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.