COURSE BLOG for GWSS 3307: Feminist Film/Media Studies (Fall 2007)

Wow! what an amazing woman Bell Hooks is. I found her critiques of the mass media as a propaganda machine, which pushes white supremacist and patriarchal ideals in the pursuit of money with sensationalized spectacle representations of race and class issues, awe inspiring. I found her discussion of OJ Simpson especially interesting. Finally, someone articulated the confusion and frustration that case brought upon this country, without claiming it was simply a black against white issue, instead she brought in the very telling issue of intersectionality, how refreshing! I also appreciate and agree strongly with her call for critical media consumption and a commitment to the importance of literacy.

Wow! That is exactly what I thought too, while watching Bell Hooks. She is so intelligent and talented I would definetly watch her before Opera. As I watched these video clips I couldn't stop asking myself why I hadn't heard of her before, and why I had seen every movie clip she showed? Her language of white supremacist capitalist patriarchy was incredible. I loved how smart and understandable she was, because sometimes really smart people are confusing while explaining themselves, not Bell Hooks! The topic of OJ Simpson is a bit ironic now that he is in the news again being made into a big media story. This is a very inspiring woman.

I'm really happy this was assigned for us to watch, I really love Bell Hooks.

I loved that she talked about Spike Lee. I have never understood critic's responses to his films. I find many of them socially relevant and so much more inspired than anything coming out of Hollywood. I also was interested in her critique of Waiting to Exhale, which has always rubbed me completely the wrong way, and now I know why. There have been so many "black" movies coming out of Hollywood recently that have been horrid, and I love that she explains why. I have watched many of the movies she is talking about and wondered "who in the hell is writing this crap?" Now it all makes sense.

She is extraordinary. Her insights are incredibly refreshing and provocative. I thought her argument about having a sense of entitlement was remarkable. Having the same intelligence level and potential with the difference being that the Yale students feel entitled, and the Harlem students do not have the sense of entitlement or the imagination of a promising future.

I also appreciate her statement that filmmakers are not these innocent men and women behind a camera letting the film roll. They choose what to depict, include, exclude –- at the great disadvantage (or advantage) of the people being displayed.

Hooks’ insight into the OJ Simpson case was very eye-opening for me. I just remember being this little girl watching TV as the camera crews chased his white vehicle down the highway. All I thought about the case back then was that there was this bad, evil man who got off free. I never contemplated the domestic violence that was at the heart of it all. Hooks is right about it being turned into a spectacle where the underlying issues were stifled. Also, her analysis of Madonna was really cool, how she has reinvested in patriarchy after being this symbol of rebellion and female sexual freedom. Ohh, Madonna. Why oh why.

One more thing, the comment about people thinking transgression makes you radical, not what you are transgressing in the service of. A brilliant criticism.

“Piece of shit” –- one of my favorite quotes.

I had never heard of Bell Hooks until today, however I'm quite amazed by her knowledge. She understands the media in a way that is just incredible. She provides so many valid points about racism and current issues with racism. She gives valid and clear explanations for views that we as a socity have now days. I was very taken back by her ability to voice that racism is still a very, very valid and a huge money maker for media today. I can really relate to how she teaches her students by bringing in modern/popular culture. She understands how the media plays into our lives and is able to provide evidence to her students and to people like me that we need to really pay attention to where we gain our facts and entertainment from because it's generated to make money. I like how she is able to point out that the students that attend Yale are not anymore brilliant then those that attend Harlem, just have different mind sets and basically confidence levels. I had never thought about universities in this way until now. I used to think about Yale as being those who were most intelligent but i'm not convienced otherwise. The point that hit most home with me that Bell Hook brought up was that of racism and how it doesn't have to be white on black, but can and is black on black, white on white etc. I feel that this is very valid and I agree 100% with this point. Overall, I feel like I gained something from these clips and I now know who Bell Hook is and what she prides herself in.

The issue of racism is quite unfair. It affects a lot of factor especially the mindset of the people. This takes a lot of effort to be stopped. Bell Hook has great communication skills that she was able to deliver the message effectively.

Sometimes we take for granted some important points in life and sees only what the society portrays. With great communication skills, one can help others to change a certain outlook in life or he or she can enlighten one's mind of realities.