Summary of First Chapter
What is feminism? I was unsure of the definition until I read bell hooks’s book Feminism is for Everybody Passionate Politics. It defines feminism as a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. It states that because society is primarily Christian, people believe a man is the head of house. The problem is many women involved in the feminism movement chose to believe it was anti-male. At first, it was anti-male but, as the struggle continued feminists realized women could be just as sexist. The main focus then switched to gender equality. Essays published during that time pointed out women could only bond together by addressing the many ways through class, race, and sex women exploit each other. Feminists had to be able to come to terms with this in regards to politics as well. The book briefly discuss how it became clear to black woman that they were never going to have equality “…within the existing white supremacist capitalist patriarchy.” hooks points out that a great deal of women, particularly privileged white woman, no longer give consideration to the feminist movement because of the economic power they have gained. The idea of the feminist movement is only available to those who are wealthy, literate, and highly educated. Many people have not rejected the idea. They have simply not heard of it. hooks then delves into the idea of reformist feminism. These are women who only try to work with the sexist system by accepting it and using their jobs to become equals at work. They leave the “dirty work” to the poor women and are thus allies to sexism. Along comes lifestyle feminism, the idea that there are many types of feminism and a woman could have feminism in life regardless of personal politics. hooks urges us to reclaim the definitions of feminist politics and allow the movement to get back on its feet. We can all spread the message that “Feminism is a movement to end http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3797042329525447260
Create sexist oppression.” Let’s do it!
1 comment:
Sometimes the hardest thing we have to do is take care of ourselves, even when we don't think we really know how. Mouse, I have not known you for a long time, but I have known you in a period of lovely sobriety and have seen the strides forward that you are making -- with your writing, reading, thinking and speaking. I do not see you as a stupid person; quite the contrary, you are very smart and I always like hearing your insights. I can't wait to see what else you can come up with, and you know, it is hard to be an effective writer/thinker if you are on heroin or drunk. How are you going to tell me what chapter 7 of the bell hooks book says if you are high?
Your friend,
Sarah
Post a Comment