Why Do Hooks Say Violence Is A Matter Of Power And Domination?

Question #1 

Why Do Hooks State That Attacking Poverty Could Become One Of The Issues That Could Unite Women From Various Ethnic Groups And Cultural Backgrounds? 

The issue surrounding the feminist movement has been a debated concept for a couple of decades now. African American women have for many years established a campaign that would liberate them from the notion of sexism in the United States. According to Hook, women across cultural backgrounds and ethnic groups were likely to unit due to the economic situations in the United States. For many years the African American women were at the forefront of fighting for an equal opportunity in the society especially that of employment and advocated various movements equality. Consequently, African American women ended up working in factories and other fields work even though they received little payment. On the other hand, white women advocated for more time at home where they could practice parenthood. However, due to the increased level of cost of living, women from all walks of life in the American society were likely to join hands in the fight against a common goal, poverty. According to Hook, women from various ethnic backgrounds were expected to unite fighting for gender equality which was seen as a desirable tool particularly for being instrumental social and economic benefits for poverty reduction. 

How Are Some Ways In Which People Tend To Normalize Violence? 

In essence, there are various ways in which people have tried to justify and normalize violence in the contemporary society. One apparent way that people have succeeded to promote this idea is by teaching their children that the only way to approach disagreement and conflict is through violence. Moreover, the aspect of violence has been perceived as being guided by masculinity, where a sense of care is expressed. 

Why Do Hooks Say Violence Is A Matter Of Power And Domination? 

While early women formed various movements with the aim of achieving equality to men, they later realized that sexism was not the only factor that played a part in the issue regarding inequality. According to Hook, the dominant system of white supremacy, capitalists, the patriarchal class structure had a lot to do with the violence that existed in the society. While Hook agrees that both men and women are responsible for accepting and condoning violence in American culture, it was clear that violence lied in organizing principles of power in the society. In this light, the theoretical premise can never be patriarchal alone. 

Question #2 

“ We Are Compelled To Examine Systems Of Domination And Our Role In Their Maintenance And Perpetuation.” 

This quote draws my attention because I can relate to it especially in the contemporary society where power has become the mainstream of everything including workplace discrimination. In the current culture where power has often been misused by the leaders people elect, it has become virtually the role of all people ranging from youth to older people to carefully critique the set-out systems and how it is likely to affect people’s lives in the society. Consequently, it would be essential to criticize all the ideas that promote injustices in both workplaces and at home. 

Question #3 

Although this literature has succeeded in creating awareness in regards to discrimination, I am disappointed that it has not in any way encouraged my overall thinking of sexism as well as gender inequality. It is true that we have made some significant steps in realization of equality in the contemporary society; however, there is a lot that has not been achieved to this date given the fact that people today are oppressed by leaders and even get away with or even re-elected to power. I am surprised how leaders can commit murder and get away with it in the contemporary society. If there will be no change of mindset on how we approach justice, then the whole community is likely to suffer in a way.