Lewiston Buzzfeed writer speaks out about feminism

Published June 20, Anne Helen Petersen’s newest book, Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud, is the second by the Buzzfeed writer, her first being Scandals of Classic Hollywood. The book centers around the stereotypes of women and which of their behaviors qualify as acceptable or not.  
  Petersen was raised in Lewiston and graduated from LHS in 1999. Petersen has a PhD in media studies from the University of Texas and now works for Buzzfeed, where she focuses her writing on today’s culture, politics, celebrities and feminism.
  Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud presents a unique spin on feminism as Petersen addresses the characteristics of women that most people find “unruly.” To achieve this, Petersen analyzes 10 celebrities who are well-known for being “too much” of something. Some of the celebrities include Nicki Minaj, Hillary Clinton, Serena Williams and Madonna. Petersen gives each celebrity a specific characteristic (i.e., too shrill, too strong, too old, etc.) and then expands upon how this characteristic plays a role in each one’s career or life.
  The characteristics that Petersen highlights are often used to discriminate against women and show that they are “less” than other people in society. She then spins them around and shows how these labels were useful in progressing each person’s life. Petersen shows how each individual has taken these labels and turned them into positives in their lives.
  For example, the first chapter, “Too Strong,” is represented by Serena Williams. Society has often thought of her as too masculine and she used this to her advantage in order to get ahead in her athletic career.
  True to her theme, Petersen is uncensored throughout her book. If she has something to say she says it, even if it might be considered vulgar or inappropriate. Still, Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud is well written and provides a new look at feminism and how it fits into today’s culture. Based on this criteria, this book receives an 8/10.