bell hooks, Understanding Patriarchy
Quote 1: "Patriarchy is a political-social system that insists that males are inherently dominating, superior to everything and everyone deemed weak, especially females, and endowed with the right to dominate and rule over the weak and to maintain that dominance through various forms of psychological terrorism and violence."
Response/Reaction 1: This quote succinctly defines patriarchy as a system that perpetuates male dominance through various means, including psychological terrorism and violence. It highlights the power dynamics and the oppressive nature of patriarchal societies.
Quote 2: "The recollection of this brutal whipping of a little-girl daughter by a big strong man served as more than just a reminder of my gendered place; it was a reminder to everyone watching/remembering, to all my siblings, male and female, and to our grown-woman mother that our patriarchal father was the ruler in our household."
Response/Reaction 2: This quote is a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of patriarchal violence within a family. It illustrates how such traumatic events reinforce the patriarchal power structure, leaving lasting scars on both the victim and those who witness it. It's a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of patriarchy.
- The Male Gaze refers to the way visual media and art have traditionally been constructed from a heterosexual male perspective, objectifying women as passive objects of desire.
- The Female Gaze, on the other hand, offers an alternative perspective that challenges the objectification of women. It often portrays men as objects of desire and places emphasis on the female experience, agency, and subjectivity.
- The Oppositional Gaze is a concept introduced by scholar bell hooks. It describes the act of resistance by marginalized groups, particularly Black women, who critique and subvert the dominant gaze. It's a form of resistance against the way they have been historically represented in media and culture.
These gazes reflect the power dynamics and societal norms that influence how we perceive and are perceived in visual culture.
bell hooks gaze
Quote 1: "The 'gaze' has always been political in my life. Imagine the terror felt by the child who has come to understand through repeated punishments that one's gaze can be dangerous."
Response/Reaction 1: This quote emphasizes the political and power-laden nature of the gaze, highlighting how even as a child, one can be conditioned to fear the consequences of their gaze. It underscores the significance of the gaze as a tool of resistance and a way to challenge authority.
Quote 2: "Black looks, as they were constituted in the context of social movements for racial uplift, were interrogating gazes. We laughed at television shows like Our Gang and Amos 'n' Andy, at these white representations of blackness, but we also looked at them critically."
Response/Reaction 2: This quote explores the concept of "interrogating gazes" within black spectatorship. It shows how black viewers used critical engagement with media, even when confronted with stereotypical and degrading representations, to challenge and contest dominant narratives. It highlights the agency of black spectators in dissecting and discussing problematic portrayals in media.
Ana Mendieta: Artist Who Pushed Boundaries | NYTimes
"The making of my ‘Silueta’ in nature keeps the transition between my homeland and my new home. It is a way of reclaiming my roots and becoming one with nature. Although the culture in which I live is part of me, my roots and cultural identity are a result of my Cuban heritage."
This quote from Ana Mendieta reflects her deep connection to her Cuban heritage and her artistic practice, particularly her "Silueta" series, which allowed her to bridge the gap between her homeland and her new environment while emphasizing her cultural identity.
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