Resources for Sexism Unit

Spring 2003

BOOKS

Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics, by bell hooks (South End Press, 2000). This book contains accessible theoretical essays. The introductory essay provides a great overview of feminism and sexism.

An Island Like You: Stories of the Barrio, by Judith Ortiz Cofer (Puffin, 1996). These short stories deal with several coming-of-age topics from the points-of-view of Latino teenagers. Also available in Spanish.

My Sisters' Voices: Teenage Girls of Color Speak Out,by Iris Jacob (Owl Books, 2002).

Starting with "I": Personal Essays by Teenagers, by Youth Communication (Persea Books, 1997). Essays on topics like harassment and body image.

Women's Education in the Global Economy (WEdGE): A Workbook, by Miriam Chin Louie & Linda Burnham (Women of Color Resource Center, 2000). A workbook that uses activities, games, and skits to talk about the struggles of many women of color such as poverty, low-wage work, and migrant labor.

VIDEOS

Banaat Chicago: Growing Up Arab and Female in Chicago (www.arabfilm.com). A documentary featuring interviews with several young Arab girls in Chicago.

"The Fairer Sex?" (from Prime-Time Live, ABC-TV). This video uses hidden cameras to demonstrate how men and women are treated differently when applying for jobs and buying cars, among other things.

Tough Guise, Media Education Foundation (www.mediaed.org). Analyzes how the media portrays and limits males in this society.

What a Girl Wants, Media Education Foundation (www.mediaed.org). This video interviews young girls to find out how the media perpetuates gender biases.

ARTICLES AND STORIES

"Be a Man," by Kristin Ohlson, O Magazine, October 2002. This article focuses on men speaking out against sexism.

"Girl," from At the Bottom of the River, by Jamaica Kincaid (Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2000). A short story that illustrates the expectations that are placed on girls.

"Hijab and the Single Girl: Will Men Ever Learn to Control Themselves?" and "Hijab in America: Why Won't Westerners Understand?" from American Muslims: The New Generation, by Asma Gull Hasan (Continuum, 2000). These essays discuss stereotypes and Muslim women.

"Latinos Redefine What It Means to Be 'Manly'," by Daniel Wood, Christian Science Monitor, July 16, 2001 (www.csmonitor.com).

REP magazine, www.mencanstoprape.org. This magazine targeted to 13- to 18-year-old boys focuses on gender issues, inner strength, and self-esteem.

Spring 2003