You Call This “Women’s Studies”?
So I’m at Barnes and Noble a couple weeks ago just browsing around trying to satisfy my ever-increasing reading addiction by wandering around looking for what I thought was the obvious. I finally had to break down and ask someone where to find books on women’s history. I was directed to the very back corner of the store to a single book case with about 6 shelves of books. However, only the top shelf contained books on women’s history. That’s right – ONLY ONE SHELF!
I counted 43 books in all. I wish the photo could be better but because I was all the way in the corner I couldn’t back up far enough to get a shot of the full bookcase. The sad part is I couldn’t find any of the great books I’ve mentioned and reviewed on here such as “Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History“. Where are they? I realize some topics get scattered across the various sections of the store, but dang – I really thought there would be more than just one shelf’s worth of “women’s studies” at Barnes and Noble. Where are the great writings by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony or Carrie Chapman Catt? Hmm… Wonder how many the local library has on their shelves? I think I need to check into that.
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Positively Present | September 28th, 2009 1:44 pm
I’ve thought the exact same thing when I’ve been in the book store. It’s AMAZING (in a bad way!) how few books there are on Women’s Studies. One shelf is NOT enough.
gretchen | September 28th, 2009 1:47 pm
If I would have had more time, I would have looked up a few more books that I think should have been there. Perhaps they are in other sections or they just don’t carry them. If it’s the latter then perhaps maybe they should.
If you went in without a specific book or list of books in mind and that’s all you found… it would be pretty disappointing.
Wephaline | October 9th, 2009 7:52 am
No offense, but if you’re looking in Barnes and Noble for books on Women’s Studies then you’re an idiot.
Anyway, this website and your whole mindset is so concerned with rebelling against the slight gender-related injustices in the Western world that if mainstream culture DID include these topics (and women’s studies books in mainstream book stores) you’d hate it because you’d have nothing to fights against.
I’m a feminist and always have been, but a large part of this website goes towards feeding the negative stereotype that feminists now have. What have any of you actually done to help progess gender equality? Nothing.
That’s right.
gretchen | October 9th, 2009 7:59 am
Huh?? Ok…um…so thanks for enlightening me?? You’ve totally lost me. Not to mention you called me an idiot. /:)
Please explain how you think this site is “feeding the negative stereotype that feminists now have”?