Did anyone else get somewhat *annoyed* with how to be a woman by Caitlin Moran?

[LadyRainicorn]

I read this a few days ago and keep getting the rage annoyed with the ignorance over, for want of a better phrase, historical achievements of woman. And bemoaning the focus on appearance over ability for woman in the media versus men, then in the same breath defending her right to slag off other woman for their appearance - are these not part and parcel of the same problem?

The feel of the book just seemed confused. And I'm annoyed this is supposed to represent and promote feminism - whilst it talks rubbish?

Am I just being petty with this and should just be grateful that a book at least talking about the rights of women made a literary splash?

Ooh, I've done it to a fair few since becoming a parent. What to Expect When you are Expecting. Baby Whisperer. Never bought Gina but would have binned that. My standard is whether I would feel guilty inflicting it on someone else, that's the only time they go in the recycling and not the charity box!

I got irritated reading the stuff about her childbirth experiences. I didn't like the way she blamed herself for her first horrendous labour - saying it was all because she was unfit and hadn't eaten right and hadn't taken care of herself etc. All I could think, reading that, was 'So, I walked regularly, took my folic acid, did my breathing exercises, even tried to make sure I wasn't sat about too much and did the kitchen floor on my hands and knees (!) to try to prevent a back to back, and my reward for all that was an induction, obstructed labour and ECS under general. Thanks. Now do you mind telling me what could have prevented that????'

Whilst I do not wish to take her pride in her subsequent natural delivery away from her, I do feel compelled to point out that we have no control over the shape of our pelvic outlets and internal organs, and limited control over the mobility of the pelvic joints. And forget the 'green mother earth' stuff. Mother Nature is a bitch and a cold-hearted killer. Three cheers for modern medicine, I say.

Wol

So, so well said. I was a super fit, healthy and happy first time pregnant woman. Ended up with ELSCS. My pelvic outlet hadn't read Kitzinger. Neither had DD's big head....

I loved it. Loved Moranthology too.