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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 April 2020
Atafei Pewissi's text is a critique of the theories of both Western and African Feminism, an agitation for a humanist view of life, and the proposal of Womanism as an alternative to the divisive and conspiratorial theories that impede the proper growth and development of human societies. The text argues that both Western and African Feminism originated as political reactions against the institution of patriarchy and, since all brands of Feminism are basically focused on liberating the female gender, their motivations are one-dimensional and cater just for the needs of one gender to the detriment of the other half of humanity – the male gender. It is equally observed that Feminism does not accommodate all women since the birthing of African Feminism is as a result of the discriminatory racist nature of Western Feminism which does not account for the needs and experiences of women of colour. African feminists, in turn, responded with the same racist attitude by looking to their own needs alone. Thus we have such titles as: ‘African Feminism’, ‘Black Feminisms’, etc.
The radical feminist solution of lesbianism is cited as an attitude that undermines collaboration and in fact breeds hatred for men and sets the stage for the extermination of the human species if greatly embraced. As such, from whichever angle these theories are looked at, it is seen that the divisive, discriminatory element is paramount. It either discriminates against women or men. This discrimination breeds rancour and violence. Pewissi uses ample examples from the fictional creations of African authors to illustrate his view that Feminism is similar to patriarchy. He juxtaposes Achebe's early novels and his poor portrayal of female characters with Nwapa's and Emecheta's novels that portray men as irresponsible and total failures. So if patriarchy is male-dominated rule, Feminism represents female dominance. Pewissi insists that ‘to empower the victim of yesterday to fight back to disarm the powerful is a perpetual way of raising violence’ (71).
Second, Pewissi views Humanism as synonymous with Womanism.
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