Sexual revolution : modern fascism and the feminist fightback /

Author and screenwriter Penny examines the correlation between antifeminist reprisals and the recent rise in fascism around the globe. They observe that progressive movements are often thwarted by a swifter and more intense backlash, thus impeding meaningful and lasting reform. Penny argues for a robust consent culture and examines the patriarchal tendency to stifle creative approaches to gender and sex. They use the pandemic as a frame of reference to discuss the ways in which women are overburdened with childcare and emotional labor as well as the disproportionately negative health outcomes for people of color. Penny tackles the misogyny inherent in reactionary movements worldwide, as entitled men take umbrage at marginalized groups agitating for equal rights. Penny also advocates for a transinclusive feminism and one that rejects unhelpful binaries, arguing for the rights and protection of all who identify as women. While Penny's assertions are valid and well reasoned, they are not necessarily groundbreaking. Still, in addressing feminism within a postcolonial, worldwide context, Penny provides valuable insight into how the movement can evolve.

Journalist and screenwriter Penny (Bitch Doctrine) examines in this passionate if uneven polemic how "women and queer people are rewriting the terms of a social contract that was never supposed to include us." Exposing the backlash to this "paradigm shift" in gender relations from "a fragile, savage minority that would rather burn the world than share it," Penny is at their strongest when tearing apart the "sense of aggrieved entitlement" that animates the "modern far right" and discerning how some "depressed, anxious White men who rarely get laid" have nevertheless managed to "retain their human decency" and divest from "toxic masculinity." Less successful are Penny's stale critiques of Lean-In style feminism and their cursory attempts to weave in the perspectives of BIPOC individuals. (Though Penny does acknowledge that, "despite my best efforts," the book is "full of moments when I have spoken of women's experience and seen, in my own mind, only White women.") Despite the pithy turns of phrase and sharp put-downs (on "have-it-all feminism": "the logic of those who have confused not having had a proper night's sleep in years with being 'woke' "), Penny doesn't break much new ground in critiquing mainstream feminists or linking misogyny to the alt-right. This well-intentioned manifesto falls behind the curve. (Apr.)

An urgent call for systemic change. British journalist and New Statesman contributing editor Penny, who identifies as a genderqueer feminist, mounts an impassioned critique of White capitalist patriarchy and neoliberalism, which have generated "a paradigm shift in power relations between the genders" and a form of modern fascism that fosters the abuse, exploitation, and degradation of women, LGBTQ+ people, ethnic minorities, and people of color. Drawing on scholarly studies, popular media, and her own experiences--including anorexia, an obsession with "unavailable men," and virulent online abuse--Penny exposes an endemic "rape culture" in which men assume that sex is something they "have a right to, and something that women give away in exchange for security, or protection, or love." This coercion plays out in many areas of a woman's life: oppressive standards of beauty ("a set of rules stamped on your body without your consent"); workplace sexual harassment; the burden of housework; and vulnerability to "forced-birth extremism." As the author astutely notes, "there is little moral difference between a man forcing a woman to have sex against her will and the state--or a controlling partner--forcing her to be pregnant against her will." Patriarchy wants women sequestered at home, caring for husband and children; women's accomplishments are seen as "meaningless if she does not also secure her own sweetly devoted Prince Charming." Although focusing most extensively on women, Penny argues that men, too, are violated by a culture that privileges greed and power. "Modern masculinity is a cage," writes the author, and those trapped inside are convinced "that feminism, anti-racism and liberalism are a threat to the very soul of White Western manhood." That fear, in turn, generates "racist, sexist, revenge fantasies." Feminists' resistance must begin in the heart and mind: "When a woman behaves as if her life matters, and her happiness counts, a tiny revolution takes place"--portending a fairer, more equitable, more just society. A shrewd, justifiably angry polemic. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.