EVALUATION REPRESENTATION: BELL HOOKS

bell hooks argues that media often reflects and reinforces systems of oppression, including patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism. Her theory is rooted in an intersectional feminist perspective, highlighting how different aspects of identity (gender, race, class, sexuality etc.) interact to shape experiences of marginalisation. This makes hooks’ theory especially effective for analysing LFTVDs, which frequently explore complex characters and social dynamics

hooks’ theory illuminates how the Stranger Things reflects a patriarchal social structure, particularly in its early episodes. Male authority figures like Hopper and Dr. Brenner,  occupy positions of power, while female characters, occupy more subordinate roles: Mrs. Wheeler is a traditional housewife, and Joyce is portrayed as an emotionally volatile single mother. This distribution of power supports hooks’ claim that media reproduces patriarchal ideologies. However, the show’s narrative arc begins to subvert these dynamics; Joyce’s intuition and determination are validated as the story progresses, and Eleven emerges as a figure of significant strength and autonomy. These shifts suggest a movement toward empowerment, but, as hooks would argue, this empowerment is not evenly distributed across all identities. The contrast between Joyce and Mrs. Wheeler highlights the intersection of gender and class: Joyce, a working-class woman, is burdened by financial stress and social isolation, while Mrs. Wheeler enjoys a more privileged, insulated lifestyle. Joyce’s anxious and erratic behaviour could be read as a consequence of her class-based marginalisation, not simply her gender. Furthermore, hooks would critique the show for its lack of racial diversity, particularly in the representation of women. The central narrative of empowerment revolves around white female characters, while women of colour are notably absent or peripheral. This exclusion reinforces the dominance of white perspectives and undermines the notion of universal female empowerment. Deutschland 83 can also be analysed through hooks’ lens to reveal how intersecting identities shape representation. Lenora stands out as a powerful female figure in a male-dominated institution, challenging gender norms through her skilled leadership and ruthlessness. However, her representation is still shaped by her alignment with state ideology and her role within a specific sociopolitical system. hooks’ approach encourages us to interrogate whether Lenora’s power is truly liberating, or if it is simply a function of her assimilation into a patriarchal political system. Moreover, while Lenora resists gendered expectations, the show remains focused on white, heteronormative perspectives, again reflecting hooks’ concern about the marginalisation of non-dominant identities.

hooks’ theory has limitations when applied to fictional television. While her intersectional approach reveals how gender, race, and class shape media representation, it offers less insight into the construction of those representations within specific narrative forms and genres. For example, hooks does not directly address how conventions of science fiction or political thriller might influence character roles and audience expectations. Nor does her theory fully account for audience reception: interpretations of characters like Lenora or Eleven may vary widely depending on viewers’ backgrounds and beliefs. Some might see these characters as empowering; others might find them problematic or insufficiently progressive. hooks’ framework also tends to focus on critique rather than celebration, which may limit its capacity to appreciate nuanced or ambivalent portrayals.

Therefore, while bell hooks’ theory is highly valuable for analysing ideological messages around identity in LFTVDs, especially in highlighting structural inequalities and the exclusion of marginalised voices, it is most effective when used alongside other theoretical perspectives. Incorporating approaches that address genre, industry context, and audience interpretation allows for a fuller understanding of how representation operates in television drama. hooks provides a crucial lens through which to interrogate power and privilege, but a multidimensional analysis is necessary to grasp the complexity of representation in contemporary media.