Susan Douglas totally amazes me; in Enlightened Sexism she covers just about every problem that confronts women in the media and negatively affects female body image. The variety of media that she covers spans most of popular consumption; music videos, reality television, prime-time dramas, newscasts and more. In each case, Douglas shows the reader how females are given increasing amounts of exposure and seem to have responsibility and respect that doesn’t exist in real life.Douglas motivates me to look more closely at firsthand relationships, situations and feelings and examine these things more critically from a feminist perspective. And it is oh-so-frightening. In the past, I would have considered myself to be of a feminist mindset, but I’m convinced that I haven’t done nearly enough for my fellow females to rightfully claim this title. This error is grievous, but it isn’t too late.
One of the best things about this book (there are several best things going on here) is the fact that Douglas manages to be humorous about so tragic a topic as female degradation. The sarcastic tone and well-timed personal commentary help to make the book as entertaining as it is educating. After reading Douglas’ book, I feel much more inclined to speak out in favor of childcare reform and against female objectification in the media. In short, Susan Douglas is a genius and Enlightened Sexism is an inspiration.
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