*Cover image licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License and sourced from https://mikkikendall.com/2019/06/20/head-shot/
Chapter 1: Introduction
Summary
The first chapter of "Hood Feminism" serves as an introduction to the book and its central themes. Mikki Kendall begins by highlighting the importance of including the perspectives and experiences of marginalized communities in feminist discourse. She critiques mainstream feminism for often overlooking the struggles faced by women of color, poor women, and other marginalized groups. Kendall emphasizes the need for a feminism that addresses the specific issues faced by these communities and challenges the notion of a one-size-fits-all feminism.
Learning Objectives
Understand the central themes and arguments presented in the book.
Familiarize yourself with key concepts like intersectionality and respectability politics.
Recognize the importance of including marginalized voices in feminist discourse.
Discussion Questions
How would you define intersectionality, and why is it crucial to understanding feminist movements? How does it relate to the experiences of marginalized communities?
Can you think of examples where mainstream feminism has overlooked or ignored the struggles faced by marginalized groups? What are the implications of this exclusion?
Reflect on the concept of respectability politics. How does it impact marginalized communities, and how does it intersect with feminism? Can you identify any examples of respectability politics in your own community or society?
Key Words
Terms | Definitions |
Intersectionality | The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, which create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. (Crenshaw, 1989) |
Respectability politics | The belief that marginalized individuals or groups must conform to mainstream societal norms and values to gain acceptance and respect. (Smith, 2004) |
Mainstream feminism | The dominant or widely accepted form of feminism that often focuses on the experiences and needs of privileged individuals while neglecting the perspectives and struggles of marginalized groups. |
​Marginalized voices | The perspectives, experiences, and needs of individuals or groups who are marginalized or oppressed due to their race, gender, class, or other social factors. |
References
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory, and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 139-167.
Smith, B. (2004). The politics of respectability. In M. L. Anderson & P. H. Collins (Eds.), Race, class, and gender: An anthology (pp. 78-88). Wadsworth.
Chapter 2: Solidarity Is Still for White Women
Summary
In the chapter "Solidarity Is Still for White Women" of "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall critically examines the limitations and shortcomings of mainstream feminism in addressing the experiences and needs of women of color and other marginalized communities. Kendall highlights the historical and ongoing exclusion of diverse voices from feminist movements, exposing the ways in which white feminism often prioritizes the concerns and interests of white women over those of women of color. She calls for a more inclusive and intersectional feminism that centers the experiences and struggles of all women.
Learning Objectives
Discussion Questions
Key Words
Terms | Definitions |
White feminism | A term used to describe a version of feminism that primarily focuses on the experiences and concerns of white women, often neglecting the intersectional experiences of women of color and other marginalized groups. |
Intersectionality | The concept that individuals hold multiple social identities (such as race, gender, class, etc.) that intersect and interact, resulting in unique and layered experiences of privilege and oppression (Crenshaw, 1991). |
References
Kendall, M. (2020). Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot. Penguin Random House.
Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
Chapter 3: Gun Violence
Summary
In the chapter "Gun Violence" of "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall examines the impact of gun violence on marginalized communities, particularly women of color. Kendall explores the intersectionality of gun violence with issues such as race, poverty, and domestic violence. She emphasizes the importance of addressing gun violence within feminist movements and advocates for comprehensive approaches that consider the social, economic, and cultural factors contributing to violence in marginalized communities.
Learning Objectives
Discussion Questions
Key Words
Terms | Definitions |
Gun violence | The use of firearms to cause harm or death to individuals, often resulting from various factors such as crime, domestic violence, or community violence. |
Intersectionality | "Intersectionality is the interconnected nature of social categorizations, such as race, gender, and class, that create overlapping systems of privilege and oppression" (Crenshaw, 1989) |
References
Kendall, M. (2020). Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot. Penguin Random House.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1(8), 139-167.
Chapter 4: Hunger
Summary
In the chapter "Hunger" of "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall explores the issue of food insecurity and its impact on marginalized communities. Kendall highlights the intersectionality of hunger with poverty, race, and gender, shedding light on the experiences of individuals who struggle to access nutritious food. She challenges the stereotype that hunger only affects certain demographics and emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to addressing food justice and combating hunger.
Learning Objectives
Discussion Questions
Key Words
​Terms | Definitions |
Food insecurity | The state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food. |
Food deserts | Areas, typically low-income neighborhoods, where access to affordable and healthy food options is limited or nonexistent. |
Food justice | The belief that everyone deserves access to safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. |
References
Kendall, M. (2020). Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot. Penguin Random House.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1(8), 139-167.
