By Rachel Cronin
4 stars
Moya Bailey coined the term ‘misogynoir’ in 2008 to describe the unique and interlinking oppressions specific to Black women and femme presenting Black people. Almost 15 years later, the viral uptake of the term led to this insightful and much anticipated analysis of Black women’s and Black gender-non-conforming people’s digital activism.
From the unpacking of YouTube web series like Skye’s The Limit to a nostalgic deep-dive into the forgotten landscape of Tumblr online activism, this exploration into resistance presents itself as a celebration of Black online activist’s work while remaining critically aware of their shortcomings. Misogynoir Transformed: Black Women’s Digital Resistance lights up existing problems in media representations of Black women that appear as harmful tropes and caricatures. Also explored is the modern ability to record, expose and distribute racist abuse against Black femmes and women from those in positions of power. Most notable in her work is Bailey’s focus on Black LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly the overlooked pioneers of LBGT activism, Black trans women.
Thoroughly researched and elegantly written, the piece remains easy to read despite the academic nature of its content. Bailey’s personal and engaging voice leaks out each page, making the piece almost novel-esque. By interviewing fellow online activists-turned-friends, a feeling of solidarity is revealed that truly presents the nature of the Internet communities which Bailey champions while remaining critical of remaining anti-misogynoir work that is yet to be done.
Misogynoir Transformed was selected as part of Combined Academic Publisher’s KeY Reads collection for October 2022.
What is KeY Reads?
The CAP KeY Reads are a curated collection of the most celebrated and significant publications in academic publishing.
Chosen for their importance and foundational insight, a new set of KeY Reads is selected every month with a specific subject area focus. In line with Black History Month, the theme for October 2022 was Race & Ethnic studies.
As a KeY Read, throughout October 2022 the Misogynoir Transformed eBook was available to buy with a 25% discount, or a 40% discount if you subscribe to the KeY Reads newsletter.
Learn more and become a subscriber at the CAP website:
