What do readers think of Erased by Anna Malaika Tubbs? Write your own review.

This compelling and well-researched book offers a powerful critique of the patriarchal systems deeply embedded in American society. Using a combination of personal stories and real-life narratives, the author creates a very readable and engaging text that illustrates important concepts with clarity and emotional impact. The stories not only bring abstract ideas to life but also reveal how the patriarchy manipulates narratives to maintain its power.

The book outlines the steps from realization to acceptance, guiding readers through an awakening process. It shows how patriarchy is upheld by everything from the Constitution to the Supreme Court and how it exerts control—particularly over women's bodies—as a means of controlling women themselves. Those most affected include women of color, non-heteronormative individuals, and others marginalized by cultural norms. Patriarchy divides society, determining who is treated with dignity and who is dehumanized, while often blaming and shaming the victims.

It is time to uncover the true power of patriarchy, see how we unconsciously support it, and recognize how it shapes every stage of our lives. We must rethink the myths we've inherited and come together to present a more hopeful, inclusive future—one that protects and nurtures all people.

First of all, I was intrigued by the book title "Erased". After starting the book, I knew it would be a book I would enjoy. The author, in her introduction of the book, quickly informed the reader of what to anticipate from this book. Since this was quite a lengthy book, I appreciated the author breaking down the book into "Parts" and "Chapters".

This made it possible for me to read for shorter durations, while comprehended the extensive content and details of the book. I did start running into missing words and pages starting on page 186. Unfortunately this occurred more frequently from this page on. Because the book was broken down into manageable chapter lengths, this did not hamper my comprehension of the book. I know this was just a "glitch" that will be corrected before official publication. This is a book I would highly recommend!

Reading this book, for me, was an intense experience. You need to read Erased in stages. While the vernacular is not difficult to understand, the subject matter, the history of patriarchy in our country, is heavily delineated and dissected from the Founding Fathers to present day and as a reader there was a lot to process. I liked the interweaving of the author's personal life with the history of patriarchy. It made the book less abstract.
I lived through the Anita Hill testimony against Thomas watching it on TV. It was riveting and there was no doubt in my mind that she was telling the truth. I was shocked at the Senators' questioning which often seemed more like attacks and dismayed at the outcome. I saw Biden questioned about his role as Chairman when he was campaigning to be President and he said he regretted his and the other senators' behavior toward their witness and I remember thinking "Far too little, much too late." Erased is an important book. My only criticism is I felt it was a little too long and sometimes repetitious when it was unnecessary. We did not have to have the premise of the book reiterated so much.

Although I agree with author in most instances, I need to better digest much of what was said. Have we ever done better? As a white woman, I understand the truth within this work. However, it leaves me with much internal pain. I am alarmed at my age to leave my world in such disarray. I see the big issues such as climate and equality heading down a bad path. I worry much for my granddaughters, who are not active in saving their world. Frankly, I have been uninvolved too. It is challenging enough to keep my own world in order. Thanks for the wake up call!

This work rests soundly alongside other books like "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson, which shows, in part, how the United States got to its current state. The author clearly lays out the history of our patriarchal society, and all of the layers of norms, laws, and habits that diminish everyone who is not a privileged white male.

Although some of the assertions are a bit heavy handed (I am not sure that I believe that founding fathers so purposely set out to exclude women from the new country), and the step to the conclusion are repeated to excess, the facts are clear, eye-opening and a bit scary.

This is hard reading in our political climate, but necessary.

Anna Malaika Tubbs' "Erased" centers around the development and proliferation of the American patriarchy. Tubbs posits that the patriarchy is alive and thriving today, and not only affects women, but also affects people of color and non-heteronormative people. While the book is well-written and brings up some interesting points, I must note that I cringed at some of the more far-fetched hypotheses. Overall, though, it was a good read and offers a fresh inspection of some relevant issues today.

Tubbs has a doctorate level education. While I don't blame her for not offering "Erased" in a dissertation form, I would expect that a book stemming from her academic research would present a more rigorous analysis. Agreeing with her viewpoints is not at the forefront here; instead, I was looking for credible sources and a plethora of references to help me form my own opinions. Most of the writing feels like a memoir of emotional baggage that is sporadically interlaced with credible sources, so it does not significantly sway my perspective. With that said, Tubbs does bring up some interesting examples that enlightened me, and she does have a bibliography at the back (though no footnotes or reference numbers). For example, when I thought of the patriarchy, I did not think of how it affects gender fluid people or sexually unconventional people, so I appreciated her opening my mind to that. However, she tries to make a case that women who are chastised for breastfeeding bare-chested in public are being demeaned by the patriarchy, and I disagree wholeheartedly. In my humble opinion, this issue is more of a public decency/ respect-for-one's-audience concern than one of female oppression and marginalization.

If you are looking to learn more about the breadth and historical implications of American patriarchy, "Erased" is not a bad place to start.

This was a very difficult read for me. I am a product of the 50's., with a working career from the 70's and beyond. I delt with the patriarchy most of my life. I fought and kicked my way to the "glass ceiling" only to be held back by my fellow white male worker with less education and experience. This book brought back some very harsh memories, made me feel sad. I also understand the authors push for people of color, but felt quite overwhelmed by being reminded in every chapter. I felt where she was coming from, just way too much overload.

The author did disclose some very interesting statistics and historical events. Some were new to me, others not. Chapter 25, Our Vision of New Possibilities was exceptional, it gave me some hope for future generations. it explains what's wrong with American Patriarchy - Fear! I feel the information in this book is for a very specific group of readers, certainly not male, white, anglo's because they are the main grippes of who we are trying to complain about. As a retired female I could have used this information to my benefit many years ago, but it's too late for me. As for the comment "things do not have to be this way," I agree, however the "Man" has the control and I do not ever foresee that changing in the near future by looking at how the typical males act in society today.

I'm glad I read this book but half way through I got so depressed that I could only read a little at a time to be able to finish it. Anna Malaika Tubbs writes it as it is, wish I had known her years ago!