A review by seeceeread
Where We Stand: Class Matters by bell hooks
inspiring
reflective
4.25
💠"Racial solidarity in anti-racist struggle can, sometimes does, and must coexist with a recognition of the importance of ending class elitism."
hooks' premise is strong: In the United States, competing myths leave most people confused and silent (or silenced) on class. She explores her journey across class lines and her current efforts at leveraging class power for democratic socialism. Many parts of this are wickedly quotable, delightfully insightful, applicable nearly a quarter century later:
• The closest most folks can come to talking about class in this nation is to talk about money.
• Living simply did not mean a life without luxuries; it meant a life without excess.
• Through consumerism the evils of class difference are transcended.
• Folks without privilege, who are yearning to have, do not want to be critical of class elitism, and folks with privilege, who want to maintain it at their expense of others, are careful not to talk about ending class hierarchies.
I especially appreciate how hooks returns to diverse spiritual traditions to discuss solidarity with the poor; her frank approach to naming her experiences at multiple points on the class continuum; and her effort to tackle the intersections of racism and classism with a discussion of searches for housing. There are some elements that feel dated, some components that seem too simple, some briefly mentioned visions for change that feel flat.Â
I'm impressed by the author's ability to incite my introspection. I found myself turning over memories and contexts with attention to class, eager to compare and challenge hooks' careful reflection by undertaking a serious inquiry into my own circumstances. It's not often that a book so warmly invites me to be curious about myself 💛
hooks' premise is strong: In the United States, competing myths leave most people confused and silent (or silenced) on class. She explores her journey across class lines and her current efforts at leveraging class power for democratic socialism. Many parts of this are wickedly quotable, delightfully insightful, applicable nearly a quarter century later:
• The closest most folks can come to talking about class in this nation is to talk about money.
• Living simply did not mean a life without luxuries; it meant a life without excess.
• Through consumerism the evils of class difference are transcended.
• Folks without privilege, who are yearning to have, do not want to be critical of class elitism, and folks with privilege, who want to maintain it at their expense of others, are careful not to talk about ending class hierarchies.
I especially appreciate how hooks returns to diverse spiritual traditions to discuss solidarity with the poor; her frank approach to naming her experiences at multiple points on the class continuum; and her effort to tackle the intersections of racism and classism with a discussion of searches for housing. There are some elements that feel dated, some components that seem too simple, some briefly mentioned visions for change that feel flat.Â
I'm impressed by the author's ability to incite my introspection. I found myself turning over memories and contexts with attention to class, eager to compare and challenge hooks' careful reflection by undertaking a serious inquiry into my own circumstances. It's not often that a book so warmly invites me to be curious about myself 💛