ignores that Black women and other women of color are the proverbial canaries in the coal mine of hate.”

- Mikki Kendall in Hood Feminism

As a white woman this is a must read.

As a feminist this is a must read.

As a person this is a must read.

Mikki Kendall doesn't hold anything back in this book. She touches on a number of topics that aren't traditionally considered "feminist issues," like hunger, gun violence, affordable housing, and access to healthcare and education.

She brings up everything from blaming lower education rates on culture instead of underfunded and over policed schools, to allowing Black women their own voice when it comes to drafting solutions to the patriarchal struggles specific to their own communities.

Mikki talks about the dangers of the "strong Black woman," and the "sassy Latina." She talks about the fetishization of indigenous women. How the patriarchy affects LGBTQIA+ people of color, especially Black trans women. She also discusses how common practices of white female feminists are harmful for women of color and other marginalized communities.

And she called me out.

I have been the person who said, "those aren't real feminists" when people like Lena Dunham or Amy Schumer acted in racist ways, but that type of language is what allows a problem to be ignored. It is easy to tout some amazing standard of who is a real feminist, and then dismiss the very real impact racism and white supremacy can have on what issues get the most attention and what communities get ignored, or more commonly, hurt by white-centered feminism. It is the same energy as saying "not all men," and it is ignoring imperative facts; white women can oppress black women just as much as men can oppress all women. Black women face their own, personal set of obstacles due to the patriarchy.

You may think you are a different kind of white woman. One who is woke when it comes to inequality. You may think that this book is for somebody else, and you may shake your head in sadness about how they probably won't read it. But this book is for everyone. Kendall touches on the idea of a young liberal white women visiting her family during the holidays and running into that one aunt who supports abortion bans and increased policing. She talks about how that girl won't confront her aunt about her beliefs because it might be uncomfortable, and how she justifies her silence by saying things like, "we believe different things but still get along, so why can't other people?"

This justification is rooted in feminism's tendency to uphold white supremacy. During the 2016 election I found myself awestruck at how many women could vote for a man who bragged about sexual assault. How could women support Brett Kavanaugh? How could they vote to restrict the rights of women when it comes to getting safe abortions? While I was shocked then, I know now that this is a not a new phenomenon.

White women will vote against their own interests in order to keep that sliver of privilege that being white has given them. They will support a corrupt policing system, one that nurtures domestic violence, so they can do things like call the police on a Black man simply because he is bird watching in a public park.

“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.”

- Mikki Kendall in Hood Feminism

This book is essential. Five out of five stars.