This critique is an excerpt from a more comprehensive analytical critique, written for a graduate course in gender studies. The original critique is 25 pages long, and includes a chapter-by-chapter analysis. The critique was written with academic purposes. My intention in writing this critique was to understand the reasons behind the style and format of FFF, as well as the reasons it has become so popular, not only in academia but in general. I came at this with a postmodern lens. This critique has been a starting point for me on a larger article I am working on, which will explore the movement of third-wave feminisms with postmodern American narcissistic culture.
On this blog, I have hoped to create a space in which academia and the blogosphere can merge – a space of discussion for bridging theory and praxis. While I recognize strong antipathies regarding academic feminism, I also believe that bridging this gap is possible and necessary to the third-wave, which is gaining momentum within gender studies departments.
I have reformatted the beginning portion of this review, based on reaction to the post yesterday. This critique is my own standpoint and perspective on Full Frontal Feminism. I have taken out any quotations by other bloggers. That said, the critiques I have linked here are part of the reason I was so interested in reading this book to begin with. I never intended to twist words and meanings out of context, and so I have removed that section in hopes that the review can be seen in the context it was written for: an academic, analytical critique.
Finally, the discussions that were sparked by this post, along with the discussions below this post – in particular with Theriomorph – have sparked a new idea on a feminist ally discussion, which will be hosted by Theriomorph and I will announce details as soon as I know them.
In the recently published text, Full Frontal Feminism, Jessica Valenti, prominent third-wave feminist and blogger provides an expansive and personal overview of feminism, intending convince many young women that feminism is not dead, that it is alive and necessary. The text has garnered incredible attention, both in the blogosphere, the media, and the academy. Valenti’s unconventional language and tenacious style have elicited mixed reviews, prompting my own interest in critiquing the book. Included in this critique will be an overview of the problematic features of the book, as well as an analysis of the possible reasons behind Valenti’s method and the ultimate ingenuity that Full Frontal Feminism offers.
