1) What do you think about bell hooks view on feminism and love? Do you agree or disagree, why?
I have to say that I disagree with some of bell hook's views on feminism and love. The very first statement in ch.17 by bell hooks is "If women and men want to know love, we have to yearn for feminism" I do not fully agree with this idea. This is saying that individuals who do not strongly believe or practice feminist ideas do not know what love is, and I think hook's statement is very closed minded. Another quote from this chapter by hooks "Feminist thinking and practice emphasize the value of mutual growth and self-actualization in partnerships and in parenting" (p.103). This may be true but we need to view this idea subjectively and understand that everyone is different and therefore has a different idea of what a loving relationship consists of. Hooks doesn't have the place to say that a person who doesn't hold the same views cannot experience love.
2) Do you see any patriarchal views about dating, relationships, marriage or love in the previous clip? If so, what are they? Do you think that Patti Stanger's view on love alines with bell hook's view? Why or why not? Does the previous clip seem to fit with society's view on love, relationships and/or marriage? Why or why not?
Not necessarily because I think there's a difference between patriarchy and marrying for money or "gold digging". Patti's ideal matchmaking situation seems to be women having their own finances and then marrying for money because of their personal desire to be home with their kids. ( she even mentions men marrying rich women) This sounds more like some womens' (at least the women Patti is referring to) dream than patriarchy because the idea is that they want to live in this situation.
Because Patti's view on love seems to be all about the comfort of the woman and the woman having "back up" finances, it doesn't aline with bell hook's view. Patti's idea is more about embracing the power that women have to be able to marry rich and stay at home.
Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach":
I think this is more about her having her own mind and taking control of her life even though it doesn't agree with society or her father's views.
Ch. 19:
I suppose I do find this true because I would have never been exposed to feminist theory if I wouldn't have taken this course. Looking back at my education, I believe the only time that I was exposed to any feminist idea was briefly learning about women's rights in some history class in middle school. I think it's safe to say that most people will not get the privilege to try and learn and understand feminist views.
How do you think these "grade-school primers" should be presented so that the message is successfully communicated to the younger audience?
I guess for starters we should be more critical about the messages that kid's t.v shows and books send to the viewer/reader, and eliminate those that promote patriarchy. From there, schools could add some sort of education about the feminist movement that would be appropriate and easily learned by children.
I agree with you when you say that we need to be more critical about what children are exposed to and it starts at such a young age it so very hard to get away from. We want to protect our children but it seems like its almost impossible these days with so much coming at us from the media these days,
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