We Should All Be Feminists

Written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Narrated by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The highly acclaimed, provocative essay on feminism and sexual politics—from the award-winning author of Americanah

"A call to action, for all people in the world, to undo the gender hierarchy." —Medium

In this personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from the much-admired TEDx talk of the same name—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now—and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524781767

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE grew up in Nigeria. Her work has been translated into more than fifty-five languages. She is the author of the novels Purple Hibiscus, which won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize; Half of a Yellow Sun, which was the recipient of the Women’s Prize for Fiction “Best of the Best” award; Americanah, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award; the story collection The Thing Around Your Neck and the essays We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions. Her most recent work is an essay about losing her father, Notes on Grief, and Mama’s Sleeping Scarf, a children’s book written as Nwa Grace-James. A recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, she divides her time between the United States and Nigeria.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am so glad that (at least) one of our local colleges picked this up. Very persuasive. Clean, graceful, somewhat angry (of course) but not whiny or dire. It's not just in Nigeria that women are still stifled, but read her examples from the US. Absolutely necessary reading if you're African, I think.

But also important for those of us in the US, Europe, etc. Read it for how she answers the arguments from 'progressive' men. Read it, if you're young, to learn how your mom was raised. Read it, if you're older, to be thankful that we've made some progress, and to be hopeful that we can make more.

And to be hopeful that all of us, men and women, can learn to embrace our strong sisters.

[tadad_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Lovely writing but a little lacking in substance. Basically, she tells us that women aren't treated equally and gives a few examples such as the pay gap and home-life expectations/roles. It kind of stops there. I understand that this came from a TED talk, but I wanted more than the obvious-to-the-most-casual-observer issues—discussion, suggestions ... something.

[tlcooper_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a written version of Adichie's Tedx Talk about how women's equality uplifts and supports whole communities. I enjoyed her talk so much I wanted it in written form, so I could read it, ponder it, and keep it on my shelves to references at my convenience. We Should All Be Feminists drives home the point about how women's rights are as important as men's rights. Adichie explores the myriad variations of inequality and beliefs around feminism.We Should All Be Feminists demystifies the idea of feminism and explains how feminism benefits everyone.

[spoko_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

You know how you can usually tell when a movie began life as a play? Turns out the same thing applies when a book began life as a TED Talk. This was interesting enough, but after all the hype, I had hoped for a lot more compelling or novel insight. (Which is precisely the reaction I have to most TED Talks.) These are important ideas, but ones that I had thought more deeply about in relation to other books, etc. So it might have a place as an introduction to modern feminism, I guess? But if you've read or thought about gender equality very much, this isn't likely to challenge you to see anything in a new or more illuminating way.

[pepperwings · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting take-down of feminism in Nigeria, but also a look on attitudes on the whole.

[rubyman · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

not enough depth. Why are we where we are? What are the mechanisms that support inequality? I want to udnderstand

[decaturmamaof2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So on point! 💓

[kurtwombat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Essential reading. Remarkably clear, concise and light essay presenting the current state of our gender dynamics locally and globally and how narrow no longer meaningful gender restrictions strangle and smother not only both genders but the advancement of the planet. Would love every school age child to read this over and over during their school years. From this platform is where you rebuild the world.

[Clau Fonseca ? · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I like how you can imagine the unfolding of the conversation as you read; it's a topic that she has experienced firsthand and unfortunately, many women can relate to it.

In general, Chimamanda tells us her life through the lens of machismo, trying to show that it is wrong and giving value to the women around her.

She establishes several ideas, but the main one is that upbringing for both men and women should be the same, because from a young age, we are ignored in certain tasks, just like men are. (Translated from Spanish)

[Karin ⚡️ · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It’s a TED talk on feminism, so it’s short and entertaining. I think it's worth reading this book even though it may state many things that are obvious to me; after all, I am a woman just like the author, and that gives us shared experiences even though we live in different worlds. (Translated from Spanish)

[kalliegrace · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful essay on exactly what the title says. We should all be feminists, and we should all know what it means to be feminist. It is not being an angry woman who can't find a man. It is not being emasculated man with no power. It is recognizing that there is a power imbalance between men and woman, and fixing that problem should acknowledge that it is related to gender.
I would give it five stars, but this isn't inclusive, and that was noticeable.

[barnesbookshelf · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I've wanted to read this book for a long time, but I honestly feel it would have suited me better to read it earlier on in my feminist education. It pairs well with "Feminism is for Everybody" by bell hooks. Adichie makes some excellent and true statements in the book, but she focuses a little too much on biological differences between men and women for my taste. While that is a valid conversation, it upholds the gender binary and ignores identities such as intersex and transgender people. I understand encompassing all identities was not the point of this essay, but its something I take with a grain of salt because I feel that the arguments in this book, if not taken with other feminist and queer conversations, could easily lead someone down the path of TERF thinking, which nobody needs.

