Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Bell Hooks

Quote by Bell Hooks

“It must have seemed to them that some monster had appeared in their midst in the shape and body of a child—a demonic little figure who threatened to subvert and undermine all that they were seeking to build. No wonder then that their response was to repress, contain, punish. No wonder that Mama would say to me, now and then, exasperated, frustrated, "I don't know where I got you from, but I sure wish I could give you back." Imagine then if you will, my childhood pain. I did not feel truly connected to these strange people, to these familial folks who could not only fail to grasp my worldview but who just simply did not want to hear it.”

Quote by Bell Hooks

Book:Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom
Create image

Work

Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom

Browse quotes and source details for this work. more

Author

Bell Hooks
Bell Hooks

Bell Hooks, born Gloria Jean Watkins, is an American author, scholar, and activist. Her work primarily focuses on issues of race, gender, and social justice, particularly on feminist and black feminist thought. Hooks' works include novels, poetry, academic writings, and autobiographies, and her writing style is beloved by readers for its profound social insight and desire for change. more

You May Also Like

“There's an early family photograph, a black and white of the four of us sitting on a couch, my mother smiling as she holds me on her lap, my father appearing serious and proud with Craig perched on his. We're dressed for church or maybe a wedding. I'm about eight months old, a pudge-faced, no nonsense bruiser in diapers and an ironed white dress, looking ready to slide out of my mother's clutches, staring down the camera as if I might eat it. Next to me is Craig, gentlemanly in a little bow tie and suit jacket, bearing an earnest expression. He's two years old and already the portrait of brotherly vigilance and responsibility— his arm extended towards mine, his fingers wrapped protectively around my fat wrist.”

LoveFunnyFamilyBabyCuteSiblingMichelle Obama
Book:Becoming
Create image

“Miriam is never very far. She is here, in these walls they've repainted, in the trees they've planted, in the blankets that keep the children warm, in these pillows and books and pencils. She is in the children's laughter. She is in the verses Aziza recites and in the prayers she mutters when she bows westward. But mostly, Miriam is in Laila's own heart, where she shines with the burning radiance of a thousand suns.”

DeathNatureGriefFamilyAcceptanceYouthMotherhoodRemembrance
Book:A Thousand Splendid Suns
Create image

“You’ve got a newborn at home? That right?” His smile softened the chilly air, and Haki was confident she’d made the right move. “Leia,” he said. “She’s our first. War orphan.” “First is a trip. Second is easier but never easy as you expect—you figure you’ve been through the worst, then the babe turns out to have their own personality. The third, though… the third is sheer joy.”

ChildrenFamilyStar WarsUpbringingStar Wars QuoteOrphansBail Organa
Book:The Mask of Fear
Create image