Watching hooks’ interview initially made me realise the weight of power she acquired. The interviewer described her as a cultural critic, feminist, theorist, political activist and gave evidence that claimed said occupations. She is recognised as America’s leading intellectual, a professor, takes the name of great grandmother in recognition of female legacy, Lower case lettering to reflect weariness about ego.
One of the leading questions the interviewer asked discussed white supremacy. Hooks’ answer to me was quite profound as I haven’t ever thought of connecting white supremacy to culture and competition.
“What do you say about white supremacy today?”
It isn’t a white thing, it is about culture. It is a part of how all of us are taught to think about difference. Who is better, who is inferior, who is superior.
“Normalizing conventional masculinity in a nation where Black women played key roles in resistance to racism.”
“Men require the self esteem to be able to be providers and protectors.” *my perception* Men require self esteem by protecting women, but nowadays, the culture indicates that men still provide protection but without having high self esteem.
The topics covered stemmed off of white supremacy, racism, patriarchy and male violence. I found in this instance that Hooks’ has moved from one topic to the next is such fluidity that she has made it easier for Rose to be able to ask said questions in relation to the topics above. Something I haven’t noticed initially but, during class I have been made aware of is the way Rose has interrupted hooks several times within the interview, in some aspects he thought he would be able to in-still a certain narrative which lead to a few moments of disagreements between the two. He had also brushed off a few points that related to the feminist movement and the importance of black women within said movement.
To conclude, one of the main points that hooks wanted to come across was the foundation and history of feminism. Black women have paved their way for middle class white women so they can be able to support a movement that initially was founded by black women.