As I've said with many books before, this is a good starting place. It is not an "end all be all" book on feminism, but is an important voice in the larger feminist conversation.

[melydia_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A brief essay on gender and sexism and social roles and yes, feminism. It's brilliant in its directness and concision. There were several moments where I thought "huh that's a really good point" or "yes! yes that's it exactly!" Recommended.

[davisfamily-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is making me think about lots of things, some uncomfortable things.

[Jess Gonzalez O · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Being a feminist is not just a women's thing!

I resumed conversations with my book club with this short but substantial book by Chimamanda. For some time, I had this author on my to-read list, and now it has finally come to her turn.

"Everyone Should Be a Feminist" is not a fictional story; it is more like a TED talk she presented in 2012 during an annual symposium focused on Africa, which was edited, refined, and turned into a book, where she provides us through personal stories and her own concepts what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century.

The author invites her readers to reflect on feminism, explaining in a simple way, without belittling the male gender, basic ideas about this concept and how influential it can be in society if we all had a clear understanding of what it really is. There is a need for a restructuring of concepts and thoughts in society, especially in those where women's rights are constantly violated. Education for all from an early age is the key to starting to create this change.

This is a good book to begin to immerse yourself in the subject, and although some may not be followers of the movement, I believe it is essential to know it and apply it among everyone. It is also important to clarify that being a feminist does NOT mean that women hate men (misandry), are bitter, do not shave, and live with social resentments (among other self-concepts generated by ignorance on the topic). Rather, we should learn that Feminism is "The principle of equality of rights for women and men."

"...At one point, I even became a 'happy African feminist who does not hate men and likes to wear lipstick and high heels for herself and not for men.' Of course, much of this was ironic, but what it shows is that the word 'feminist' is overloaded with connotations, negative connotations..."

Of course, I will continue reading Chimamanda; I am hooked on her simple way of explaining such complex terms in a jovial manner that invites reflection. (Translated from Spanish)

[tuusannuuska-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As a piece of feminist writing, this is not the first thing I've read, so it also ended up not being very eye-opening (what with having my eyes already open to the things covered in this booklet.) However, I do think that this is a very accessible piece of introductory feminist writing, which would be beneficial reading material for everyone. But particularly for those who see feminism as nothing more than angry and entitled men-hating women complaining about imaginary issues.

[smorton11 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I think my comprehension is suffering of late, or I’ve inundated myself with so many feminist reads that they’re all starting to blend together. I read We Should All be Feminists just a few days ago, and I enjoyed it while reading, but now, a few days later, I cannot, for the life of me, remember details. Shorter works just don’t seem to stay in my head as long, I’m guessing because I don’t have the time to settle into the topic and really think about it for a few days – I read We Should All be Feminists in half an hour.

That being said, I apologize to anyone who was expecting a really in depth analysis of these 64 pages, but I have to admit, I sat down to write this review six or seven times in the last three days and nothing has come to mind. It didn’t leave a lasting impression, which is awful – I enjoyed it while reading, the subject matter is important, but it’s been lost to the thousands of pages of feminist prose and essays I’ve read in the last four months.

Does this mean I recommend it? Of course I do – it’s my next staff pick at the bookstore. But that doesn’t mean I have any idea what to say about it…

[Geretey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

To reflect and think.
A short essay based on a speech given at TED in 2012.

A moving discourse on the importance of human capabilities and interests, above the biological differences between genders in the current era, where strength is no longer paramount; instead, intelligence, creativity, and innovation prevail. However, attitude and mindset towards what we were taught about how men and women should be and behave still weigh heavily.

An invitation to tolerance, to the ability to understand others, to set aside prejudices, to the humanization of society, to stop suffering under the burden of gender expectations. (Translated from Spanish)

[allspaw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've read this multiple times and I carry it in my backpack. Everyone should read it. More than once.

[thewestwing-864351 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Little gem of a book with a seriously powerful message. Should be a book everyone reads.

[dominiquedavis · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I am disappointed to learn that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a TERF. She doesn't recognize transwomen as women. You would think someone who identifies as a feminist wouldn't be so ignorant about transwomen. You are not a feminist if you don't recognize transgender women as women. So I am dropping my rating from a five to a three. I loved this book, but I love transwomen more.

