Reinvigorating the Traditions of Second-Wave Radical Feminism: Humor and Satire as Political Work

Breanne Fahs

doi:10.1080/23293691.2019.1619051

Reinvigorating the Traditions of Second-Wave Radical Feminism: Humor and Satire as Political Work

Breanne Fahs

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

This is a commentary on Gloria Steinem’s (1978) “If Men Could Menstruate,” which is reprinted in this issue. Here I situate Steinem’s essay in the context of other second-wave feminists (e.g., W.I.T.C.H., Flo Kennedy, Valerie Solanas) who used satire as a weapon against the patriarchy in their fight for radical social change. Although today we recognize that some men do menstruate, Steinem’s humorous approach remains relevant today, and I discuss ways to use her work in teaching courses on feminism and social justice.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	157-160
Number of pages	4
Journal	Women's Reproductive Health
Volume	6
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2019.1619051
State	Published - Jul 3 2019
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

feminist humor
Gloria Steinem
menstruation
satire
second wave feminism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Reproductive Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Maternity and Midwifery

Access to Document

10.1080/23293691.2019.1619051

Cite this

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Reinvigorating the Traditions of Second-Wave Radical Feminism: Humor and Satire as Political Work

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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