“Deep Psychic Wounds”: bell hooks’ Healing Methods for African American Communities

Abstract

bell hooks was a leader in the literary world who was unbashful in expressing her affection for the upliftment of African Americans in the United States. Majority of her works focus on the idea of white supremacy and how it has caused impoverishment and degradation among black communities. People within black communities suffer from low self-esteem, physical and mental health issues due to the racism, sexism and class oppressions that have become perpetual fixtures within society. Therefore, hooks’ literature insist that it is important for African Americans to find methods towards overcoming their trauma to end their pain and feelings of inadequacy. A collection of six books is utilized to highlight the advice that hooks provides for African Americans who are distressed and need to recover from the long-term effects of systematic racism and sexism. She offers anecdotes to help black people realize that it is necessary to take an active role in healing from subjugation in order to live a more prosperous life. This bibliographic essay demonstrates that self-reflection and dismantling white supremacy ideals in society is essential in the process of healing and improving mental health within the African American community.