Part Three: In "Romance: Sweet Love," bell hooks writes about the problems of "romantic love," and "being out of control." What does she think is wrong with it? What is the alternative? What do you think of her argument?

According to bell hooks, romantic love within Western culture is idealized as a feeling, rather than actions. Instead of caring that is shown in a material fashion, it is depicted as something utterly inscrutable and indefinable. This idealization paradoxically produces cynicism, as more and more young people are convinced that love cannot be found, because finding the perfect partner is impossible. The craving for love is as deep as childhood, given the vital necessity of love for children to flourish. Yet love has become so objectified and commodified, that when someone speaks of a yearning for love, it is assumed that he or she simply needs a partner of the opposite...
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