Free Women, Free Men: Sex, Gender, Feminism

Camille Paglia

Save:

Find on Amazon

provocative critique of modern feminism

complexities of sexuality

historical evolution of feminist movements

personal responsibility and self awareness

libertarian approach to art and life

thought provoking essays

rich descriptions and humor

societal constructs and norms

modern american society setting

cultural critique and gender studies

repetitive themes with varying pacing

insightful take on feminism

prominent cultural and feminist icons

'Free Women, Free Men: Sex, Gender, Feminism' by Camille Paglia is a collection of essays and articles spanning from the early 1990s to 2016, delving into topics of sex, gender, and feminism. Paglia challenges academic feminism's perspective on sex and gender, advocating for personal responsibility, self-awareness, and a libertarian approach to art and life. She explores the complexities of sexuality, societal constructs, and the historical evolution of feminist movements, offering a provocative and insightful take on modern feminism.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by rich descriptions and a thought-provoking tone, blending humor with serious critique.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot delves into the complexities of gender dynamics, sexuality, and societal norms, revealing a critical perspective on modern feminism and its historical context.

Setting:

The setting is primarily modern American society, framed within the ongoing dialogue of feminism, gender studies, and cultural critique.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging but can be repetitive in themes, with varying speeds across the different essays presented.

In the beginning was nature. The background from which and against which our ideas of God were formed, nature remains the supreme moral problem. We cannot hope to understand sex and gender until we cl...

Notes:

Camille Paglia explores complex dynamics between male and female sexuality.

She argues that society is an artificial construct designed to protect against nature's power.

Paglia states that women hold significant power over men, tied to natural instincts and reproduction.

She points out that women's studies may perpetuate victimhood rather than empower women.

Paglia believes current feminism often demonizes men and overlooks how past feminists cooperated with them.

In her view, the way feminism currently oversimplifies sexuality is problematic and naive.

She asserts that true freedom for women also includes freeing men to express themselves.

Paglia highlights the importance of personal responsibility and warns against conflating personal identity with professional roles.

Her writing style is noted for being entertaining and full of wisdom, encouraging independent thought.

The book is a collection of Paglia's articles and essays spanning from the early 1990s to 2016, allowing her ideas to be revisited and contextualized over time.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include potential discussions around sexual violence and criticism of contemporary feminist movements, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Ever since the release of her seminal first book, Sexual Personae, Camille Paglia has remained one of feminism's most outspoken, independent, and searingly intelligent voices. Now, for the first time, her best essays on the subject are gathered together in one concise volume. Whether she's calling for equal opportunity for American women (years before the founding of the National Organization for Women), championing a more discerning standard of beauty that goes beyond plastic surgery's quest for eternal youth, lauding the liberating force of rock and roll, or demanding free and unfettered speech on university campuses and beyond, Paglia can always be counted on to get to the heart of matters large and small. At once illuminating, witty, and inspiring, these essays are essential reading that affirm the power of men and women and what we can accomplish together.

What can you read after
Free Women, Free Men: Sex, Gender, Feminism?

About the Author:

Camille Paglia is the University Professor of Humanities and Media Studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. A regular contributor to Salon.com, she is the author of Glittering Images; Break, Blow, Burn; Vamps & Tramps; Sex, Art, and American Culture; and Sexual Personae.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.