Cornel West, Bell Hooks and Michel Foucault

Who are Cornel West, Bell Hooks and Michel Foucault. What do they have to say about postmodernity, deconstruction, and race? 


Cornel West: Cornel West is a social activist. The majority of his thought focuses on "race, gender, and class in American society and the means by which people act and react to their 'radical conditionedness'. He is often featured on the media as a commentator on political and social issues."West believes that "white America" dominates today's culture, and that "white supremacy" continues to define everyday life. West spoke up after 9/11 stating that it was a wake up call for most Americans. It gave most citizens a glimpse into the fear and uncertainty that African Americans face on a day to day basis. Cornel West has little trust in any form of authority. West is very vocal in his beliefs. 


Bell Hooks: Her full name is Gloria Jean Watkins. She is an author, feminist, and also a social activist. "Primarily through a postmodern perspective, she has addressed race, class, and gender in education, art, history, sexuality, mass media, and feminism."Bell Hooks often writes of adversity related to segregation. She challenges the definition of feminism and racism and how they are commonly perceived.Her more recent publications and presentations focus on a loving community. Communities with strong relationships are crucial to developing understanding and equality. 


Michel Foucault: A French philospher whose theories addressed the the relationship between power and knowledge. He believed that these were used as a form of social control. He rejected the term of postmodernism and prefered "a critical history of modernity". Similarly to Cornel West, Michel Foucault questioned authority and domination of certain parts of society.