We Were Feminists Once: From Riot Grrrl to CoverGirl®, the Buying and Selling of a Political Movement

Full disclosure, I work in marketing and truly enjoy diving into nostalgia, advertising strategy & the effects of pop culture on society. So naturally, I loved this book. I even loved the parts I didn't agree with. In short, Zeisler works her way (relatively) chronologically through the feminist movement pointing out flaws, interesting trends and horrific mistakes in commercial - marketplace - feminism.Not only does she support her many points and arguments with sources & facts - she's incredibly insightful, unforgiving and witty. I would've loved an Aftermath about taking steps away from marketplace feminism but one could argue that it's almost impossible. Either way, if marketing strategies and feminism interest you, this is a must-read.

The Real feminism and how pop culture was Harrassed to fuel a Real Social Movement. Feminism is Still extremely relative and a necessity, considering the social climate during the era of Trump "presidency".

She performs the quality of social analysis to which any social critique aspires. Her clear arguments contribute a compelling critique to the movement.

An amazing take on Feminism at it's most marketable. If you've seen an ad for feminist perfume and felt a little strange about it, this is a book for you.

A timely, invaluable book. Stylishly and perceptively written.

Great read! A must read for anyone who's trying to make sense of how feminism fits in (or not) with the marketplace and pop culture in general

2 thumbs up

So much of this book is great and worth reading. However, when the author offhandedly mentions that enjoying gonzo porn (i.e. the most brutal, misogynistic genre of pornography) is completely fine, and doesn't make someone any less a feminist, well...Like I said, so much of what Zeisler says is important and worth reading, but asserting that there's nothing wrong with enjoying porn wherein women are routinely brutalized and humiliated, in a genre that constantly seeks to outdo itself, is dangerously irresponsible.

Add it to your book collection immediately.This book has forced me to reconsider where feminism is at the moment, and encouraged me to take a long hard look at that "empowerment".

It will regularly surprise you with an analysis of the everyday pop culture expressions around you that will seem obvious only after you've absorbed it, thought it through and slapped your forehead. Entertaining education and just a bit of a call to arms to boot.

Perfecto

Necessary reading, fun, intelligent!