Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism

Bell Hooks

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0861043790 ISBN 13: 9780861043798

Publisher: Pluto Press, 1987

In this classic study, cultural critic bell hooks examines how black women, from the seventeenth century to the present day, were and are oppressed by both white men and black men and by white women. Illustrating her analysis with moving personal accounts, Ain't I a Woman is deeply critical of the racism inherent in the thought of many middle-class white feminists who have failed to address issues of race and class. While acknowledging the conflict of loyalty to race or sex is still a dilemma, hooks challenges the view that race and gender are two separate phenomena, insisting that the struggles to end racism and sexism are inextricably intertwined.

Review:

A fiery piece of polemic filled with merciless criticism of feminism and black activism alike for their neglect of black women's rights ... provocative and inspiring ... visionary. (New Statesman)

One of the twenty most influential women’s books of the last twenty years. (Publishers Weekly)

About the Author:

bell hooks is the author of numerous critically acclaimed and influential books on the politics of race, gender, class, and culture. She is the author of several other books, including Feminist Theory (Pluto Press 2000), Sisters of the Yam, Black Looks, Yearning, Talking Back, and Breaking Bread (with Cornel West). She is currently Professor of English at City College, City University of New York.