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Feminism: A Transformational Politic. bell hooks. bell hooks (1952-). American author, feminist, social activist. Published 30+ books and many articles, appeared in documentaries, conducts public lectures. Race, capitalism, gender are connected; produce systems of oppression and domination.
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Feminism: A Transformational Politic bell hooks
bell hooks (1952-) • American author, feminist, social activist. • Published 30+ books and many articles, appeared in documentaries, conducts public lectures. • Race, capitalism, gender are connected; produce systems of oppression and domination. “To be in the margin is to be part of the whole but outside the main body.”
hooks’ Ideas • Women shouldn’t act as victims; should seek to understand, appreciate, and tolerate all genders and sexes. • All people should be in control of their own destinies. • Men should to be part of effort to create change. • Sought power structures that did not rely on oppression of others.
Feminism: A Transformational Politic • Problem with power structures (public: governments, organizations; private: home, family) is that they are based on domination and oppression, often patriarchal. • Women are not just victims but perpetrators; all people must resist being oppressors. • Feminism’s goal is to end patriarchal system of domination and oppression in personal relationships, which will extend to other relationships (outside home).
Feminism: A Transformational Politic • Women’s identities based on sex, race, and class. • Differences should be part of discussion, even if this makes it more uncomfortable. • Small group discussion is effective; personal experiences humanize discussions; opportunity for feedback on ideas; strengthens effort to change. • Love: catalyst for change; desire to understand others and treat them equally.