Blog 5

In Chapter 7 of FIFE Hooks explained that the division between classes has been a problem, for the feminist movement. According to the book the patriarchal system pushed the ideas of class differences and forced the movement to fight within the existing structure. She spoke of how there became a sort of movement for white women because white supremacist men were scared that African American women would gain equality and take over the economics. Over time however the movement shifted its focus to women of all races and social classes being liberated. Personally, it makes me a little disappointed that the movement (in the beginning) focused solely on white rich women!
I have to say I was taken back a little by chapter 16 which was about lesbianism. I don’t really see how it has any relevance to the movement. I understand that Hooks thinks they should be liberated just as straight women should; however, when it comes to sexuality, I think that is a private and totally separate matter which needs to be kept out of public eye. Lesbians do have rights. In this country they are protected from harassment and from being tortured and I think it has now become widely accepted. The only right they don’t have is marriage; which is sacred and should be between a man and a woman. Nobody is saying they are not allowed to date or live together. The problem is that when people begin to discuss sexuality, the definition of feminism is blurred and people who are feminists and don’t feel they should fight for lesbian rights are put in a bad position. What happened to when feminism was about helping human trafficking, provide equal pay in the workplace, and preventing rape? I do agree with what she said about lesbians teaching us that you don’t need a man to provide for you or make you happy. I think all women should be independent. I found the article by Hooks to be interesting. Boys need to be raised when they are young to not be violent. By being an example of violence, sons will grow up believing fighting is a reasonable way to vent frustrations, when in fact it is not.

I enjoy a wide variety of music and have always throughout my life. I don’t think my taste in music has changed much other than that I enjoy new top charts hits. I chose the Alanis Morisette song because she says she has so many different sides to her. I think women have all types of personalities and often change there moods quickly according to the situation. The second song by Beyonce basically states that being a boy is so much easier because they can "roll out of bed in the morning and throw on" whatever and go. Boys don't get judged and their friends stick up for them. Men put themselves first and tend to treat girls bad according to the song. The dashboard song is one of my favorites and it relates to gender (for me) becuase as a woman I am constantly worried about how I look and want guys to notice me. The Keith Urban song portays how men don't treat women well and some men hold women back from achieving their true potential. The song by Pink explains how women can be so obsessed with their looks that they lose their intelligence to be viewed as pretty and craveble to men. Katy Perry's song talks about all the emotions that guys have in relationships. The last song by the Pussycate dolls shows how many girls dream of being famous when they grow up.