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Quick Summary: In, We Should All Be Feminists, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie dismantles outdated ideas about feminism, offering a refreshing and inclusive perspective.
She calls for equality that liberates both men and women from limiting roles.
Culture does not make people. People make culture.
Adichie’s essay challenges gender bias in everyday life—whether it’s pay inequality (“A man and a woman are doing the same job… and the man is paid more because he is a man”) or subtle acts of marginalisation that make women feel invisible.
Her message is clear: equality isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a necessity for a better, freer world.
Tapan’s Verdict: Dig Deep 🧐
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We Should All Be Feminists: Actionable Insights
Feminism Comes with Baggage, but It Shouldn’t
Adichie describes how feminism is misunderstood: “you hate men, you hate bras, you hate African culture, you think women should always be in charge, you don’t wear make-up, you don’t shave, you’re always angry, you don’t have a sense of humour, you don’t use deodorant.”
This “negative baggage” silences women. She calls for reclaiming the word “feminist” without fear or shame.
The Power of Gender-Neutral Parenting
Adichie asks: “What if, in raising children, we focus on ability instead of gender?”
Her solution? Raise boys and girls alike—allowing them to dream beyond gendered boundaries.
The Economics of Equality
In a pointed anecdote, Adichie mentions the Lilly Ledbetter law and its real-world implications: “In the US, a man and a woman are doing the same job… and the man is paid more because he is a man.”
Addressing pay equity is a critical step in dismantling systemic sexism.
Understanding confirmation bias, where we unconsciously favour ideas that reinforce the status quo, can help us question these disparities and push for fairer systems.
Feminism Benefits Everyone
Gender roles harm both women and men.
Adichie writes: “We raise girls to cater to the fragile egos of males.”
She argues that freeing men from the pressures of masculinity would lead to happier individuals and healthier societies.
This also connects with the authority bias, where we uncritically accept cultural norms set by tradition or dominant figures. Breaking free from this bias allows individuals to question restrictive roles.
Speak Out Against Everyday Sexism
Adichie reflects on subtle moments of marginalisation, such as when a man is greeted at a restaurant table, but the woman is ignored.
She urges men to challenge such biases, even in seemingly small moments.
Memorable Quotes
“The higher you go, the fewer women there are.” — Wangari Maathai
Culture does not make people. People make culture.
But by far the worst thing we do to males – by making them feel they have to be hard – is that we leave them with very fragile egos. The harder a man feels compelled to be, the weaker his ego is. And then we do a much greater disservice to girls, because we raise them to cater to the fragile egos of males. We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller.
