The fourth wave of feminism is alive and well, and this time it’s personal. Well, for me it is, anyway. I suppose that’s also true of comedy writer Sarah Cooper, who has turned her firsthand experiences from working at mega companies like Google and Yahoo! into the satirical advice book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings.
I read it. I loved it. I laughed until I peed my panties. I read it brazenly in the lobby of my therapist’s office, giggling, and capturing the attention of a man who did a complete double-take upon seeing the title so obviously splashed across the bright pink book cover in white glittering print.
Yes, the book title is printed in white glitter, as though to purposely attract attention and mock the stereotype of femininity. But that’s just the cover, wait until you get into the pages filled with hilarious, satirical “tips” for being smart, savvy, and successful while protecting the fragile male ego:
- Downplay your ideas, like you’re just thinking out loud, so men won’t think you’re uppity.
- Unwanted touching that was harmless and meant to be supportive isn’t really harassment.
- When collaborating with a man in-person, type with one finger because skill and speed are off putting. (That one was my favorite!)
There are even blank pages to use for doodling while men speak and mustache stickers you can apply to your face to appear less threatening. The book is chock full of advice to keep you chuckling as you climb the corporate ladder, apply for small business loans, or, hell, just try to get through TSA carrying two laptops without intimidating some random man.
If, like me and you’re over it, feeling rebellious, and love to laugh in the face of misogyny and sexism, then this book is for you. Or, buy it as a gift for your favorite feminist. She’ll love it. At the very least, get it and carry it around with you wherever you go, just to piss men off. It worked for me.
Purchase How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings at Amazon.com or a bookstore near you.
Complimentary book received for review, but did not affect my opinion.
