Why Bell Hooks Argues That Feminist Theory Is a Social Practice

¶ … Bell Hooks Argues Feminist Theory is a Social Practice

Bell Hooks argues that feminist theory is a social practice for a number of reasons, including the pain of her childhood, which she believes led her to look toward theories as answers for her problems. She believes that much of the accepted and legitimized feminist theory has developed from white men and women, and much of the theory thus developed by others has been rejected by academia. She notes, "Work by women of color and marginalized groups of white women (for example, lesbians, sex radicals), especially if written in a manner that renders it accessible to a broad reading public, is often de-legitimized in academic settings, even if that work enables and promotes feminist practice" (Hooks 38). In addition, she cites other authors who show that there are different levels of theory in different locations; this indicating theory can deviate depending on the situation.

Hooks' arguments are compelling, especially when she relates them to her own painful childhood experiences. Her ideas that the theories of feminism are only accepted when they are created in vague and lofty terms are quite compelling. She writes, "[ ... ] Mary Childers declares that it is highly ironic that 'a certain kind of theoretical performance which only a small cadre of people can possibly understand' has come to be seen as representative of any product of critical thought that will be given recognition within many academic circles as 'theory'" (Hooks 38). She questions the very purpose of much of this feminist theory, and thinks it is confusing and even devaluing, and backs her beliefs up with solid arguments. Hooks also notes that often, even in settings that might be fairly comfortable, people are afraid to speak out and be heard, especially if their ideas oppose those being expressed. Reading this piece makes the reader really think about what is accepted academically, and what is really true socially and personally. If all those who have an opinion or a theory are not accepted, then there is editing and moralizing going on, even if it is not acknowledged. This piece really makes the reader stop and think.