Superman is an Arab: On God, Marriage, Macho Men and Other Disastrous Inventions - Softcover

Joumana Haddad

Softcover

ISBN 10: 190890609X ISBN 13: 9781908906090

Publisher: The Westbourne Press, 2012

Synopsis

This is not a manifesto against men in general. Nor is it a manifesto against Arab men in particular. It is, however, a howl in the face of a particular species of men: the macho species, Supermen, as they like to envision themselves. But Superman is a lie.

In this explosive sequel to I Killed Scheherazade, Joumana Haddad examines the patriarchal system that continues to dominate in the Arab world and beyond. From monotheist religions and the concept of marriage to institutionalised machismo and widespread double standards, Joumana reflects upon the vital need for a new masculinity in these times of revolution and change in the Middle East.

About this title

Review:

'The revolution and its backlash are not just being fought in the streets, squares and elections across the Middle East, but also on the faces and bodies of millions of Arab women and their sisters across the world. Haddad speaks for all of us. It's time to listen.' Bidisha

'Literature is often a storm that breaks the rules of decorum and forces us to come face to face with our weaknesses and illusions. Joumana Haddad is a poet who inhabits the storm.' Tahar Ben Jelloun

'She might quote Jack Keruoac ("I have nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion") but Haddad is anything but confused. The Lebanese writer knows her targets and tracks them with a steady glare....Haddad speaks out for those who cannot.' Victoria Segal, Guardian

'But Haddad never rants: her real knack is to make her books not only persuasive but readable and enjoyable, too. Somehow, she makes the serious issues of Arab gender politics great fun.' The National

'Joumana Haddad, a Lebanese poet and journalist, has written a bold and often very funny polemic on patriarchy in the Arab world.' Lucy Popescu, Independent

'In highly readable, self-confident, sometimes funny and even raucous prose, Joumana Haddad aims her literary prowess at the so-called battle of the sexes which traps men and women alike in a vicious circle of frustration and despair' Sally Bland, Jordan Times

'The Lebanese poet, publisher and journalist delivers a blast of fresh air into the stuffy room of hypocritical religiosity, sexual repression and patriarchal gender relations.' --New Internationalist

In highly readable, self-confident, sometimes funny and even raucous prose, Joumana Haddad aims her literary prowess at the so-called battle of the sexes which traps men and women alike in a vicious circle of frustration and despair --Sally Bland, Jordan Times

The Lebanese poet, publisher and journalist delivers a blast of fresh air into the stuffy room of hypocritical religiosity, sexual repression and patriarchal gender relations. --New Internationalist

About the Author:

Joumana Haddad is an award winning poet, literary translator, publisher and journalist. In 2008 she launched the Arab world s first erotic cultural magazine Jasad (Body), which made headlines around the world. Haddad was selected as one of the Beirut39 authors in 2009. Her first book I Killed Scheherazade: Confessions of an Angry Arab Woman was critically acclaimed. She lives in Beirut with her two sons.

About this edition

• Publisher: The Westbourne Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 190890609X
• ISBN 13: 9781908906090
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 173