Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Kendal argues that issues such as food insecurity, housing instability, and gun violence should be considered feminist issues. Did her argument surprise you? Have you ever personally experienced or witnessed a social issue that you now recognize as a feminist concern?

2. Hood Feminism highlights the ways in which mainstream feminism often overlooks the needs of marginalized communities. Have you ever felt excluded from a movement or advocacy space that was supposed to represent you? How did that experience shape your views on activism? 

3. Kendall critiques the expectation that women of color should educate white feminists about their struggles. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt responsible for educating others about inequality? How did that experience make you feel?

4. The book discusses the importance of allyship versus performative activism. Have you ever encountered a situation where someone claimed to be an ally but failed to take meaningful action? What does effective allyship look like to you?

5. Kendall highlights the power of community-based activism over large, mainstream movements. Have you ever been involved in grassroots activism or a small-scale community effort? What did you learn from that experience?

6. The book challenges readers to think about privilege and responsibility in social justice movements. In what ways do you think your own privileges shape your perspective on feminism? How can you use your privilege to support marginalized communities?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Hood Feminism argues that feminism must address issues like poverty, racial injustice, and access to healthcare. How does this compare to how feminism is typically presented in mainstream media? Do you think feminism is evolving to be more inclusive?

2. Kendal critiques white feminism for centering the experiences of privileged women while ignoring the struggles of women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled women. Can you think of examples in media, politics, or activism where feminism has failed to be truly intersectional?

4. The book discusses how mainstream feminism has often ignored or erased the contributions of Black women. Why do you think this happens, and what steps can be taken to ensure a more inclusive feminist movement?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The book is written in a conversational yet urgent tone. How does Kendall’s writing style contribute to the impact of her arguments? Did it make the book feel more engaging or persuasive? 

2. Kendall structures her book around specific social issues rather than a chronological or strictly academic framework. How does this organization influence the way the book presents feminism? Did this structure make her arguments stronger?

3. Hood Feminism frequently challenges readers to examine their own biases and privileges. How does Kendall use rhetorical techniques to encourage self-reflection without alienating the audience? 

4. Kendall’s book could be classified as both a memoir and a manifesto. Do you think this combination was effective in making her argument? Would the book have the same impact if it were purely academic or autobiographical?

5. The title, Hood Feminism, signals that the book is reclaiming feminism for marginalized communities. How does the title reflect Kendall’s core message? Do you think it effectively sets the tone for the book?