How to Win at Feminism: The Definitive Guide to Having It All... And Then Some!. Reductress

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      Although hooks has written a lot of great books about feminism and provided some interesting feminist theory, it’s just hard for us to imagine that a real feminist wouldn’t capitalize her own name. C’mon, girl—believe in yourself! You’re a great lady writer!! For your convenience, here is what your name would look like capitalized: Bell Hooks. Wow! Nice, right?

      The next time you’re perusing the fare at your local bookstore^* and you come across the works of any of these “feminists,” think twice before using that gift card. Is this the feminism you want? Is it the feminism you need? Or is it, like, stressing you out? Frankly, our version of feminism involves a little less squinting at the page while wrapped in a pile of raggedy throws like a shut-in and a little more dancing on top of a bar while men and women cheer. This is what a real feminist looks like!

INTERSECTIONALITY IN FEMINISM: FOR WHITE WOMEN!

      Are you a straight white female? Okay: Did you know lesbians can also be feminist? And people of color, too? It may seem revolutionary, but all of those groups do contain women. And these days, feminism is for everybody! Even men, occasionally.^*

      This is what we call intersectional feminism. Wait—don’t run away! We know it’s a big word, but we promise that knowing it is essential (also a big word!).

      Contrary to popular belief, women who aren’t heterosexual, able-bodied, cisgender,^** or white might face even more struggles when it comes to gaining equality. A lot to process, we know. But bear with us: intersectional feminism can be just as much fun as regular old feminism! For example, while we’re fighting for our right to equal pay in the film industry, we can take a sec to fight to see that minorities get any representation in the film industry whatsoever. That is our solemn duty as feminist allies to our less privileged sisters. Think of being an ally as being a friend who helps her girlfriends bring themselves up to her level, leading by unearned example.

      This helps us make a more equal and more inclusive world, which is very on trend right now! Even advertisers are being inclusive these days, which is a great indicator of when something is cool. So hop on the intersectionality train and diversify your feminist goals.

      If you’re a white woman, you have a lot to fight for, but you also share a lot of the advantages white men have. This is called privilege (huh?). Because you have more privilege than a lot of other women, you must use it for good and not evil, while also pulling off a killer outfit to show that helping others is cool. We know it’s a lot! But we know that you, as a white woman, have the privilege to handle it.

      How to Use Your Privilege for Good

      Here are some ways you can #checkyourprivilege and help others, while also being an ameeezing ally.

      Tell a lesbian that you find another woman attractive.

Nothing assures a lesbian you’re on her side like letting her know that you also, theoretically, could be into another woman. Whenever an attractive woman walks by and you’re within earshot of your gay acquaintances, turn to them and say, “Hot, right?!” Feminism is about equal rights for everyone.

      Say, “I’m not racist!”

      Maybe something you said or did was offensive to a person of color. If their feelings were hurt, the best way of comforting them is by letting them know that it was not your intention to offend and that they maybe imagined the whole thing, because you are not racist. You don’t see color and aren’t even that good at figuring out which shade of blue looks best on you. They’ll be so relieved to know you’re not a racist!

      Attack white men.

      Nothing puts you squarely on the side of inclusivity like taking jabs at white men at every opportunity. When your coworker Mike leaves the room and you’re left with your Pacific Islander coworker Ann, turn to her and say, “Ugh, white guys, amiright?” She’ll know you stand in solidarity with her goals, even if she is married to Mike.

      Really emphasize your proper pronoun use when talking about a trans person.

      Example: “I’m such a big CAITLYN Jenner fan. SHE is so beautiful.” No one will doubt your commitment to trans rights now!

      Pick their brains.

      Inclusivity is all about dialogue. Don’t be afraid to pull someone aside and ask, “So what’s it like being gay/black/trans/Mexican/different?” They’ll appreciate your taking the time to single them out. Also, make sure to use the phrase “pick your brain.” People love that!

      Tell them you can relate.

      If someone from an underrepresented group does start sharing their experiences with you, let them know you sympathize. Say things like, “As a woman, I totally get what it’s like.” Equating all of our struggles gives us all more power!

Intersectionality for Everyone Else

      If you’re not a cisgendered white woman, you know that they don’t get this ally thing right 100 percent of the time (or even like 60 percent). So we partnered with Noway aspirin to offer this exclusive coupon for ten free aspirin, just for you!^* Noway can help you deal with the headache of listening to your monumentally privileged acquaintances say stupid things, like saying that Malcolm X was “way meaner” than Martin Luther King, Jr., or asking what it was like to grow up in a foreign country you have never even been to, or trying to explain why their Halloween costume is okay.