A review by readingrobin
White Tears / Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color by Ruby Hamad

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

An absolutely required read for those studying feminism or any kind of gender studies. It is imperative to get an intersectional perspective on these issues due to the history of women of color going unheard in the fight for women's rights as well as the constant abuse of power shown by privileged white women. I was familiar with many of the concepts that Hamad described: white woman tears, white fragility, various stereotypes, and the constant attacks on women of color's agency. But this is the first time I've read these topics in depth and with their historical context. It goes a long way in realizing the racism, sexism, and intolerance that Western society was built and currently thrives on. Hamad uses very accessible language to get her points across, which I appreciated since I find it hard to focus on nonfiction usually. 

This book definitely clarified ideas surrounding white women feminism and ways to address the behavior that comes from it. As someone always trying to be better, I'm always looking for reading material to help me better understand these issues and this book really filled a gap in my education.