The New Sex Wars
Sexual Harm in the #MeToo Era
by Brenda Cossman
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Pub Date Oct 26 2021 | Archive Date Nov 18 2021
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Description
Revisits the sex wars of the 1970s and ’80s and examines their influence on how we think about sexual harm in the #MeToo era
#MeToo’s stunning explosion on social media in October 2017 radically changed—and amplified—conversations about sexual violence as it revealed how widespread the issue is and toppled prominent celebrities and politicians. But, as the movement spread, a conflict emerged among feminist supporters and detractors about how punishment should be doled out and how justice should be served.
The New Sex Wars reveals that these clashes are nothing new. Delving into the contentious debates from the ’70s and ‘80s, Brenda Cossman traces the striking echoes in the feminist divisions of this earlier period. In exploring the history of past conflicts—the resistance to finding common ground, the media’s pleasure in portraying the debates as polarized cat fights, the simplification of viewpoints as pro- and anti-sex—she shows how they have come to shape the #MeToo era.
From the ’70s to today, Cossman examines tensions between the need for recognition and protection under the law, and the colossal and ongoing failure of that law to redress historic injustice. By circumventing law altogether, #MeToo has led us to question whether justice can be served outside of the courtroom. Cossman argues for a different way forward—one based on reparative models that focus on shared desired outcomes and the willingness to understand the other side.
Thoughtful and compelling, The New Sex Wars explores what can been learned from these stories, what traps we repeatedly fall into, how we have been denied our anger, and where to begin to make law work.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781479802708 |
| PRICE | $45.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 288 |
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Featured Reviews
Tameka F, Reviewer
This is a good book for someone interested in learning about the war on victims of sex crimes by habitual predators. The systematic protections by a patriarchal society has shielded offenders from consequences for far too long and this book sheds a light on those harmful practices, policies, and procedures.
I like the chapter breakdowns however, they are long and repetitive at times. Cossman does talk about the usual predators but there were some that I did not know about like the lesbian professor in NY harassing a male student. Talking about less known offenses/offenders would have made it a more interesting read. Otherwise, at times, it felt like something I could go on Twitter for. I did appreciate the insight on pornography and the objectification of those women.
The infighting among feminists was a fascinating read. It is disappointing to watch that play out in the press but important to note in a book like this one. This title is relevant for today especially with the movements it talks about and the second and third wave feminist movements.
I like that Cossman touched on cancel culture and how it can claim victims before we know the full story. There definitely can be some improvements in the current movements and the objectives feminists have. This book points out the flaws in the 21st century feminist activism without calling the movements pointless.
Brandon W, Educator
Cossman's book provides some necessary background history to the #metoo movement. In it, she explains that this current wave is a second round of "sex wars" that she argues builds off of those in the 1970s; that prior debate was one between feminists concerning the role of pornography, whether it was liberating or demeaning, and its impact on society. She discusses sexuality from a queer and feminist divide, using an inclusive lens that takes in several voices that may be left out of the traditional narrative. She advocates, in the end, for a "reparative stance" towards these sex wars, trying to bridge the divide between stakeholders.
The criticism I have of the book is that Cossman does a lot of previewing that in some places detracts from what she is trying to say. She sets up what she will discuss in future paragraphs, explaining what will be coming. There's definitely merit in laying out an argument, but in this case it's to the point of distraction.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Jodi Picoult; Jennifer Finney Boylan
General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction
