Over time there has been a stigma placed upon the "black woman". More and more has "the black woman's" voice become viewed as subordinate to that of their superiors. The black feminist of the late 20's century were not being heard, and weren't even given recognition by white feminist parties that they deserved. In "The Masters Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House" by Audre Lorde she speaks a great deal about this. She as a black lesbian feminist and quite often is her knowledge dismissed. She highlights that without the accounts of all women whether they are black, white, 3rd world, lesbian or even poor, there would not be a valid feminist theory. Lorde stated, "The absence of any consideration of lesbian consciousness or the consciousness of Third World women leaves a serious gap within this conference and within the papers presented here." I point this quote out because it discloses her displeasure for the lack of care between an organization that share the same principles, one being earning equal rights to men.
As a black women I strive to be my very best at every aspect in life. Black women have to, aspire and thrive on being strong but then get condemned for their survival. "Black women want to be proud, dignified, and free from all those false definitions of beauty and woman hood that are unrealistic and unnatural. We, not white men or black men, must define our own self-image as black women and not fall into the mistake of being placed upon the pedestal which is even being rejected by white women." This is an excerpt from The National Black Feminist Organization's Statement of Purpose, 1973. I feel the video below sums this quote up. The point of the black feminist is not to be a follower rather to lead and create a suitable standard for all without excluding anyone.
It's quite interesting hearing the background of the feminist movement and seeing what the originators stood for. "The Combahee River Collective Statement" gives very good insight to the genesis, beliefs in terms of politics, the hardships faced when trying to organize the feminist, and their issues and practices.
After reading all three readings, I decided to identify myself as a black feminist. I have been discriminated against in the most sleigh ways. Especially back in high school where I went to an all girl's school which was predominantly white. Often times my thoughts and beliefs were disregarded but I never let that stop me from achieving my goals, even up to now. I feed off of the negativity and use it as fuel while I approach success. Being a feminist does not mean hating men. Being a black women feminist does not mean hate white and black men as well as white women. Being a black women feminist in my eyes means embodying the character worth emulating one of great stature and honor such as the women in the previous video; standing up for my beliefs as long as they manifest results that better man as a whole and not as social ranks.
This song is a positive and powerful outlook on life as a black woman!!!
"It is in the knowledge of the genuine conditions of our lives that we must draw our strength to live and our reasons for acting." -Simone de Beauvoir
As a fellow black woman I found this post very interesting. The first video speaks on what many black women back then and in today's society still do. Black women have not fully been given the credit that is due. Ether its for their own black communities, or for others; black women feminist still want to make sure everyone receive the same amount of rights and education. However black women are still being put into the mama,or the "Beyonce booty shaking" stereotype. Is it possible that society is not fully ready to recognize these women who are educated, and strong?
ReplyDeleteI must agree, Black woman are put under the Fire alot more than any other Woman in our society, It goes back to the roots, with one main issue coming with self esteem which have been build on black woman for wearing their natural Hair out. Many woman feel self conscious about this because they are being mad fun of and feel ashamed, I remember attending the arts festival in Harlem last summer and how it showed Black woman in their natural beauty showing their marks and hair as a form of strength to empower more Black woman to be themselves and not to try and not to perm their hair, or lighten their skins in order to be more accepted with the rest of the white woman. Many educated Black woman are not being motivated and from young age and this comes from their peers and family at times when they fail to empowering them and showing them that they shouldn't strive to look like beyonce or learn her moves but to point on the wrongs in the roles these celebrities are portraying just to sell music.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's possible for me to ever fully grasp the struggles of black women throughout the years, but I must ask, do you really see black men as above white women on the scale of social hierarchy? I feel as though we have similar cases like that of Emmett Till, but to a lesser degree on a daily basis where white girls refer to "experiencing" the black man and reducing them to their mere sexuality or how often I've heard, even close, white, female friends say "This one time this black guy..," as though the race is something of note and changes the premise of the story. It feel as though the categories are roughly the same in terms of gender, but further divided by race. I'm sorry for harping on this alone but I felt it bore mentioning.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the actual text, it brought to mind Erykah Badu's 'Cleva.' I've always loved how Erykah has brazenly embraced her socially-perceived shortcomings. It's a beautiful portrayal of the black woman that sometimes is obscured by the woes of synthetics or Westernization.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ9sMbeCcvA
I have to agree with you, @venusasaboy, I don't think I will ever quite understand a black woman's perspective on our culture today. I am a white woman, but I think I am just so open minded to all types of suffering no matter what gender or color you are. I also have to agree with what you say regarding maybe white females, talking about black guys. I have overheard many similar conversations. However, there are all sorts of stereotypes that I've heard black men call white women. Across the board--all of the points everyone is trying to make here seems valid, but is being a black woman so different than being a white woman in 2013, specifically in America? I guess I would like to talk more about this, or get some more perspective. When I was in middle/high school, there weren't many black girls that attended my school in general, and I was friends with most of them, and really never thought anything of it. However, I will never forget the day when a girl started bullying me, saying that she said she wants to paint me black, and threatened me etc. etc. It did NOT cause me to be racist by any means, but it really made me feel like black girls might not like me just because I am white. I'm not sure exactly what point I am trying to make by sharing this, but do you think there might be some hostility between black women and white women?
Delete@Venusasaboy to answer your question no I don't believe black men are above white women when it comes to social hierarchy. The white race has always been the first choice and all other races after. Not saying this social hierarchy is as horrible today as it was in the 1900s but it defiantly still exists. Iam too a black feminist and people get the word feminist misconstrued and take it and add all kinds of negative add ons to it. I found this posting very inspiring and the two you tube clips show African American women in a better view as opposed to all the booty shaking and half naked clothes we are stereotypically known for.
ReplyDelete@Venusasaboy & @Love22 I do in fact think that black men (not boys) are ahead of white women at this period in time and here's why. Elections of 2008: The Democratic options was between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and the voters chose Barack Obama. This is only one example of our times "NOW" that I've seen a black man chosen over a white women. I feel this to e so because the men voting whether black or white would rather a MAN run the country over a women because a women might be too moody.
ReplyDelete@TheWonderingMind... you propose a very interesting question.
ReplyDelete"Is it possible that society is not fully ready to recognize these women who are educated, and strong?"
I think society is ready but seems to lament on the negatives of women especially women of color. They tend to place all women of color into the standards set by the culture of poverty. When I say this, what I mean is they lump all women into the same category regardless of the circumstances. For instance, teenage pregnancy: they often speak of women of color as the masters at this and many times faulting them for this, granted some are asking for it.... but you see the double standard when they have the television show praising or rewarding white teen mothers, 16 & Pregnant.
Hopefully this makes sense.... I just felt like venting. :-)
The problem is, acknowledging the positive attributes and offerings of black women will leave more dominant groups without a doormat. We've been at the bottom of the totem pole for so long, that it seems like other groups find relief with their self-owned shortcomings because at least they're still not one of us. Not on the bottom. That's the fear, nobody else wants to end up in that spot.
ReplyDeleteBossy_Intellectual is also on point. In terms of racial issues, what is seen as a stereotypical negative for one group, is something to be lauded within another group. It's all in the way the event or action is described. If the individual is a member of the dominant group, it's described in a positive or acceptable light. If the individual is apart of a minority or subordinate group, it's seen as apart of their cultural or reflected negatively upon.
The article "The Combahee River Collective Statement" was really interesting to read and to see the point of view of black women at that time, and I agree with Bossy_Intellectual. In this society there are many people that stereotype, and that is why this society in this issue goes backwards instead of going forward. However, black women have come through a lot in this society, and they still fight for what they believe in.
ReplyDeleteBossy_Intellectual, I found your blogpost to be very inspiring. I too believe that all women should strive to be their best and develop their character so that they may have a positive impact on society. One theme that seemed to come up in all of the readings is "interdependency between women."(Lourde 2) As Lourde states, we as women have a power that our patriarchal society fears and it lies within our desire to nurture. If we use this desire to come together, with our best feet forward and our strong characters we can make a difference in this struggle. It is especially important for us as minorities to present ourselves in a dignified manner like the black feminists pictured in the link you posted. That is the only way that we will be taken seriously and the only way we can get past those "booty shaking" stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteI thought your blog post was very informative, and did a great job condensing the main points of the articles we read. I also appreciate your stance on feminism and I agree with your thoughts on womens rights, despite me being a caucasian woman. As I read through the comments, it seems that some of us have a difference in opinion regarding the historical hierarchy that you mentioned above. I would also have to disagree with what you said, although your example of Barack vs. Hillary was a good one. Black men earned the right to vote around 1870. Although the process of voting was at a direct conflict with regulations put in place by white, male voters, such as the literacy test, this was still a victory for black men. Women's suffrage did not occur until 1920, nearly 50 years after black males were eligible to vote. So I can see why you would place whites, despite gender, above black men and women. Blatant treatment of blacks throughout history would indicate that blacks were always oppressed, but white women experienced similar mistreatment when it came to the patriarchal systems that denied women's rights. Each culture and gender had endured a certain amount of discrimination, and building a society out of a subordinate status isn't the easiest thing to do. I am not saying that white women were in the clear for denying black women acceptance into feminist groups. However, each faction of any subculture has to unite together to rise above, and perhaps these white women only believed success for women everywhere would come from them establishing themselves first and foremost.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog post and agree that women of color are under fire at times and are not given the credit . Society I feel gives women a certain category that they have to be put under. Not many times are women of color and any women given the credit when it is due and majority of men have the power it seems.
