A perceptive feminist scholar looks at the recovery movement with
some appreciation and a great deal of skepticism. Media critic
Rapping (Communications/Adelphi Univ.) convincingly describes the
centrality of 12-step thinking to today's talk shows, TV
docudramas, therapy, self-help books, celebrity biographies, and
even Bill Clinton's presidential campaign. "Recovery" - a
philosophy that has grown out of Alcoholics Anonymous, which
originated the 12 Steps - assumes that a variety of personal
problems are rooted in addiction. To Rapping, the current
proliferation of 12-step groups directed at women - groups for
overeaters, co-dependents, etc. - is a sign that we are in the
middle of an interrupted feminist revolution. On the one hand,
their popularity would be unthinkable had the women's movement not
broken the social silence on such topics as abuse of women in
relationships. Rapping also applauds the groups for providing women
with an opportunity - in a format that she finds similar to
consciousness raising - to talk about matters that used to be
considered too shameful to mention. However she takes issue with
the recovery movement's depoliticization of personal problems; in
12-step discourse, even rape and anorexia, which feminists have
analyzed as symptoms of a sexist culture, are matters best
addressed by finding one's Higher Power, not by redistributing
societal power. Rapping's study is articulate, historically
grounded, and well informed by her media scholarship. However,
Rapping's failure to discuss her own personal response to the 12
Steps and the problems they address is odd given her claims that
everyone has been affected by the 12-step movement and that the
common strength of both recovery and feminism is their emphasis on
personal stories. Rapping's analysis should provide useful debate
in feminist and mental health circles, and should be read by
everyone who is wondering whether the nationwide search for the
"inner child" is bringing us any closer to social transformation.
(Kirkus Reviews)
A thoughtful exploration of the recovery movement and its impact on
contemporary lifefrom talk shows and self-help books to Clinton's
presidential campaign. "Lucid. . . . We're glad that (Rapping) is
watching, listening, taking notes, paying close attention and
trying to make sense of it all".Francine Prose, NEW YORK NEWSDAY.
Bibliography. Index.
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