anetq's review
5.0
Penny slashes through the bullshit men say to defend a sexist internet - and point out that Free Speech should be protected - for the women being silenced, not as a shield to hide behind for the misogynist idiots who think they have a right to verbally assault women. The first 15 pages list the state of online harassment, and it is a horrifying read - but luckily Penny also believe that we can all save the internet together and make it liveable for all geeks male and female. Read it if you think feminism isn't necessary anymore, or that the internet is free and open to all - or if you want to join the fight for good - and btw. the writing is excellent!
realreads's review
3.0
An interesting read about the treatment of women online.
My guess is that this Kindle single is a promo for the author's upcoming book because the writing felt a bit disjoint.
My guess is that this Kindle single is a promo for the author's upcoming book because the writing felt a bit disjoint.
carrotcore's review
5.0
Laurie Penny is one of the most prolific writers and relevant queer feminist voice of these days. This short book was well written as always (it is my third book by Laurie), however, the content was not as new to me as it might have been for people newer to feminist analysis. Would def recommend reading it tho!
luana420's review
5.0
I rate this book five stars despite disagreeing with the author's reading of the film The Social Network, despite its relatively poor volulme-to-price ratio, and despite its somewhat herky-jerky tone.
Cybersexism is but a preview of an upcoming larger collection of essays by Laurie Penny, and one I'd gladly shell out for again. Penny is a passionate, witty and confrontational writer whose militant language doesn't quite conceal a genuine care for everyone on the gender spectrum. Yes, even those old foes of Tumblr: the white, hetero, able-bodied, cis male!
I rate this book five stars because I basically feel this should be a manifesto for all those who venture into online spaces, to get just a small taste of what it's like to be on the other side of "pics or gtfo". Its small volume may have left me eager for more, but its punchy, witty style makes it ideal introductory reading for the tech-inclined feminist.
One may sneer and say my praise comes from being on the same side of the political spectrum as the author, but if the basic message is "women/girls/lgbtq's deserve equality, representation and a feeling of safety", that surely transcends all political affiliations?
Cybersexism is but a preview of an upcoming larger collection of essays by Laurie Penny, and one I'd gladly shell out for again. Penny is a passionate, witty and confrontational writer whose militant language doesn't quite conceal a genuine care for everyone on the gender spectrum. Yes, even those old foes of Tumblr: the white, hetero, able-bodied, cis male!
I rate this book five stars because I basically feel this should be a manifesto for all those who venture into online spaces, to get just a small taste of what it's like to be on the other side of "pics or gtfo". Its small volume may have left me eager for more, but its punchy, witty style makes it ideal introductory reading for the tech-inclined feminist.
One may sneer and say my praise comes from being on the same side of the political spectrum as the author, but if the basic message is "women/girls/lgbtq's deserve equality, representation and a feeling of safety", that surely transcends all political affiliations?
frumpleton's review
5.0
A rousing, straight-forward examination and deconstruction of the various forms of sexism online, among geeks and in the tech industry. Penny's understanding of internet and geek culture comes to the forefront as she reaches a fundamentally optimistic view that we geeks do have the chance to change the horrible treatment of women both online and off, and the misogynistic vileness that's at the very core of online experience.
janedallaway's review
3.0
A topic of interest and relevance to me but didn't leave me wanting to fight. Having read other people's comments there is a hint that this is an extract for a larger piece on the subject, and that might hit the spot for me more. Nothing much I didn't already know from experience here. Lots of room for more examples and references and, most importanty, how we can change it. It feels like a bit of a missed opportunity to me I'm afraid.
alandp's review
4.0
Good, slightly obvious in parts, but worth it for a quick understanding of some of the issues of sexism and misogyny on the internet
shays's review
3.0
Penny has tackled a large topic in a short work, and as such Cybersexism focuses on unveiling the issues and considering causes, but was not deeply involved with seeking solution. I’m looking forward to reading Unspeakable Things, Penny’s forthcoming book on gender and power in the twenty-first century in the hope that a longer work will allow for the space for this very talented writer to engage the issues in greater depth. Nevertheless, Cybersexism gets the discussion off to an excellent start.read more