ReplyDeleteIn our society today, I do feel that the voice of "the black woman" and other woman of minorities are seldom heard. Woman have to strive even harder to battle against the stigmas and stereotypes placed on them. To some extent I feel that people aren't even accepting of the idea that they too are intellectual and have a lot to offer to society. There may be that underlying fear that those whole hold power may lose it or a good part of it, but it is time that society starts to think about the benefits of real equality for all. Woman in general can be just as great in anything a man can. I will never know what the struggles of a black woman are but, I know what they are like for a latina. There has to come a point when we all come to a consensus and think of the improving the majority and not specic ranks, ethncities, or categories in general.
ReplyDeleteLorde uses the context of an academic conference to make the larger point that social systems are the product of the intersection of experiences. She points to the academic community as a microcosm of a larger power structure that has developed a skewed narrative because not all of the participants have a voice in the narrative. Her point is not the empowerment of a specific group, but rather the idea that difference cannot be simply stated as difference. It (difference) must be developed as a strength and that strength must be included in the intersection of the narrative.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blogpost, especially since it also ties in with one of my classes, where we learn about how black women have struggled ever since slavery, up until now even where we have discrimination hit different races in different ways. Many different genders and races have endured discrimination and its sickening to see how once specific gender or race can be hated so much. Great use of video, this blog post was very informative and it shows the struggles and strengths black women had to go through and rise up in society.
ReplyDeleteI also can never fully experience what it is to be a women in america and deal with the struggles that have presented themselves throughout history, like peggy Mcintosh i have only been taught to see racism and sexism in individual acts of meanness as well. Now that i read through the assigned readings and the comments on this blog, i feel as though i am beginning to understand the broader depictions of race and gender issues. I agree with Bossy_Intellectual that the way to practice feminism to ensure "Being a black women feminist does not mean hating white and black men as well as white women. Being a black women feminist in my eyes means embodying the character worth emulating one of great stature and honor." This was a great and informative blog keep up the good work and thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis post was very interesting I agree that racism and sexism are still prevalent and coincide as pointed out in the post. The article “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House” by Audre Lorde illustrates the disadvantage that women face because of their difference in race, sexuality and class. The author’s critic of the conference was due to the fact that there was no representation or consideration taken from poor women, Black and Third World women, or lesbians when creating the papers presented in the conference. The conference was mainly represented by white men and as the title suggests, how can there be change when the people who are talking about women issues are men that don’t want to change the way things are? The author also suggests that women use their differences to work together as supposed to viewing each other as separate.
ReplyDeleteOf all the readings for this past week I've found Lorde's "The Master's tools.." resonated with me the most. This past year I've stopped identifying as a feminist after doing so for quite a long time.It's hard to support a cause when its loudest voices make you feel like your experiences are not only unimportant, but not even worth learning about or considering. While the article deals specifically with Lorde's experience as a black lesbian feminist, I feel it's applicable to all races and walks of life that have felt slighted by mainstream upper-middle class white feminism.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a young feminist I would hear minority women complain that their voices weren't being heard, and I would parrot the (white feminist) excuse, "You're just being divisive." I just accepted the idea that feminism was for all women, regardless of race, ability or sexual orientation, without question. As I've grown older I've come to realize, like Lorde states, not being an intersectional/inclusive feminist is what is actually dividing the movement. Lorde questions white feminist's ability to glean so much knowledge about the movement in the past 10 years, but none of it about black women/the struggle of other minority women; I question it too. I can't be sure whether it's plain ignorance of other people's plights, as I've heard as an excuse, or just a lack of empathy for "others." My experience has sadly lead me to believe its the latter.
While I agree that black women have received the worst end of the racism and sexism stick and that their struggles have been enormous and important to understand and note, I feel as though however, this week's reading were more focused on unity of people of all genders, races and class. I got the feeling from both videos that black women were isolating themselves from others and encouraging them to stick together and create their own community. However, through this no change is ever going to occur. White woman feminist organizations tackled sexism and won many battles, but not the war. The war we currently face against sexism, racism, stigmas, stereotypes, prejudices, etc, is still going on. The only way of ever fighting it is building a community of people of all genders, races and economic classes. The term diversity is thrown around a lot in our society, but I still seize to believe that we all really know what it means, including myself. We need to strive to bring everyone together in order to fight this war that I think we still face. When this is done, the double barriers that black women face will be resolved including everyone else facing barriers in this nation.
ReplyDeleteIn that first video, there was such a shift in the speaker's tone from 2:45 onwards. His description of the original black feminists portraying black women as being "well-mannered and courteous at all times" sounds like the sexist point of view that he claims not to hold in the first place. A comment Professor Pok made during one of our discussions popped into my mind at that point; when she was talking about little girls being taught from an early age that they shouldn't stand up for what they believe in or be loud and express themselves because "little girls don't do that". The speaker made it sound as if women can fight for what they believe in, BUT they shouldn't be disruptive or too outspoken about it.
ReplyDelete