A Guide to Activist Literature
by Sarah Kennelly (Arts & Literature Editor)
Growing up, my nose was always firmly planted in a book. I often felt isolated as a child and reading became the perfect form of escapism. I found that I could make a home within the pages of colourful collections rather than confront my own. As I grew older, and my reading list expanded, I searched for narratives that differed from the dated books in my school library. This opened me up to characters who I could finally identify with, but also others whose life experiences were totally different to my own. Looking back, I see this as the beginning of my journey to becoming an activist. I believe literature, whether fiction or nonfiction, is one of the most important tools we have to combat prejudice. It is an essential medium for activists to voice their opinions but also radicalise their readers. If we are to fight against inequality, we must be intersectional in our approach and learn how oppression affects all identities. So, open your Goodreads or Storygraph and get ready to add these books to your TBR lists. They are sure to either educate you about the struggles of others or articulate the feelings you have always had.
First up is Feminism is for Everybody by Bell Hooks which is the perfect beginners guide to intersectional feminism. The author defines the movement as an approach to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. It educates the reader about the common misunderstandings of the feminist movement and what its followers are actually fighting for. Hooks discusses how in order to tackle gender inequality, feminist education must take place both inside and outside the home. This would involve the creation of housing co-ops, job sharing, consciousness raising and many other activities. It also acts as a critique of the Mainstream White Feminist Movement which uses class, race, and sexuality to oppress other women in order to reach its objectives. If you’re looking for a thorough yet insightful explanation of the feminist agenda, this is the right book for you!
Following the theme of gender inequality, Transgender History by Susan Stryker is an extensive yet poignant guide to the oppression faced by the Transgender community. Although they have always been pillars of Feminist and LGBTQIA+ movements, they are too often pushed out of the narrative. It illustrates how Transgender people have been villainised, marginalised, and brutalised in a society that fails to accept them for who they truly are. Stryker employs a mix of academic studies and real-life experiences to give a comprehensive analysis of the Trans struggle. It is particularly eye-opening to learn about the ways in which legal, medical, and police institutions work together to discriminate and isolate this community. Overall, this is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about Transgender history and how to advocate for their equality.
Next, we have Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again: Women and Desire in the Age of Consent by Katherine Angel. This text intends to debunk myths surrounding sex and desire which contribute to shame and rape culture. It is essential reading for anyone wondering how poor sex education has led to both sexual violence and a lack of sexual fulfilment. Angel illustrates how generations of biased research created a narrative around sex that is not only harmful but incorrect. The book delves into everything from scientific journals, popular culture, and pornography to discover how society views consent in a damaging way. It is a fantastic resource and its information can be used in tandem with the Active* Consent Workshops that the UCC Feminist Society holds. Keep an eye on their socials to see when the next one is being held!
If you’re looking to educate yourself about the legacy of British imperialism and racism, Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala is a brilliant starting point. The book is an accessible read using colloquial language and personal experiences to showcase how racist systems of education and governance are perpetuated in the UK. It illustrates the cruelty of the colonial slave trade and how its ideology has never left Europe but formed into more subtle acts of oppression. Akala also provides nuanced counter-arguments to racist myths which have entered the mainstream and are weaponised by the far-right. This book covers everything from police brutality, to school curriculums, and sexual objectification. Once you’re finished reading it, pass it on to a friend and continue the work of Akala by helping to educate others about racial prejudice.
There are troves of books on the topic of climate change but few are as comprehensive as This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate by Naomi Klein. The book discusses how climate change can never be adequately addressed in an economic system that necessitates environmental disaster. Klein illustrates how corporations work together to promote climate change denial because it is profitable for their businesses. They have helped to create a society that is almost totally dependent on non-renewable and harmful energy sources like oil and coal. The disproportionate effect this has on marginalised communities is highlighted as a reason why the West has largely ignored the issue for so long. It proposes a number of solutions which includes stronger regulation of the market, better personal choices, and radical system change. If you’re lost on where to start your fight to protect our future, this book is a must read!
Next up is Crippled: Austerity and the Demonisation of Disabled People by Frances Ryan which addresses the oppression faced by people living with disabilities. The book demonstrates how the UK government’s austerity measures have put the lives of this community in grave danger. It achieves this by using real-life stories from disabled Britons who struggle to survive on welfare but are precluded from working to sustain themselves. Ryan also delves into the vilification of disabled people in the media and wider society which alienates and dehumanises their existence. It illustrates the importance of the disability rights movement in ensuring the basic human rights of disabled people are upheld. It is a passionate and devastating account of oppression that calls the reader to action.
Finally, What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon is an insightful commentary on the normalisation of fatphobia in society. It showcases how anti-fat bias is ingrained in us which leads to unemployment and poor healthcare for those who are not thin. This encourages people to harass fat people who in turn suffer disproportionately from mental health issues. Gordon’s text acts as a critique of a world which works to hide fat people and discriminate against them. This exposes how every facet of our infrastructure is built to exclude them, from park benches to airplane seats. It forces us to realise how thin bodies benefit from this culture and how it is rarely challenged under the guise of health advocacy. The book uses both scientific evidence and personal anecdotes to prove the myths perpetuated by a culture of anti-fatness. It is truly an eye-opening read that will change your perception of how bodies move in society.
Although this list is not extensive, they are sure to give you a good background knowledge on a plethora of topics. However, your education on inequality cannot be fully realised unless you seek out activist spaces where you can engage in consciousness raising. UCC has a brilliant activism culture on campus and there are many society events you can attend to educate yourself about issues of inequality. If you have some free time from college, it would be worth your while to attend an event by The Feminist Society, SSDP, EnviroSoc, The Vegan Society, Co-op Society, or Fáilte Refugees. Happy reading!
