The Opinionated Bastard

I don’t really consider a feminist worth listening to unless she’s read the following four books:

Games Mother Never Taught You

This book is the best book on corporate politics ever, and while its written by a feminist for women, its an invaluable guide to corporate politics that all men should read as well. I easily credit this book with probably about 25% of my current salary over the years, and about 50% of every raise I’ve ever gotten.

• If you think raises go to the person who does the best work and is therefore most valuable to the company, you’re wrong, get this book.
• If you don’t know the difference between a “staff” position and a “line” position, get this book.

Bottom line, is that the barriers to advancement for women are often not knowing the rules of the game more then they are actual sexism.

How To Win Friends And Influence People

This book is just a classic. Anyone who takes these principles to heart will succeed no matter what color or sex they are.

You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation Talking from 9 to 5 : Women and Men at Work

Men and Women often just don’t communicate, no matter how hard they try. These two books explain why, and I think its especially valuable where she talks about how that affects women in the work place. If you are a women, and you constantly say “I’m sorry” during a staff meeting, meaning “I’m sorry that happened”, your fellow workers are going to see you as weak and lacking confidence, even the other women. So you’re less likely to get promoted.

Sexual Personae : Art & Decadence from Nefertiti to Emily Dickinson

Camille Paglia is controversial, but undeservedly so in my opinion. If you ask an art historian about sociology or politics, she’s going to tell you its all about art. In her case, since Camille has drawn some really interesting parallels between art and sex, she’s going to tell you its all about sex. That doesn’t mean she’s right, but its an interesting perspective.

In this case though, this book is a tour de force presentation of how there are two main themes in art: the Apollonian (which she associates with the masculine) and the Chthonian (which she associates with the feminine). Its the most interesting and thought provoking book on art I’ve ever read.