The struggle to end sexist oppression that focuses on destroying the cultural basis for such domination strengthens other liberation struggles. Individuals who fight for the eradication of sexism without struggles to end racism or classism undermine their own efforts. Individuals who fight for the eradication of racism or classism while supporting sexist oppression are helping to maintain the cultural basis of all forms of group oppression.
Interpretation
The fight against sexism is interconnected with struggles against racism and classism, emphasizing the importance of collective liberation.
Bell Hooks articulates that the struggle against sexist oppression is not isolated; rather, it is part of a broader context of social justice. Fighting against sexism while ignoring racism or classism weakens the overall movement for liberation. Similarly, supporting sexist oppression while fighting against other forms of discrimination only reinforces the cultural foundations of oppression. Therefore, a holistic approach to fighting different forms of oppression is essential for true liberation.
In practice
In a speech about social justice, a speaker may use this quote to emphasize the interconnectedness of various social issues.
Privilege is not in and of itself bad; what matters is what we do with privilege. I want to live in a world where all women have access to education, and all women can earn PhD’s, if they so desire. Privilege does not have to be negative, but we have to share our resources and take direction about how to use our privilege in ways that empower those who lack it.
Self-love is the foundation of our loving practice. Without it our other efforts to love fail. Giving ourselves love we provide our inner being with the opportunity to have the unconditional love we may have always longed to receive from someone else.
While privacy strengthens all our bonds, secrecy weakens and damages connection. Lerner points out that we do not usually "know the emotional costs of keeping a secret" until the truth is disclosed. Usually, secrecy involves lying. And lying is always the setting for potential betrayal and violation of trust.
When we only name the problem, when we state complaint without a constructive focus or resolution, we take hope away. In this way critique can become merely an expression of profound cynicism, which then works to sustain dominator culture.
Once you do away with the idea of people as fixed, static entities, then you see that people can change, and there is hope.
I still think it's important for people to have a sharp, ongoing critique of marriage in patriarchal society — because once you marry within a society that remains patriarchal, no matter how alternative you want to be within your unit, there is still a culture outside you that will impose many, many values on you whether you want them to or not.
Those who travel to mountain-tops are half in love with themselves, and half in love with oblivion.
The accent of a man's native country remains in his mind and his heart, as it does in his speech.
A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life.
If you feel that you must suffer, then plan your suffering carefully -- as you choose your dreams, as you conceive your ancestors.
The person who says he knows what he thinks but cannot express it usually does not know what he thinks.
Our Constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law. The humblest is the peer of the most powerful.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.