Rude
Stop Being Nice and Start Being Bold
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
A timely and entertaining exploration of why ambitious women are often perceived as rude and how the power of rudeness can be harnessed in relationships, in bed, at work, and in everyday life.
During a TV interview with a comedian, journalist Rebecca Reid found herself unable to get a word in edgewise. So, when she put her finger to her lips and shushed him, she became instantly known on the internet as “Rebecca Rude.” It was only then that she realized that being rude could actually be her superpower.
A captivating blend of advice and pop culture, this “breezy feminist guide” (Publishers Weekly) shows you how to use the power of boldness in every area of your life. Exploring famous women who have been perceived as rude—including Princess Margaret, Anna Wintour, Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, and others—Rude demonstrates how those women used their “rudeness” to get what they want and deserve out of life.
Reid also addresses whether there are different rules of rudeness for women compared to men (yes, there are) and how being taught not to be rude actually prevents women from being successful—especially because when women are assertive, they are often judged as being aggressive. And while there’s a place for politeness, Rebecca argues that it’s never a bad time to stand up for yourself and achieve your dreams.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Journalist Reid debuts with a breezy feminist guide to being more assertive. Reid urges women to defy social pressures and argues they should reclaim their right to be "rude" in a positive sense by "judging that your wants and needs are at least as important as everyone else's and then acting accordingly." Each chapter explores a realm in which she believes women struggle to advocate for themselves work, friendships, family, sex, and money, among others and features a profile of a woman who embraced positive rudeness. For instance, Reid explains how women can be smarter, savvier consumers with tips on when and how to make complaints, and cites Rosa Parks as a paragon for judging "what is fair and not fair" and standing up for what is "inarguably right." Reid advises women to allow themselves to express rage at friends when they disappoint, to create clear boundaries with family, and to never "feel obligated to spare anyone else's feelings" when it comes to finding a partner. The casual tone ("Rudeness is the absolute opposite of being ladylike. In fact, Rude throws a full martini in the face of ladylike and then sleeps with its husband") makes for fun reading. While not groundbreaking, this jaunty exhortation will be a welcome jolt for women looking for ways to better assert themselves.
