Cunt: A Declaration of Independence (1998)

A wake-up call for me. A book that reminded me of the power inherent in being female, particularly our ties to the lunar cycle and how it can be considered valuable and an alternate way to think of female lives. ( )

The most important book I've ever read. ( )

Inga Muscio begins with the origins of the feminine labels utilized in our society and how they used to be positive terms descriptive of a strong sex. From there, she tackles freedom, abortion, rape, self-preservation, self-confidence, gay/lesbian issues, transgender issues, and the problems with America. She's heavy on opinion and light on documentation, but Muscio crafts a compelling argument. I am a white, American male. This book was not written with me in mind. I think I may have gotten more out of it than any tried and true feminist would, though. Feminism is something I have never truly understood. I have never looked at women as anything but equals....at least, I thought I hadn't. This book brings to light all of the subtle wrongness and unfairness and injustice perpetrated towards women that is just accepted as a part of our culture. While I read this, I started looking at things differently. I have greater respect for the power and strength of my wife, my mother, my grandmother, and my friends for simply existing in this society. The section of the book focusing on abortion was revealing. Muscio explains the importance of retaining the right to procedures that are painful, unpleasant, and depressive. In the section on rape, she points out the inherent problem with women in this country feeling "lucky" that they haven't been raped yet. This book is a learning experienced trapped in pages, a guidebook and a call to arms all at once, not just for women, but for all people impacted by the negative social influences running rampant in American society.I wish Muscio would have had references for her facts. I am reluctant to believe anyone's boasts, especially those as dramatic and important as her's. Her writing reads like a blog, filled with too much familiarity and made up words. I never appreciate those features.P.S. I won't say the word because I'm a white male and I don't think I have the right to. ( )

Thought provoking in some ways, dated in others. The author definitely has her own biases but is generally good at acknowledging them. It's a quick read and was worth the time I spent on it. ( )

When one hears the word "feminist," it tends to immediately cause a cringing reaction as images of bra-burning butch dykes are called up. Inga's delightful humor takes the edge off and she openly talks about all issues of womanhood. While I didn't agree with all of her beliefs --- like boycotting tampons because it's an industry run by men --- her arguments and opinions were pretty well-written. The book as a whole made me think a lot more about my gender and sexuality, which is far more valuable than a lot of women know. If you like "The Vagina Monologues," you will most definitely like this book. ( )