Personal and the Political: Women's Activism in Response to the Breast Cancer and AIDS Epidemics Books In Print
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Personal and the Political: Women's Activism in Response to the Breast Cancer and AIDS Epidemics

State University of New York Press, State University Plaza, Albany, NY 12246. 208p., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-7914-4550-Xpbk. $18.95pbk.
Ulrike Boehmer. 2000.

This is a book about activism as it touches on breast cancer and AIDS. It tells of the conflicts that individuals face when they support both types of activism. When anyone supports something such as breast cancer or AIDS in the form of walks, concerts, etc., the immediate reaction from those who have not ever supported such activism is that "Do you have cancer?" or "Do you have AIDS?" The author has done extensive interviewing to compare activists in the AIDS and breast cancer movements. She has shown the similarities and differences between activists from the two movements. Probably the most important finding is that women are motivated by both personal and political reasons.

The book begins with a history of AIDS and breast cancer activism followed by a definition of activism and activists. It then delves into the political culture of AIDS and breast cancer activism; the personal and the political aspects of such activism, and finally the diversity and movement strategies that each activism uses. This is a very interesting look at how women activists become involved, why they become involved, and how they can change along the way and become active in more than one cause. A recommended book for all academic libraries.

Keywords: Breast Cancer; Political Aspects; Women Political ActivistsKWDbreastcancer;politicalaspects;womenpoliticalactivists
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