In Hood Feminism, the author, Mikki Kendall, questions the legitimacy and honesty of mainstream feminism. The feminist movement has failed to tackle the challenges faced by the majority of black women. Important issues such as sexual orientation, class, and race have eluded the movement activists. The mainstream feminism has ignored the basic needs of women. In fact, the majority of black women in need of basic needs are accused of their plight. Women do not like each other. Mainstream feminist groups only address the issues suffered by white women. To cement her argument, Kendall describes how the group barely reacts after footages of young African-American girls emerge being whipped by school officers.
Mainstream feminism is hypocritical in dealing with the cases of brutality against women. The movement opposes the physical and sexual abuse against women, but when a black woman is abused, the group goes quiet. Mainstream feminist activism has failed to make a common cause against white supremacy. The group, comprising of the majority white women, only turns to the patriarchy when white women feel threatened. The movement sometimes causes more harm than good. Kendall notes that the real feminism movement should stand for all women regardless of color, race, and sexual orientation. White women should stand in solidarity with black women.
The mainstream feminist group should be responsible for making society safer as well as more equitable for all women irrespective of their backgrounds. Mainstream feminism should not ignore the plights of poor and black women. Women need each other. Kendall opines that women, whether white or black, should not lead a profoundly different life. Therefore, women should have a common stand to fight for one another.
