bell hooks and Laverne Cox in a Public Dialogue at The New School

It interesting to see how hook's consistent acknowledgment on the fear of criticism is played out in the reception of her remarks within the comments. There can be space for her to question choices of Laverne that need not be received as an "attack". If that persists, and we safeguard respectful dialog to this end, then we will forever be in a space of gray, where truths are hidden in fear of projected aggression.

I think the point where bell hooks brings the question of blonde hair and representation into the discussion is really quite great, and Laverne handles it really well.... I don't see any hostility or aggression? I don't know what people in this comment section are up in arms about tbh. If you've read bell hooks work and know who she is I don't think that line of questioning is at all surprising, and what's more I think it is very relevant to have an honest discussion about it, regardless of the generation gap and what you think is polite and appropriate.

bell hooks doesn't disappoint. I appreciate her comments about safety, the orange TV show, working as a slave for money and finding a role in the framework that you can live with...

The "Safe Space" critique was such a good moment. I fear the stifling lack of conversation in topics that involve traumas, and to hear an alternative in the form of cultivating courage is incredibly promising. Safe Spaces and Trigger Warnings can be terrible deterrents to conversation (offered almost exclusively by white cis-gendered feminists), and more often than not reinforce the power and tyranny of violence.

wonderful, important conversation. thanks for sharing.

Truly amazing conversation. Taking away so much about militancy, courage, and spirituality from these ladies.

i love what bell hooks said about personal accountability in the context of communal solidarity... i think this is a concept that liberal feminism has largely butchered, unfortunately, by making the new gold standard the idea that the only person any woman needs to be accountable to is herself... while i think it's true that nobody NEEDS to do anything, in the realm of feminism this becomes untrue, if the goal of feminism is the betterment of women as a whole.

"gurl get your money straight" thanks for coming back to Earth...

Love, love, love! And it is funny what one can learn through friendly debate. People do not debate--they tend to attack. And even though hooks took some aggressive stances, she and Cox were able to tease out quite nuanced points. Well done, my sistas!

Amazing duo.

This is everything! !!!!!

bell hooks runs court on Q&A!

I don't blame Laverne Cox for choosing the safe way, the blond hair and high heels. She has enough struggle with being a trans woman and I don't think she has an obligation to be subversive on all fronts. But it's fair to tell it how it is.

bell hooks needed to stop rushing laverne n criticizing her "not making eye contact" ???  wth... every time laverne speaks i want to hear more

Awesome!!!!

Can we say Amazinggggggggggggggg?!

Laverne u keep being u and don't let anyone make u feel less than for wearing ur hair or wearing clothes u want. Black women and black People in general are criticized everyday. Freedom of expression is ur right

I don't think Hooks understood what Laverne meant by the word "risks" or safety. 

This talk is fascinating and is a perfect example of how intersectionality usually falls apart when applied. Too many moving parts to be an effective tool for change and only works as a tool for diagnosis.

I love how Laverne sits like a dancer? If that makes sense?