Black British Feminism: A Reader

by Heidi Safia Mirza (Editor)

Black British A Reader is a unique collection of classic texts and new black feminist scholarship. Exploring postmodern themes of gendered and racialized exclusion, 'black' identity and social and cultural difference this volume provides an overview of black feminism in Britain as it has developed during the last two decades.
Among the topics covered
* white feminism
* political activism
* 'mixed-race' identity
* class differences
* cultural hybridity
* autobiography
* black beauty
* religious fundamentalism
* national belonging
* lesbian identity
* postcolonial space
* popular culture
This timely and important book is essential reading for students and scholars of cultural studies, women's studies, sociology, literature and postcolonial studies.

Genres: Feminism, Race, Nonfiction, Sociology

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 1997

Reviews

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it's an old edition, but I still found it really interesting and the topics on Black woman and the British economy were so relatable after seeing my immigrant Bajan nan, my mum and her sisters work for the NHS on low income; seeing how much of the NHS system is made up of Black and Brown immigrants and immigrant descendants and getting little recognition, etc. The political definition of what it means to be 'Black' as defined in Chapter 3(?) was interesting as I know lots people will try to tell me that I am not Black because I am mixed and yet I would not be here without British imperialism.

Overall, super good and short chapters which makes it an easy read!

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

The lengths to which this collection went to avoid articulating ethnic Blackness was frankly insulting, and it was only ever acknowledged to accuse ethnically Black women seeking a specific definition as "reductive" or "essentialist". The possibility that our pursuit of positive self-definition could be legitimate is never critically engaged with.

Some of these essays contain brilliant, valuable insights into the hierarchy of race. Others perpetuate anti-Blackness in a way that does not sit well.

[Daddou Bagpipes]

Edutaining, eye opening!