Our Shared Shelf discussion

to make Emmas approache a fact in our daily lifes, plese comment your opinions on how our reading group can be a little help to the world?

I think that talking and sharing ideas after reading a book about feminism will help everyone here grow and develop their feminism. No one's feminism is perfect and there's always more to learn and understand. Talking afterwards and sharing ideas will held everyone better their feminism and see things from a new perspective that they were previously unaware of.

Jennifer wrote: "I think that talking and sharing ideas after reading a book about feminism will help everyone here grow and develop their feminism. No one's feminism is perfect and there's always more to learn and..."

Hi Jennifer, thanks for your answer, im with you.i really hope that everyone (woman AND man) who comes in here, will take a great knowledge and attitude after sharing theis experience.

Read the column with school visits in the title. You might like what you find.

I think the potential for this group to create a global feminist solidarity to be incredibly inspiring. Thus far, I've only seen discussions that are polite and conducted with utmost respect. People seem comfortable asking questions here that perhaps they wouldn't in other venues. We can show the world that the stereotype of the angry, aggressive feminist is false by continuing to foster a warm, welcoming, informative, and kind community.

Personally I hope to achive a better understanding on how far we have come in gender equality around the globe, and that it will give me new inputs on how to work with gender equality back in sweden. As a teacher I also hope to get new ideas on how to implement and raise gender equality questions in my teaching.

Moved to Miscellaneous.

It all starts with an idea, it was Emma's idea, but perhaps many others thought the same. Then there was the need for this, and perhaps others felt the same. Then there was action, Emma's action, and perhaps others would have done the same but didn't have the platform and simply didn't know where and how to start. The fact that it's minds put together and sharing ideas, people changing mentalities because of this bookclub, and wanting simple things: equality, which to me goes down to justice. Don't think that it doesn't impact the world, yes it does, even if we're just a little over 100.000(only). We for sure have a global impact, and she started it.

Katelyn wrote: "I think the potential for this group to create a global feminist solidarity to be incredibly inspiring. Thus far, I've only seen discussions that are polite and conducted with utmost respect. Peopl..."

I don't understand why being angry is a bad thing. This society is opressing women, of course you are angry if you realise it. We shouldn't be afraid of showing it. But, as always, there are infinite ways of expressing something. If you are irrational and you can't control yourself, that is a problem. But if you are firm and serious with what you stand for, there's nothing wrong with saying what you think, even if that means confrontation with other people.

Elena wrote: "Katelyn wrote: "I think the potential for this group to create a global feminist solidarity to be incredibly inspiring. Thus far, I've only seen discussions that are polite and conducted with utmos..."

Yep.

I think discussing about inspirational books will help motivate the others and spread the influence of the books more. Despite being a feminist, many a time I have doubts about how to fight for my rights and whether some things are worth fighting for. Here I feel like I have been provided a venue where I could get various opinions from women all across the world and I think sometimes you need an idea or an advice from someone who is not from the same situation as you. Here we have venue to recieve an outsiders perspective.

I agree that this discussion has a positive tone to it which is markedly constructive. It led me to Gloria Steinem;s book which I found fascinating. And one think I loved is that she is direct and construe time at the same time. Yes, she is appropriately angry but it does not rule what she is conveying. Constructive solidarity for the cause is wonderful.

Elena wrote: "Katelyn wrote: "I think the potential for this group to create a global feminist solidarity to be incredibly inspiring. Thus far, I've only seen discussions that are polite and conducted with utmos..."
Sue monk kidd wrote a phenomenal book before writing her novels. The book is titled " the dance of the dissident daughter" she has the best idea re anger i've ever heard. Basically it's that the feeling of anger is necessary and usually justified. A valid and good thing to acknowledge. The trick is to take the energy of the anger and transform it into the action of compassion and creativity. Cool, huh?

Never said anything about anger being a bad thing. It can definitely be useful. But as I said in my comment (which I thought was rather clear), the problem is with the stereotype, which often assumes that feminism draws from a place of irrational anger. Our Shared Shelf demonstrates that an international cohort of feminist readers can discuss charged issues thoughtfully and respectfully, while also expressing anger, sadness, frustration, and all kinds of negative emotions. We can maintain a sense of urgency and high stakes while still being decorous and polite. Sometimes a more aggressive approach is useful and necessary, but not all feminists approach every issue this way, and I think a book club is a perfect place to expand our thought, collaborate, and develop ideas in a comfortable and supportive space.

Katelyn wrote: "Never said anything about anger being a bad thing. It can definitely be useful. But as I said in my comment (which I thought was rather clear), the problem is with the stereotype, which often assum..." i totally agree and am thankful for your well expressed words. It is truly an exciting time to be alive. I am encouraged and hopeful again. That's incredible, in and of itself. The intellectual sides of the issues are profound. And it is the heartfelt pleas, expressions of sadness and anger that equally if not more so, touch my soul. I am so grateful.

As long as people are discussing books, it's a step forward for society.