How does Bell Hooks define "talking back"?

Bell Hooks defines "talking back" as a method for expressing dissent and a liberated voice. This concept emphasizes the importance of speaking out against oppression and challenging dominant narratives. Hooks advocates for individuals, particularly those from marginalized groups, to assert their own perspectives and experiences in conversations where their voices may be marginalized or ignored. This act of "talking back" is a form of empowerment, as it helps individuals reclaim their narratives and assert their identities.

Engaging in this practice can foster deeper understanding and dialogue, challenging prevailing power structures while also encouraging a sense of agency among those who traditionally may have felt voiceless. The notion encompasses not just resistance, but also the celebration of one's voice as a legitimate part of the conversation. In contrast to simply dialoguing with authority or disengaging entirely from dominant perspectives, "talking back" is actively about ownership and expression of one's truth in the face of power.