Jen May

Figures of Resistance: Essays in Feminist Theory

admin — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 23:40:00 +0000

Figures of Resistance is a collection of essays, including previously unpublished lectures and essays, by the absolutely brilliant, feminist thinker Teresa de Lauretis. The texts in this collection span from the concept of feminist aesthetics (or deaesthetics) in film as well as the notion of the narrative, and lesbianism. This collection is perfect for both those already familiar with de Lauretis’s work and those unfamiliar.

Patricia White, the editor of the book, has organized de Laurestis’s texts beautifully. The collection is broken down into three sections: “Representations” which includes essays on cinema, literature and theory with a focus on self-representation in contrast to the medium; “Readings,” in which each text is focusing on a very specific subject for analysis (ranging from a short passage in a novel to a film); and “Epistemologies,” which focuses on ways of knowing and formulates figures of feminist consciousness. Also, each section the text is arranged chronologically, which gives the reader a chance to develop their own thoughts along with Teresa de Lauretis.

This collection is a rare and exciting opportunity to encapsulate the work of a critic and thinker at the top of her game. Figures of Resistance is a must have for any one with interest in feminist film theory, feminism, film and aestheics.

Written by: Jen May, July 3rd 2007

Boys will be Men: Raising our Sons for Courage, Caring and Community

admin — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:11:00 +0000

By Paul Kivel

New Society Publishers

This book should be required reading for the entire population; it is an essential read for any parent or educator. Paul Kivel is an activist, writer and violence prevention educator whose plan for a positive feminist future starts with the boys. This book is a beautiful example of the often overlooked concept that feminism is for the dudes, too. Kivel acknowledges the inherent privileges men have in our society, but also asks them to question and protest the inequality in which those privileges are based.

Boys Will be Men is not a traditional parenting book. There are no easy instructions or steps to follow in order to raise your son to constantly challenge injustice in peaceful, positive and courageous ways. Instead, Kivel often poses questions for the reader to consider and also questions to ask children. Upon reflecting on these questions, the reader will have profound responses and, undoubtedly, it will urge them to take on the tough task of raising a caring son willing to transform his community and society at large.

Paul Kivel’s book will resonate with anyone who dreams of or works towards a society free of all social, political and economic injustices. His meditations on these possibilities are touching, inspiring and poignant.

Written by: Jen May, February 5th 2007

We, Too, Must Love

admin — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:09:00 +0000

By Ann Aldrich (a.k.a. Marijane Meaker)

Feminist Press

We, Too, Must Love is Ann Aldrich’s second book of Kinseyesque reporting on New York City lesbians in the 1950s. At the time of the book’s original publication, in 1958, it was revolutionary. Any public debate or information on lesbians at the time had been strictly in medical and psychological terms. This in-depth look at the lives of lesbians in New York City was both shocking and lifesaving. The most poignant aspect of the book is that the text was written by a lesbian woman. She’s giving her observations and experiences in the lesbian community a powerful voice. As the back of the book declares, “The effect on women was electric.” This new pressing from The Feminist Press includes letters written to the author from lesbians, confused or angry parents, gay men, and friends that are both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

The key element of the book, for me, is that it, first and foremost, declares that lesbians are not a homogenous group. Many different forms of identity, education, social mobility, political commitments, professional aspirations, and sexual desires are portrayed with equal importance. It shows how all of these variants allow smaller communities to develop and, in each of those groups, even smaller cliques and couples emerge.

We, Too, Must Love is a fascinating read and provides a rare look into an era of queer history.

Written by: Jen May, January 30th 2007