I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight

Margaret Cho is revered in many circles, especially the queer one, for her outspoken beliefs and quick acerbic wit. In her book, I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight, she takes on many taboo topics of society today including abortion, gay marriage, and racism in America. She shares her very liberal point of view on all the topics and points out the many flaws in the conservative rational. Among the many entertaining aspects of her book, the letters Cho writes to President Bush and Reverend Al Sharpton are so funny and on the mark it makes Cho seem even more brilliant if that is possible. For a humorous, political book that pokes fun at nearly everything conservative, check this one out. --Corey Crossfield See more book reviews at www.shortandsweetnyc.com

Since I received this for Christmas I have read a little of this wonderful tome every night before going to sleep. As I draw near the end, I feel compelled to express how much I've enjoyed it. Fans of her comedy should be warned that this is far more activism than comedy, but since I agree with most of what she has to say I didn't mind in the least. The issues she takes on are the issues that need to be taken on, because when you are in the minority fighting for something so important you have to fight that much harder to get it. I notice one reviewer comment that she attacks anyone who is white or straight, and I must respectfully dissagree. It is not white or straight people in general who are attacked, but rather those who would oppose others just because they are different. If her messages are repeated over and over it is because they are the things that need to be repeated and repeated until the right people finally listen.

It's obvious to me why Publisher's Weekly would say the following about Cho's book: "The author mixes rants against war, racism, misogyny, homophobia and various prominent Republicans with confessional ponderings of her identity as a Korean-American...she wallows in screeds against the white male power structure, sprinkled with gangsta-rap posturing to establish her outlaw credentials...readers may wish Cho would lighten up." I think PW means "whiten up" rather than "lighten up." No one likes an angry yellow chick, after all. Luckily, she doesn't really give a f*ck what you think. You don't have to be Asian-American to get this book, or to "get" this book, but Cho does speak from the heart about racism and racial identity. It's not always pretty, but it's the truth. The self-aggrandizement that PW objects to is Cho's way of setting her own place at the table. Can't fault her for that. She deserves to be heard. I'll make room in my rickshaw for this sister. I hope she NEVER lightens up.

Margaret Cho is known for her hard-hitting comedy routines and indeed comedy is part of I Have Chosen To Stay And Fight - but underlying this comedy is a serious survey of right, wrong, and what's worth fighting for. Cho's commitment to fighting the politics of disillusionment lends to chapters which tell of her own experiences of oppression, both racial and political, and her friendship with a man on death row. A lively survey of justice, injustice, and politics.

I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight is an understatement. Margaret is by far one of the most intellectual, open-minded activists you'll find today. She is what this country needs. I say Margaret for President 2008. If not her, then we can go with her next choice, Howard Dean. Margaret illustrates in this book what is wrong with America, with phrasing that really lets you know where she stands. Margaret is a brilliant writer - her first book, I'm the One That I Want, was also a wonderful read. But this book takes a more political standpoint. Margaret tears apart all these Christian "homosexuality is wrong groups"...and offers ideas on ways homosexuals can become more accepted. Her ideas are brilliant - and though we have a long way to go, the gay community could experience a revolution - with Margaret as our "Martin Luther Queen" as she so brilliantly puts it. If you get a chance to go see Margaret on her book tour, GO! It is an eye-opening experience, and you'll get to meet a woman who can change your life. All you skeptics out there - go meet her. See if you could learn something for a change, rather than practicing the ignorance that is so accepted in this society. And then, if you still feel the same, and want to hate Margaret for all the good she does - please - do as she asks in her book, and approach her, shake her hand, and look her in the eye and tell her everything you have to say. For those who enjoy this book, or haven't even started reading yet, Margaret's blog on her website ([...]) is a wonderful place to get an idea of who she is and what she stands for. But this book (and Margaret herself) deserves 10 stars out of 5 - because they are both amazing.