Bell Hook

3 Pages 853 Words

In chapter one Feminist Politics (Where We Stand), Bell Hook explore feminism as a “movement to end sexism” sexual exploitation and oppression. She notes that in her definition of feminism men were not the enemy. It is not that “sexist thinking and action were the problems.” She suggested that sexism is misunderstood, that most people learn from “patriarchal Mass Media.”

Understanding Feminism is tied to the issue of gender equality. I believe most people although not the majority, were raised to the fact that we share and we often relinquish control somewhat to the domination of the male in western countries. This goes back to our Christian roots and upbringing. Today, there is a major shift toward support of feminism, and the desire for equal rights, equal pay and justice.

In Feminist Education for Critical Consciousness, Bell speaks of women learning in groups and how our lives are “rooted in theory” meaning how we think and act. (pg 19) I believe that either the male patriarchy or feminist thinking dominates much of what we read. The article exposed many bias and the need for a non-biased, open-minded approach to learning.

In Our Bodies Ourselves (Reproductive Rights), Bell Hook explored the right of women to have access to healthcare at a time when it was a “class privilege” for whites and not for women of color. The shamefulness of unwanted pregnancy would force many women into marriage. This action changed their lives causing many to be stuck in unwanted long-term relationships.

As the feminist movement grew so did sexual liberation for women. Women were eventually able to get access to basic education, prenatal care, and comprehensive preventive health care. These basis needs would help females to gain better understanding of how their bodies worked giving them more freedom of choice.

Bell Hooks also explores birth control pills as paving the right of passage to sexual liberation....