Chapter 5: Of #FastTailedGirls and Freedom
Summary
In the chapter "Of #FastTailedGirls and Freedom" of "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall examines the harmful stereotypes and narratives surrounding Black girls' sexuality and the impact these have on their experiences of freedom and autonomy. Kendall challenges the notion that Black girls are hypersexualized and explores the ways in which society fails to protect and support them. She emphasizes the importance of dismantling oppressive narratives and advocating for the empowerment and well-being of Black girls.
Learning Objectives
Discussion Questions
Key Words
Terms | Definitions |
Hypersexuality | "Hypersexuality refers to the perception or portrayal of an individual or group as having an excessive or deviant interest in sex" (Kendall, 2020). |
Stereotypes | "Stereotypes are widely held but oversimplified and generalized beliefs or ideas about a particular group" (Kendall, 2020). |
Empowerment | "Empowerment is the process of gaining power, control, and agency over one's life and circumstances" (Kendall, 2020). |
References
Kendall, M. (2020). Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot. Penguin Random House.
Chapter 6: It's Raining Patriarchy
Summary
In the chapter "It's Raining Patriarchy" of "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall delves into the pervasive influence of patriarchy and its impact on marginalized communities. Kendall explores how patriarchal systems perpetuate inequality, limit opportunities, and silence marginalized voices. She emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in understanding the ways patriarchy intersects with race, class, and other social factors. Kendall calls for a dismantling of patriarchal structures and the creation of inclusive feminist movements that center the experiences and needs of all individuals.
Learning Objectives
Discussion Questions
Key Words
Terms | Definitions |
Patriarchy | "Patriarchy is a social system characterized by male dominance and the promotion of male privilege" (Kendall, 2020). |
References
Kendall, M. (2020). Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot. Penguin Random House.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1(8), 139-167.
Chapter 7: How to Write About Black Women
Summary
In the chapter "How to Write About Black Women" of "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall explores the problematic ways in which Black women are often portrayed and misrepresented in literature, media, and popular culture. Kendall critiques the harmful stereotypes, tropes, and biases that shape these portrayals and emphasizes the importance of telling diverse and authentic stories about Black women. She calls for a more nuanced and intersectional approach to writing and representing Black women's experiences.
Learning Objectives
Discussion Questions
Key Words
Terms | Definitions |
Representation | "Representation refers to the portrayal or depiction of individuals or groups in various forms of media and culture" (Kendall, 2020). |
References
Kendall, M. (2020). Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot. Penguin Random House.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1(8), 139-167.
Chapter 8: Pretty for A…
Summary
In the chapter "Pretty for A…" of "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall explores the beauty standards imposed on women and the damaging consequences they have, particularly for Black women. Kendall discusses how society's narrow definition of beauty is rooted in racism, sexism, and classism, and how it perpetuates harmful ideals that negatively impact self-esteem and self-worth. She challenges the notion that beauty should be a measure of a woman's value and calls for a redefinition of beauty that celebrates diversity and individuality
Learning Objectives
Discussion Questions
Key Words
Terms | Definitions |
Beauty standards | "Beauty standards refer to societal ideals and expectations regarding physical appearance" (Kendall, 2020). |
Self-esteem | "Self-esteem is the confidence and belief in one's own worth and abilities" (Kendall, 2020). |
References
Kendall, M. (2020). Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot. Penguin Random House.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1(8), 139-167.
Chapter 9: Black Girls Don't Have Eating Disorders
Summary
In the chapter "Black Girls Don't Have Eating Disorders" of "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall addresses the harmful misconception that eating disorders are only prevalent among white women. Kendall challenges the stereotype and highlights the experiences of Black women and girls who struggle with eating disorders but often go unnoticed and unsupported. She explores the intersectionality of race and body image, shedding light on the cultural factors, systemic biases, and societal pressures that contribute to the invisibility and underdiagnosis of eating disorders in the Black community.
Learning Objectives
Discussion Questions
Key Words
Terms | Definitions |
Eating disorders | "Eating disorders refer to a range of mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and distorted body image" (Kendall, 2020). |
References
Kendall, M. (2020). Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot. Penguin Random House.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1(8), 139-167.
This syllabus was co-authored by ChatGPT & Myesha Jemison.