Summary
Bell Hooks offers a stark criticism of the complexities of feminism. She delves into the callous tactics employed by racists, misogynists and classists alike to undermine the progress of women…especially that of Black women. She discusses the historical racial trauma of slavery and the periods of oppression and segregation that followed. The text clearly highlights the lengths that the patriarchy went to in order to disrupt any progress by women or Black people.
What I Liked
I liked the honesty. She pulled no punches. It is clear that sexism and racism are both incredibly political and capitalist and she lays out the blueprint for oppression that has been used for centuries. I liked that she educated and offered solutions to many of the issues that are still present today. As deflating as it can be to take a look at the brutalities of history and the similarities of today, she offers a bit of hope and a roadmap to reaching a functional society.
What I Learned
I learned that despite the patriarchy, sisterhood is still powerful. Feminism isn’t about being equal to men but freedom from sexism, gender bias, etc. Protecting the privilege of sexism undermines feminism no matter who perpetrates it. Feminism supports female bonding. Community education is essential. The beauty industry “standards” were (and are) a sexist pushback to feminism. Class outweighed feminism and can be linked to women emulating men. Violence is not acceptable anywhere, in any form…not in communities, not in parenting…nowhere. Parenting needs to focus on girlhood not just womanhood and boyhood not just manhood. Girls and boys both need to learn the importance of love and self-esteem. Women spread patriarchy and sexism to children more frequently than men due to time spent with them and they need to focus on raising them and not passing on propaganda. Children are more susceptible to violence from women/mothers.
Attacking welfare programs to undermine balanced female-led parenting, such as attacking single mothers, is detrimental to the safety of children. Ties between knowing love and yearning for feminism. Revolution cannot be solely fueled on hatred of social norms/patriarchy. The revolution must be fortified with love. And love is not about domination. Revolution includes religion, too. Christianity is inherently sexist and influences politics and culture. The world needs visionary feminism. Education on feminism is essential. Classism within feminism must be addressed and eradicated. Further education on feminism must use accessible language, minimizing jargon, to maximize understanding of visionary feminism theories. People who are passionate about visionary feminism have to create this accessible curriculum and broaden the scope of feminism. Feminism is relevant all the time and there is a need for some form of feminist media to provide unbiased coverage of social issues. It is important to clarify that all feminine issues are not necessarily feminist issues. An important aspect of feminism is ending male violence, which means ending male domination, which means ending the patriarchy and patriarchal thinking. Feminist thinking is akin to critical conscience. It is vital to have literature for all ages that is rooted in feminism, which is true equality for all people, as well as feminist lobbies, accessible feminist education and other feminist media. Gender, race and class are all manmade issues that the patriarchy stirs up as gender norms/gender roles, sexism, racism, racial stereotypes, capitalism and classism. Feminism truly is for everybody.
Reading Recommendation
I recommend this to everyone, especially if you consider yourself a true feminist or if you are curious about feminism and why it is vital for a fair and equitable society.
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