Blog 4

Question 1

On page 72, bell hooks states "Even in households where no adult male caregiver is present, women taught and teach children sexist thinking." What kind of sexist thinking do you think is being taught to children and how would feminist go about changing that? Also, why do you think a woman would teach her children sexist thinking? Or is it even intentional?

I believe sexist thinking is taught to children, especially girls, to reinforce societal expectations and gender roles on them.  Change could be accomplished through the implementation of new social norms which find it okay for girls to not wear pink (as in the tide commercial) or play with dolls.  These gender norms reinforce the notion that women should remain clean, and in the house.  hooks stated that in a household with a female head there is less sexist thinking conveyed but I find that difficult to believe.  I have experience with families in this situation and they tend to show hostility towards the absent father and view all men in this manner.  This seems to be an unintentional teaching of society but is consistently reinforced through negative portraits of absent fathers in television shows and movies.    

Question 2

Hooks notes that no one wants to call attention to women abusing children. After viewing the video below, why do you think people have done so little to calling attention to this abuse by mothers? What was your reaction to this video? Do you think it was abuse?

It appears the society has differing outlooks on women and men abusing children.  People often see a woman yelling at or disciplining her child as a necessary action for obedience while males are acting out of line and become dangerous or violent.  My reaction to this video was not very apparent until the music kicked in which was able to shape my mood.  Visually I was most receptive to the last segment in which the bruising was visible on the child.  

The clip on the following page provides advice for parents in disciplining their children:
http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampshire/How-much-discipline-is-too-much%3F



Question #1

Bell hooks states “Women having the freedom to be non-monogamous, whether we
exercise that freedom or not, continues to disrupt and challenge the notion
that the female body belongs to men” (hooks, 2000, pg 80-81). Watch the video
below and respond to the following questions: Her decision to forego her
modeling career to reserve her body solely for her husband was a bold choice.
What are your opinions on this? Is this an example of the suppression of a
woman’s sexual freedom and expression? How does this video correspond with the
ideas presented in chapter 14?

It’s interesting that she would give up her career and life goal for her faith.  Initially I was shocked when she was just talking about the conflicts her career had created with her faith.  I then understood what her real motivator was once she spoke of her cousin wanting to lose weight to look like her.  This a common issue in our society, and it is inspiring to her a model realize what effect our outlook on beauty has on young women.  I believe this is an example of women’s sexual freedom because she came to the decision herself and is working to promote beneficial sexual freedom and expression of other females in society.

Question #2

Bell hooks states, “Marriages built on a sexist foundation are likely to be deeply
troubled and rarely last” (hooks, 2000, pg 83). It’s clear that hooks believes
that traditional gender roles in marriage make for an unequal and dissatisfying
union, clarifying that her definition of sexism is equal or comparable to
patriarchy. It could be argued that hooks would disagree with a traditional
marriage. To bring to life an example of this let us take for instance a
stereotypical traditional marriage. The Catholic Church is known for this ‘sacred union’ between a husband and wife. Today, 50% of marriages end in divorce. We question what you suggest is the solution to a fulfilling marriage? Describe what you think this looks like and why it would be successful. Also, if you are able, describe a marriage that you would consider ‘loving’ and ‘flourishing.’

In my opinion the solution to a fulfilling marriage is not something an outsider can define.  Two people in a relationship must find what works for them and aim to retain positive, exclusive relations.  I do not believe any marriage comes without its flaws, but it is up to the people in it to cooperate in order to ensure the bond is able to flourish and last.  It is difficult to remember what loving and flourishing marriages are in our time.  The only examples that come to mind are those of my grandparents’ generation and older.  Many people have a skewed vision of marriage today due to examples seen in celebrity marriage mishaps such as Britney Spears or Kim Kardashian.