If you do want to go beyond the online realm, I'd suggest starting with a book or two that interests *you* (not necessarily something you think is "canonical") and pick something that's not too laden with jargon. If you've got access to a good university bookstore, you might even think about picking up a used copy of an intro to women's studies textbook. (You'd want to be able to browse through it first - and they're usually over $50 new.)
There definitely is some utility to not relying wholly on online resources, because much of the online stuff is more confrontational, and I see you as someone who appreciates a more subtle argument.
That said, there's a real danger in thinking you need to immerse yourself too deeply before you begin writing. By now the feminist literature is so large, you might dive in and never get around to writing about it. :-) One strategy is to pick a subtopic: history of feminism, French feminisms (well, that's pretty hefty theoretical stuff), 1970s American feminisms, 3rd wave, black or Latina approaches, etc. - and explore from there. Or you could pick a topical field within feminism and women's studies, which I frankly find more satisfying: motherhood, sexuality, body image, work, etc.
Happy reading! I'll look forward to your next installment.
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Date: 2008-03-24 06:46 pm (UTC)If you do want to go beyond the online realm, I'd suggest starting with a book or two that interests *you* (not necessarily something you think is "canonical") and pick something that's not too laden with jargon. If you've got access to a good university bookstore, you might even think about picking up a used copy of an intro to women's studies textbook. (You'd want to be able to browse through it first - and they're usually over $50 new.)
There definitely is some utility to not relying wholly on online resources, because much of the online stuff is more confrontational, and I see you as someone who appreciates a more subtle argument.
That said, there's a real danger in thinking you need to immerse yourself too deeply before you begin writing. By now the feminist literature is so large, you might dive in and never get around to writing about it. :-) One strategy is to pick a subtopic: history of feminism, French feminisms (well, that's pretty hefty theoretical stuff), 1970s American feminisms, 3rd wave, black or Latina approaches, etc. - and explore from there. Or you could pick a topical field within feminism and women's studies, which I frankly find more satisfying: motherhood, sexuality, body image, work, etc.
Happy reading! I'll look forward to your next installment.