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The Beauty Myth : How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women
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The Beauty Myth : How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women
Author: Naomi Wolf

Book Information
Publisher: Perennial
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780060512187 - ISBN-10: 0060512180
Publication Date: 10/1/2002
Pages: 368


Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette

Book Description:
The bestselling classic that redefined our view od the relationship between beauty and female identity.

In today's world, women have more power, legal recognition, and professional success than ever before. Alongside the evident progress of the women's movement, however, writer and journalist Naomi Wolf is troubled by a different kind of social control, which, she argues, may prove just as restrictive as the traditional image of homemaker and wife. It's the beauty myth, an obsession with physical perfection that traps the modern woman in an endless spiral of hope, self-consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfill society's impossible definition of "the flawless beauty."


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Top Member Book Reviews

Leigh P. (Leigh) wrote on 8/7/2007...

15 member(s) found this review helpful.

Halfway through the book I watched an interview with Naomi Wolf on PBS where she wore make-up! -- the very same "evil" she'd been condemning throughout this. After I finished reading, though, I understood.

I disagree with many of her arguments, but I found the book entertaining and informative. Personally, I love curling my hair and putting on make-up, but not because I've bought into the male-driven visual culture. I think she redeems herself at the end and gives a well-thought out conclusion. I also don't think it would hurt women to be aware of what she suggests.

However, coming from a knock-out like Naomi Wolf, it's a bit hard to swallow her idea that beauty shouldn't be that important to women. There's a reason she's classified as a "Do-Me Feminist."

Jessica M. (iluvlibros) - CO wrote on 5/14/2007...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is such a powerful book. The facts and ideas not only haunt you as you go about your everyday life, but they also empower you to fight against the unfair standards that women today face. I think this is a must read for every woman.

Emily D. (lostperspicacity) wrote on 10/15/2006...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

An interesting read. I didn't agree with everything in this book, but I think it's worth reading if you have an interest in gender studies or the relationship between media and culture and self-image.

Mary Elaine L. (Laney) wrote on 7/22/2008...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

The bestselling classic that redefined our view of the realtionship between beauty and female identity.


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