In the year 2000, girl culture was clearly ascendant. From Lilith Fair to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to the WNBA, it seemed that female pride was the order of the day. Yet feminism was also at a crossroads; “girl power” feminists were obsessed with personal empowerment at the expense of politics, while political institutions such as Ms. and NOW had lost their ability to speak to a new generation. In Manifesta, Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards brilliantly revealed the snags in each feminist hub, all the while proving that these snags had not imperiled the future of the feminist cause. The book went on to inspire a new generation of female readers, and has become a classic of contemporary feminist literature.
In the decade since Manifesta was published, the world has changed in ways both promising and disheartening for the feminist cause. Despite major strides forward, the wage gap remains vast; many feminist publications have died; shame around abortion has lingered and ’90s-style anti-abortion terrorism has reemerged. Many of the points first raised so bravely in Manifesta remain urgent—namely, why it’s still critical for today’s young women to focus on gender. This tenth anniversary edition of Manifesta, complete with updated back matter, commentary from the authors, and a provocative new preface, shows why the issues first raised by Baumgardner and Richards remain as timely as ever.
Manifesta [10th Anniversary Edition]
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From Publishers Weekly
Two youthful alumnae of Ms. magazine present not a manifesto, but a talky defense of contemporary feminism, directed in part at disappointed Second Wave foremothers. Arguing that feminism is already all around us, the heart of the book is a long, unbridled paean to tough and sexy "girlie culture," as represented by Xena, Ally McBeal, the Spice Girls and little girls wearing Mia Hamm jerseys. Sporting green nail polish and Hello Kitty lunchboxes isn't infantile, the authors declare, but a "nod to our joyous youth." At the same time, they caution young women not to stop and rest on the success of cultural feminism, but to develop political lives and awareness. The book suffers mightily from its determined evenhandedness; Baumgardner and Richards typically temper any negative comments with an immediate positive note, and vice versa. Whether this feminist duo's ambivalence reflects schisms in the movement, their own fear of offending other feminists or simply the awkwardness of joint authorship, the result is shallow, both as a critique and a call to arms. Analysis of the few Third Wavers who are already visible in the media ought to have been surefire; instead, the chapter "Who's Afraid of Katie Roiphe?" comes too late (after 200-odd pages) and is too tame and indecisiveAthe authors pointedly clamp down on their own irritation with Roiphe, referring to her simply as a "controversial" figure among left-wing feminists. Fewer history lessons and more pique might have given this book more force. (Oct.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
From Library Journal
Baumgardner and Richards, two writers with Ms. affiliations, start their analysis of U.S. feminism with a wonderful assumption: that "girl culture," from women rock stars and athletes to female entrepreneurs and inventors, have become an integral part of the national psyche. Thanks to Second Wave feminist agitators, today's young womenDthose who grew up believing that they could be anything they wanted to beDhave unprecedented opportunities. Now, as responsibility for women's liberation falls to them, decisions about goals, strategies, and direction have to be made. Manifesta, which is far less shrill than the name suggests, urges young women to pick up where their mothers, aunts, and adult mentors left off. Their challenge? To fulfill feminism's promise of justice, equality, and sexual freedom for all. Complete with appendixes to teach novices the nuts-and-bolts of community organizing, this book is a reasoned and passionate call to action and an exciting how-to guide for both burgeoning and seasoned Third Wave feminists. Recommended for all high school, college, and public libraries.DEleanor J. Bader, Brooklyn, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Emily
Format:Paperback
This book is one of the most interesting books I've read on third wave feminism. The two young authors tell it like it really is (or was, as reading today you can see that the book is already somewhat dated even though it was only published a few years ago). They give a very fair and open-minded look at many feminist issues from dealing with different generations of feminism (and why they often struggle when working together) to whether it is good or bad that companies such as Mattel (makers of Barbie) sponsor feminist-oriented organizations. The book is highly entertaining, and even though it looks like a hefty read, it is so enjoyable and fast-paced that it will be done before you know it. The thing that makes this book really unique though, is the resource kit in the back complete with webpages, books, and addresses for just about anything a feminist of any age could be looking for. I highly reccomend this book!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Setsuna
Format:Paperback
I forgot to mention....... this book is also really a call to action! makes me fel like i should be out there writing a zine or just whatever... something BIG! this book is inspiring!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Setsuna
Format:Paperback
is very informative and not pointless drivel. Well i mean obviously but.... right. back to the point...... this book is really very interesting and...... fun (seriously.... it's my favorite non-fiction book and I'm 15 so it's not just dry facts and opinions) so read it and get in touch with your inner feminist self!
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4.1 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
the place to start
this book is awesome, awesome, AWESOME as a starting point for those who feel a connection to feminist ideals but might not know how to begin or what they're subscribing to. Read more
Published on Jun 15 2004 by Russell Marshalek
4.0 out of 5 stars
a very good but limited insiders review
This book does an excellent job of evaluating the feminist movement from an insider's perspective. However many of the threads involve women who work either in the movement or... Read more
Published on May 6 2004
2.0 out of 5 stars
Toiletpaperista
This 416 page tOme tO termagants was left behind when my ex-girlfriend turned annOying feminist (are there any Other kinds?) finally vamOOsed frOm my nOw peaceful life. Read more
Published on Dec 19 2002 by Dipper Lips
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspires activism!
Manifesta is truly inspirational and a call to action for all people, but third wave feminists in particular. Read more
Published on Aug 21 2002 by Jennifer Sugg
1.0 out of 5 stars
Juvenile
Jennifer Baumgardner & Amy Richards managed to pen the real obituary of feminism that they've accused the mainstream press of writing so many times. Read more
Published on Aug 14 2002 by Steven Martinovich
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great resource in trying times
Unlike so many publications and resources that use feminist sounding terms to sell the same old commercialism and bodily-self hatred... Read more
Published on Dec 9 2001 by Robin Orlowski
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good ideas, but very uneven
Perhaps my problem with the book came from the fact that it was written by two people working together, which probably contributed to its uneven tone. Read more
Published on Dec 4 2001 by Amanda Marcotte
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Important Book
MANIFESTA is an important writing because the young feminist movement needs focus. The authors have clearly been involved with the movement for long enough to realize many of its... Read more
Published on Jun 15 2001
4.0 out of 5 stars
Learning is a journey not a destination.
As we enter the millenium -- and now that I've married and am giving some casual thought to procreation -- I have been thinking about the world I would be leaving for any... Read more
Published on Mar 9 2001 by "sarah_elizabeth"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Give the Girls What They Deserve
Goodness...there is little more to say about this book than pure 'goodness'. As I sit here, barely hanging onto my Gen-X membership card (being only 19) staring lovingly at this... Read more
Published on Feb 11 2001 by Melissa
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