Invisible Women: By Caroline Criado Perez

 

Now don’t role your eyes on me because I felt it coming once you saw the title up there . . .

I know you have come across tons of related talks and essays, but hey we need to set daily and monthly reminders for important things in life, as such. And here I am doing it with no regrets.

After reading this book for the fourth time, I can guarantee that this is an enjoyable scientific book. With all the evidences and statistical analysis of each and every topic within, one would have a clear view of gender and how women are viewed in both the public and private spheres. And as much as readers will enjoy this book in a painful way, it will also be the right time to learn . . . 

 Yes learn. Our generation is living in a fluffy pink cloud consisting of rainbows and unicorns, they’re jumping from one pink cloud to another as if there’s nothing to stress about and no problem to shed some lights on.

This is the world of invisibility where women-related issues and situations are being left behind the scenes. as if we're  Invisible . .

 

And we are . . .

 

Invisible women, By Caroline Criado Perez is the book we all need to study and not only read. If you’re one of those skeptical people who assume that gender equality is the chocolate topping the cake of the world, then I do apologize in advance for ruining that cake of yours.

 

The sweet image of the world you have in mind, is nothing but a vivid dream. A dream that has been taken as a solid fact and is being taught at schools and other educational institutions, without digging deeper into the issue and the basic foundation of it. 

The aforesaid is a huge problem, and the younger generations are the ones to be afraid of, for they’re growing up and maturing into the shoes of adulthood while being clueless and helpless with the misinformation they have been fed. Yes, they do call on  riots, post things on their socials and try as much as they can to be and create some kind of a change. But this is just a short-term thing. A trend that will end as soon as related posts stop making appearance and viewed by their followers. To make and be the change, one should access the road of knowledge.  

 

With knowledge and through it, you will come to paint a full picture of the situation. You will be able to look, see and conclude. And that’s what this book is all about. Each chapter you will come across will act as clear evidence of reality as it is. Supported with statistical factors, there will be zero to no chance of one being skeptical or even debunk the truth of our reality. The statistics were scary and heart wrenching, that you will have your AHAAAA and OH GOD moments till the very end of the book.

 

The journey of this book is painful, yet hopeful.

 

It makes you see what was never clear. And learn what used to be in the background. And that includes multiple examples such as physical assaults, wage gap, working environment and even simple matters such as the general temperature of the AC. 

 

Now I know that you got confused . . . . but this particular part was something new and interesting to me, so here I am bringing it to the light again.

 

So have you ever thought to yourself, why is it cold in here and why can’t we do anything about the temperatures?

 

Well . . .

The temperatures can be adjusted for sure,  but in general, air conditioning systems and the standard temperature of a room are basically designed for a specific weight. Or let’s put it in easier words, they’re designed for a man’s body, and not us over here, the other hidden population who will have to keep warm even if its mid-July. This particular section is an eye-opener, as to how simple daily events are made and designed for a specific gender. And you, as a reader will get to experience it for yourself once you get to know it in more details through the pages.

Not only that, but even language has a role to play in this game, the game of US vs THEM. Yes, language. And I do in fact appraise the author for bringing that up, for it's not something we usually talk about or mention. Never was this topic on  top of our discussion list, so this is the perfect time and place to finally analyze such an issue in the broad field of literature. So be ready because after that section, you will see language differently and read books from another analytical perspective.

 

the way we speak and the words we choose to connect the bridge of ideas in our minds were generally formed in a way where it’s spoken TO and BY a man. A male. Go back to the classics and you’ll know what I’m talking about, but for the sake of this entry I’ll choose the example the author provided, and it’s the word PEOPLE. 

 

You would ask yourself, and what about it?. people refers to us, all of us, regardless of our gender. But no, it refers to you excluding US.

Women back then had no rights to speak, and if they did, their words will never be taken seriously and into consideration. But getting into the grammar of it all is not the issue now. The issue is situated on how we see and use it.

 

If I keep talking more, I don’t think I will ever reach an end, for this book keeps making my jaw drop for at least 10 minutes straight, trying to compose my mind. Every chapter was written and chosen with care, the statistical evidences were the perfect justification for the skeptical readers who would keep saying NO, NO WAY, THAT CANT BE HAPPENING. Well, I’m sorry because it not only did, but is at the moment too, so buckle up and be prepared.

 

I also loved the author’s bravery for being the voice needed, I know how hard it is to collect such sensitive details and talk about them as a woman,. But as the strong woman she is, she did it. So thank you because this is indeed a book needed in every household. Every man and woman shall own a copy. FOR REAL !

 

In the end, I would like to leave you with something but first of all I'd like to remind everyone that  women's rights are human rights too. So for the fellows over there who are in support of women-related issues and rights, either solo, with their partners, friends or family. Good job. Keep going, keep learning, keep yearning and supporting. The world needs more of you guys !

 

Again and Again and Again, Thank you Caroline Criado Perez for this publication 

 

Favourite quotes from the Book !

 

-       - The female body is not the problem. The problem is the social meaning that we ascribe to that body, and a socially determined failure to account for it.

 

-       - Its time for a change in perspective. It's time for women to be seen.

 

-       - Women are set up to be forgettable. Ignorable. Dispensable—from culture, from history, from data. And so, women become invisible.