Letters to a Young Feminist (Paperback)

by Ph.D. Phyllis Chesler Ph.D. (Author), Phyllis Chesler (Author) "HERE I SIT, HEAD BENT, writing you an intimate letter..." (more)
Key Phrases: street harassment, Camp Sister Spirit, Bar Mitzvah, Virginia Woolf (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
An excellent accompaniment to any compendium of women's issues, academic or personal, Phyllis Chesler's Letters to a Young Feminist may at first appear to contain things we've previously heard. But have we remembered? Chesler reminds us that, while feminism (she includes women and men) may appear to have fulfilled a purpose and run its course, the issues of unequal social power and unequal treatment are still real (against both women and men). Her discussion of the "traditionally" masculine art of teamwork, in comparison to feminism's ultimate democratic goal of multiple voices making universal decisions, illustrates that problem solving and distribution of power are qualities of both approaches. Like Virginia Woolf in A Room of One's Own, Chesler admonishes individuals to seek economic freedom. And like Rainer Marie Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet, Chesler's book offers an introduction to feminism as well as recollections of social history. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
Libraries with active gender studies collections will want to acquire these missives directed to a new generation of feminists and potential feminists from a psychology and women's studies professor whose other, groundbreaking books include Women and Madness (1972), With Child (1979), and Mothers on Trial (1986). In brief essays, using a conversational tone and frequent details from her own life, Chesler examines society and feminism, speaking "strong truths . . . in a loving voice," describing feminist gains and "what remains to be done," helping younger women (and men) "to see [their] place in the historical scheme of things, so [they] may choose whether and how to stand [their] feminist ground in history." Chesler's is a strong but nuanced position: in considering patriarchy, she consistently points out that even successful women seldom have access to real sources of power, but she readily admits that support from women strengthens patriarchy, and that women (including feminist women) can be as cruel to their sisters as any man. A provocative message from one generation to another. Mary Carroll --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Seal Press (December 9, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568581513
• ISBN-13: 978-1568581514
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #355,926 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Patronizing and inept, November 28, 2001

By	Robin Orlowski "political activist" (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In this offering, Chesler, the author of 1972's ground breaking "Women and Madness" attempts to connect with my generation and inspire us to become better activists from her mistakes.

It's a great concept... if overlooking the blatantly condescending tone throughout the book. Unlike Steinem, Pogrebin, Davis, hooks, etc.. Chesler conveniently forgets that we have lived through the changes wrought by her generation and thus do not want to return to the old days.

Although the book is written as a series of conversations , it actually comes off as a stern one-sided lecture where our interjections of knowlledge are not solicited nor welcomed. This self-contratulatory platitude continues despite evidence that generations of people intentionally raised on feminist principles are comming of age, and therefore are more aware of gender issues than she chooses to realize.

In fact, we are less likely to perceive those changes in women's status as threatening because of having grown up alongside them. Feminism is a natural language for my generation, and the activist among us are already intimately fammilar with the basics repitiously presented in this book.

Additionally, we have our own subculture of feminist industries (Riot Grrrl Music, independent zines, webpages, and prolific writers/public speakers) demonstrating that we know the battle has not completely been won, and previously secured rights must continuously be defended.

Instead of issuing an angry and self-righteous screed, the least she could have done was familiarize herself with our work, and our feminist culture. Even if the words and issues are not exactly identical to those of her generation, our contributions to feminist thought are no less valid and deserve to be treated seriously.

Because this aforementioned young feminist culture was exposed to the mainstream light in the 1990's partly from the influence of popular artists such as the late Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)-it is difficult to believe Chesler did not know young feminists were organizing or there were projects (such as Rock for Choice) that were continuing the work her generation had begun decades earlier.

With a more proactive and realistic perspective on youth organizing, she could have reached out to my generation, but the patronizing tone effectively undercut whatever sincerity she may have had for helping continue activism. Although she played an important role in the past, this book suggests she will be unable to make different future contributions.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Extremely patronizing book, September 24, 2004

By	Keri "Librarian" (Kentucky, United States) - See all my reviews

Chesler's tone is so patronizing here. Third wave feminists did not just step out of a cave, the older amongst us (those now in our later 30's to early 40's like myself) saw these events unfold as children and it's throughly seared in our minds. Ms. Chesler ignores the fact that in the 1987 March for Reproductive Rights on Washington DC, in which 500,000 women marched, 2/3 were then under 30 years old (the third wave feminists, this was our first major- in numbers present, activist appearence) This book tempted me to write a letter FROM a young feminist. But I decided not to, because if Ms. Chesler was determined to ignore third wave feminists, despite much activism by us, a letter refuting her claims of our ignorance wasn't going to open her eyes. Readers are better to choose books by second wave feminists that are better written and informed, like Gloria Steinem's. I'd also recommend books by older third wavers like Naomi Wolf and Susan Faludi.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful source of wisdom, advice and knowledge, August 20, 2000

By	Maria do Mar Pereira (Lisbon, Portugal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters to a Young Feminist (Hardcover)

I came across this book while browsing the section on feminist literature (for teenagers). I ordered it immediately and read it eagerly. I must even admit I walked into a couple of lampposts while reading it in the street... I loved it. I felt identified with much of what I read and I thought a lot about the advice, insight and "life lessons" the author provides. I believe she has managed to give a critical and honest perspective of the mistakes and achievements of the previous generations of feminists. I think that such a perspective is determinant to help the new generations find their path, their way and their place in the Women's Movement. We are so used to accepting society the way it is that we sometimes forget to question what is established or to adopt a critical view towards what is expected and required from us. Reading this book, I was able to understand what has been done and what is still left to do. It also helped me to learn what my generation could do and how and when it can act. So, I can say that "Letters to a Young Feminist" has been a major influence on me. I was 16 when I read it (I'm 18 now) and I believe it can be a very positive influence for other teenagers (girls and boys) and adults. Don't hesitate to buy it!