I have just read the introduction to Bell Hooks book All About Love. I did not agree with her saying on page 14 ‘youth culture is cynical about love’. In my opinion and from what I see with my students, my students are all craving love, whether it be that they want someone to care for them, love them as a lover, acknowledge their existence, or through friendship. I have students who talk to me about feeling lonely and craving social interactions. I know my students thrive on me asking how they are and I am even still emailing some that had some problems at the end of last term to check that they are okay. I do agree that our world needs more love and that people are fearful of love, but we wouldn’t have all the dating apps if people weren’t craving some sort of love. Although there are certain apps like Tinder where you get people looking for a ‘quick fix’! ‘
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, we still accept that the family is the primary school for love’ Bell Hooks
I’m not sure what that evidence is on the contrary and will try and finish the book to understand more, but with the university students, this is their first time away from home for the majority and their tutors become their replacement parents and it is us that have to welcome them in, make them feel comfortable and loved. I would also say, those that have had a loving upbringing tend to be more confident and stable, so I look forward to reading the contrary evidence