Final answer:
The "oppositional gaze" refers to the critical and resistant gaze of marginalized individuals, specifically black women, in response to the dominant and objectifying gaze imposed upon them. Through this gaze, black women reclaim their agency and challenge dominant representations. It empowers them to critique societal norms and advocate for more inclusive perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "oppositional gaze" is a concept discussed by bell hooks in her essay "The Oppositional Gaze: Black Female Spectators." It refers to the critical and resistant gaze of marginalized individuals, specifically black women, in response to the dominant and often objectifying gaze imposed upon them by society. hooks argues that through the oppositional gaze, black women reclaim their agency and challenge the dominant representations of themselves in media and visual culture.
The oppositional gaze is a form of resistance that allows black women to challenge and subvert the power dynamics inherent in the gaze. By actively looking back and refusing to be passively objectified, they disrupt the traditionally fixed roles assigned to them and assert their own subjectivity. The oppositional gaze empowers black women to critique and redefine societal norms and representations, ultimately advocating for more diverse and inclusive perspectives.
For example, in film and photography, the oppositional gaze may involve black female viewers identifying with the characters on screen and reclaiming their own narratives, rather than internalizing the limited and stereotypical portrayals imposed upon them. It allows for a more nuanced and authentic understanding of black female experiences and challenges the dominant white, male gaze.