"Why is it that many contemporary male thinkers, especially men of color, repudiate the imperialist legacy of Columbus but affirm dimensions of that legacy by their refusal to repudiate patriarchy?"

This quote by Bell Hooks is questioning why several male thinkers, specifically males of shade, are willing to decline the imperialist tradition of Columbus, yet still uphold the patriarchal system that was established by him. Hooks is suggesting that these males are not totally denying the tradition of Columbus, as they are still supporting the patriarchal system that was developed by him. This could be viewed as a form of internalized fascism, where males of color are still upholding the oppressive systems that were established by their oppressors. Hooks is suggesting that in order to genuinely deny the tradition of Columbus, men of shade should additionally reject the patriarchal system that was established by him.