Activism & Protesting

From the Women's Marches to the MeToo movement, it is clear that feminist activism is still alive and well in the twenty-first century. But how does a new generation of activists understand the work of the movement today? How are their strategies and goals unfolding? What worries feminist leaders most, and what are their hopes for the future? In Speaking of Feminism, Rachel F. Seidman presents insights from twenty-five feminist activists from around the United States, ranging in age from twenty to fifty. Allowing their voices to take center stage through the use of in-depth oral history interviews, Seidman places their narratives in historical context and argues that they help explain how recent new forms of activism developed and flourished so quickly. These individuals' compelling life stories reveal their hard work to build flexible networks, bridge past and present, and forge global connections. This book offers essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the contemporary American women's movement in all its diversity.

Impassioned but practical, this book dives into the topic of misogyny and proposes strategies for effective action. Misogyny (hatred of women) is nothing new, of course. Recently, though, new aspects of misogyny have emerged in our society that impact girls and women worldwide. Written for advocates of gender equality, Misogyny features: discussion of the various aspects of the misogyny, such as toxic masculinity and rape culture; community feedback, given the value of what we can learn from others' lived experiences; and a stress on activism, alongside tools to fight back against the phenomenon on the individual and political levels. Recent events prove that there is a strong hunger for a meaningful book to help activists understand the context of their concerns. In 2017, almost every day provided a new example of a woman being silenced or otherwise damaged by misogyny. Unlike most of the current "wake up call" texts on feminism, this book is aimed toward the people who are already aware of today's misogyny. Using a multi-generational approach, it will trace the history of misogyny and consider its meaning today -- what is new and what is old -- and explore the current state of feminism. Misogyny is a timely text that offers concrete guidance as we yearn to thrive in the egalitarian society we are (still, despite the latest setbacks) on the cusp of becoming.

The Voices of #MeToo: From Grassroots Activism to a Viral Roar is a timely analysis of how marginalized voices are engaged or silenced in one of the most successful social media projects in recent history. Accessibly written, this book unravels the ideas and practices of activism throughout the #MeToo movement from its inception to its current viral moment. The movement went viral with a tweet from Alyssa Milano after the avalanche of sexual harassment and assault allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. The hashtag, however, got its start from African-American, grassroots activist Tarana Burke a decade earlier. Taking this as her starting place, Gieseler focuses on the marginalized communities that are often ignored once a movement goes mainstream. With chapters on black female activism, the LGBTQ+ community and disability, toxic masculinity, and international responses, The Voices of #MeToo issues a call for all movements to become more inclusive as they seek empowerment and resistance against oppressive and abusive forces. Perhaps in exploring issues of social justice through an intersectional lens, we may all begin to hear and amplify the voices that are often silenced in the louder, viral roar.