Black Looks Review

Marsha Rivera
September 29, 2008
Pop Culture
Tim Posada

Black Looks Review

Bell Hooks' Black Looks covers a variety of challenging themes which specifically addressed black race and representation. Of all the chapters and issues that were discussed in this book best had been on representations of black female sexuality in the cultural marketplace, reconstructing black masculinity and black female spectators.
Since the beginning of cinema any kind of black representation was stereotyped and negative. Blackface actors depicted black folks in an exaggerated, unrealistic and negative light which still has an effect on our perspectives of black folk today. Bell Hooks acknowledges this truth in her studies to explain how black male and females were used to sexualize the world of early Northern American Society by projecting “a narrative of sexualization disassociated from whiteness” (Hooks, 62). Black females were especially highlighted in culture as parts of an object. Their identity as whole human beings was stripped away linking them to past slave auction which mirrors animal auction. Hooks digs further into the representation of female sexuality in culture by focusing on how the representations of black female sexuality has affected society as a whole.
Singer Tina Turner’s testimony exemplifies how representations of black female sexuality have altered every human mind including her former husband Ike Turner. Ike Turners ideals of having Tina act as a wild black savage came from the impact of past white patriarchal controlled media. But this reality couldn’t be further from the truth because Tina Turner was deeply scared from the pressures to fit the mold of wild woman. Tina Turner later embraced the false representation of what a black female should be and in turn “culture jammed” by playing the part of a savage through wardrobe. Furthermore, Tina Turner proves white patriarchal media control still has a hold on her which is present in her choice of a blonde wig. The blonde wig is more than just a color its a attempt to reject some of her blackness to fit the ideal American look of blonde hair and blue eyes.
When discussing the reconstruction of black male masculinity Hooks identifies the black woman as the ultimate victim in white patriarchal media. It was almost necessary for black woman to conform to the ideals of white society in order for black to gain any kind of respect. According to Hooks black men couldn’t assume the position as “men” unless black women were “willing to conform to prevailing sexist gender norms” (Hooks, 92). Black women are put into the uncomfortable position of never being free of a “dominated” life. During slavery it was the white man and after slavery they had no choice but to submit to the black man as the lead. Furthermore, any such rebellion against this was idolized and romanticized yet resulted in vilification (Hooks, 96). Such feelings of powerlessness resulted aggression against none other than the black woman because of her role in white patriarchal society.
In white defense, Hooks donates a chapter to representations of whiteness according to black culture which was limited because there wasn’t evidence from black culture and social critics. Yet it is undeniable that white and black representations have shaped each others culture and almost needed each other to find identity.
Overall, Hooks’ discussions ends with hope and celebration between the African and Native American historical cultures to relearn and possibly regain a better understanding to ultimately transform our current society and future.

Rev Billy > Brad Pitt, in regards to hottest of course!

I would confidently agree that ‘What Would Jesus Buy?’ had both a valid point and was a complete exaggeration. It was purposely done to be over the top to make a loud and clear statement that Americans are unconsciously caught in a trap of evil consumerism. The problem with American consumerism is that it is rooted deep into our souls. We are raised to get excited about December 25th for all the wrong reasons. Building up excitement for spending money on loved ones is socially normal. And sacrificing for one particular special gift is praised as a honorable act. What about the other side of the story? How can American consumerism claim to be justified in any way?
The only two solid arguments for American consumerism would be that is gifts are a love language for some people and is also a good part of American economy. And even then, one non-biblical modern human interpretation of love language isn’t enough weight against recent generations of materialism. Yet how much is needed for our survival? How much production keeps our country alive?

‘Fight Club’ was similarly an extreme exaggeration of how to rise up against the evils of American consumerism. The message of action through violence wasn’t to be taken literally. All of the violence was meant to drawn in an audience and embed the ultimate message of straying away from American consumerism and foreshadowing possible last minute conclusions. The fighting violence in the movie takes away from the true message which also proves its separation of literal violence especially since only one character in the movie actually dies. Furthermore, this form of culture jamming will only prove successful in time. Any smartly constructed efforts to use the medium against its self is worth praising. The balance between capitalism and social responsibility is hard to find, but once its found it can make positive changes to improve our world.

I believe in TRUTH. I believe in HOPE. And I ultimately have FAITH.

The Horatio Alger Myth is alive and well in our contemporary culture. It is as disturbing as it is real. It is seen in those we idolize and most often live vivaciously through such as talk show hosts, hip-hop rappers, garage bands, and countless reality show contestants. Their success stories are generally known to the public which aren’t the best examples for our society to look up to. They are average people who all so happened to be somewhere at the right place and time to get that break for fame. Placing this people on pedestals is unfortunate for us because of the simple fact they are human with human qualities, but are judged on a higher standard because they are in the public eye. We see extraordinary in these ordinary people because that is what film has taught us-- tricked us into thinking our hard work is ALL it takes to succeed.
As for teaching our children? We should tell them the truth and give them hope--challenging them to overcome.
Unfortunately, because there are so many other factors to take into consideration for achieving success I strongly believe the Horatio Alger Myth is negative and not true.
Currently hegemony is in American consumerism. In other countries American brands are more than just statements of taste-- they represent a form of beauty and success through the appeal of choice symbols and words.

I live life, everyday.

Moulin Rouge is significant to the study of pop culture because opened the door for numerous possibilities in the musical category of film. Later musicals such as Across the Universe, Once and Sweeney Todd were only possible because Moulin Rouge was the first to combine popular culture with high and traditional culture. For example, Across the Universe told the story of remerging issues that could be related to our present generational, social and international conflicts. The problem now is where to draw the line on the freedom with musicals. Should there be limits?

And sure, Niebuhr’s model for understanding Christ and culture are five good approaches to understanding. The Christ of culture and Christ above culture are optimistic based perspective and the other three are there to interpret a form undesirable culture. Of the five approaches its plausible to chose the one that best fits according to personal conviction which doesn’t seem concrete. I could stick to two now and then chose two different views tomorrow. Furthermore, Niebuhr only generalizes with five ways to understand Christ and culture, but there are always exceptions.

I guess I'm watching Moulin Rouge tonight...

Hello! My name is Marsha Rivera. Just don’t say my first name three times in a row and we can be friends. The internet is a scary place and to have me publish my work in way is intimidating, especially graded work. But don’t worry, just be prepared for honesty.

My academic plans? My goal is to get through this semester with a 4.0 GPA. I want to learn as much as I can this semester and study abroad the next. It really doesn’t matter where as long as its far from here! Don’t get me wrong I like going to school at APU, but I’m certain I’ve got to be away for a semester.

I am a Communication with a Cinema Broadcast Arts minor which for me means hopefully someday I’ll be the ethnic member of the morning news team for a respectable television station. Being a news anchor is what I’ve thought I have wanted to do since my senior year in high school, but I am lacking the passion for it.

I’m not confident with my journalistic work. I feel that every person is a journalist. We go through experiences, write about them and share them with friends. We have our own perspective on the situation and alter it according to making ourselves appealing.