[Rocio Sol · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"Because I am a woman, I automatically have to prove my worth."
It is a talk from a TEDxEuston conference in 2012. It touches on basic topics about feminism. It is very short and can be read quickly.
It discusses the differences between men and women. It seeks equity between both sexes. It aims for both men and women to learn about mutual respect.
I liked the book, but it lacked something. It talks about very general themes. "A Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf addresses these issues better and evoked more feelings in me. This, on the other hand, felt like just another book. It neither stood out nor faded away.
"Feminist women are unhappy because they cannot find a husband." (Translated from Spanish)

[wellreadsoutherner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Whoa! I loved this essay. It is actually the speech she gave at TEDx in 2012. I wore my blue highlighter out almost highlighting important passages.

We Should All Be Feminists explores Chimamanda’s feminine experiences and reactions to the expectations of women, both as a child and in her adult life in Nigeria. She discusses the ways that young girls are essentially groomed by society and family to be treated as second-class citizens to their male counterparts, in relationships, careers, and as social beings. And how a strong-willed woman (especially one of color) is seen as intimidating and “too ambitious”. That concept is in so many cultures all over the world.

An important passage to me was “how the word feminist is so heavy with baggage, negative baggage: you hate men, you hate bras, you hate African culture, you think women should always be in charge, you don’t wear make-up, you don’t shave, you’re always angry, you don’t have a sense of humor, you don’t use deodorant.” Some of that seems silly but people actually think that. And as Chimamanda says there are no hormones for leadership. A woman can lead just as successfully as a man.

Additionally, she touches on how young men are not only taught to expect this submissive behavior in women and to use it to uplift and sustain a fragile ego, but that it also doesn’t allow any room for natural, human emotions such as fear and what society perceives as “weakness”. Boys and men must convey an emotional wall to be considered hard and tough, which continues to devalue their perspectives of women as their equals.

I think we really need to help young men and women value and accept their unique identities and nurture them because a culture that implies that women are only valued and worthy of respect if they are physically beautiful, educated but not threatening, married, and domestic — simultaneously, is not a culture that respects equality.

Read this for yourself to challenge your beliefs on gender and how we raise children in our society to interact with other genders.

[Rosamariamarq · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

#myreads2022
#amoleer

We Should All Be Feminists. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

After several readings that have made me swear in Aramaic, I have decided to spend some time with my favorite authors who restore my desire to read.
One of my favorite authors is a woman... Chimamanda... she restores my faith and love for words... everything I have read by her overwhelms me... what a great communicator she is in her lectures... how wonderful in her novels and short stories.. with her, it's a sure thing.

In this short speech, she highlights what most women think... feminism is everyone's business... I am tired of hearing men say that we have achieved everything... what more do we want... being a man is the easiest thing in this world... and it is the parents who must start by taking the first step...
Educating in equality is difficult because there is no custom to do so, but it is all a matter of setting it as a goal... so far, we women have achieved everything... it would be good for us to start creating a society of equality among everyone...
That’s what Chimamanda says... and I have endorsed it since I was young. (Translated from Spanish)

[Rach bru · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's a short essay where the author shares personal experiences that have led her to become a feminist. It's a magnificent and very engaging account where the author highlights issues that are wrong in society and illustrates them with multiple examples. I really liked it, and I believe everyone should read it. (Translated from Spanish)

[BegoñaH · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's a must-have. (Translated from Spanish)

[Monika · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was really wanting to read something by this woman, and I finally gave myself the pleasure, because it has been a pleasure indeed. I was curious to learn more about the lives of women in Nigeria, after reading about Arab countries, India, and China, which are more or less similar, unfortunately. I loved how she defends the idea of feminism without having to put men down, equality, not one being more than the other. I'm eager to read everything I can by her, happy with my new revelation of a writer, and once again, thanks to the many good comments I saw here, from many readers ?? (Translated from Spanish)

[ennuiprayer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's a great essay, just wasn't aware it wasn't a full length book. I will be looking into author's other collections. Highly recommend it.

[maaritoo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A brief reflection on social machismo (Translated from Spanish)

[GemaFH · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

For those who have read about feminism, it may seem like a very basic book, but one must consider that it was written in 2012 and that the author is an African woman. This book is a TED talk, which is why it is a brief essay. For those who have not read anything on feminism, it is a good introduction. It contains interesting phrases, and in the end, you realize that the needs of Nigerian women and girls are not different from ours. It speaks a lot about the cultural change that comes with focusing on gender equality, and although at times it may not be well understood, it does not talk about the superiority of women over men, but about cultural change, equity, shifting perspectives, and educating differently. It is an easy-to-read essay but highly recommended. It has phrases that resonate in your mind and leave you feeling moved. Read it, I recommend it to you. (Translated from Spanish)