I have never called myself a feminist. It just doesn't seem to be appropriate for a girl like me... You know, being Black and all.
Here's the thing about "Feminism:" the concept as used in homogeneous circles isn't intended for women of color. Apparently Feminism looks, I suppose, Like Hillary Clinton, not Michelle Obama... I'm not sure what the difference is (They both hold/held the position of FLOTUS, both lawyers, both given the opportunity to raise young children in the White House)... But reaction to them are extremely different. Which is weird, considering the inspiration of Feminists, according to most documentaries about modern day documentaries, is the leadership of Black women during the Civil Rights Movement era of the 1960s. As volunteers, they saw the strength of these women and took that empowerment home.
However with every "Wave" of feminism (whatever that means), it seems like there is a group that isn't included in the agenda. Consistently this is women of color. As if our issues (Achievement/Economic Gap, Racism, etc) Isn't important in the grand scheme of feminism. Like many rights groups, we are told to hold on to our issues until all other issues have subsided.
Unfortunately, in trying to expand the issues, mainstream feminists try to quiet the voices of Women of Color. This is an issue of Privilege. These women feel that it is our place to follow them and not forge our own path. Just like history should be inclusive, so though issues of equality. Women of all walks should be at the table instead of the current belief that our only purpose at the table is to serve them. Except instead of food, we are supposed to serve them with our ideas, strategies and (wo)man power.
Thankfully, Social Media has diversified what feminism should look like. There is to much power in the voice of Black/Brown woman to just settle for the theory that Feminism looks like Gloria Steinem, Amanda Marcote, and Michelle Cottle.
There are some amazing voices out there. You just have to look for them... Start with the website Hood Feminism then move outward. You're welcome
MBrooks
Here's the thing about "Feminism:" the concept as used in homogeneous circles isn't intended for women of color. Apparently Feminism looks, I suppose, Like Hillary Clinton, not Michelle Obama... I'm not sure what the difference is (They both hold/held the position of FLOTUS, both lawyers, both given the opportunity to raise young children in the White House)... But reaction to them are extremely different. Which is weird, considering the inspiration of Feminists, according to most documentaries about modern day documentaries, is the leadership of Black women during the Civil Rights Movement era of the 1960s. As volunteers, they saw the strength of these women and took that empowerment home.
However with every "Wave" of feminism (whatever that means), it seems like there is a group that isn't included in the agenda. Consistently this is women of color. As if our issues (Achievement/Economic Gap, Racism, etc) Isn't important in the grand scheme of feminism. Like many rights groups, we are told to hold on to our issues until all other issues have subsided.
Unfortunately, in trying to expand the issues, mainstream feminists try to quiet the voices of Women of Color. This is an issue of Privilege. These women feel that it is our place to follow them and not forge our own path. Just like history should be inclusive, so though issues of equality. Women of all walks should be at the table instead of the current belief that our only purpose at the table is to serve them. Except instead of food, we are supposed to serve them with our ideas, strategies and (wo)man power.
Thankfully, Social Media has diversified what feminism should look like. There is to much power in the voice of Black/Brown woman to just settle for the theory that Feminism looks like Gloria Steinem, Amanda Marcote, and Michelle Cottle.
There are some amazing voices out there. You just have to look for them... Start with the website Hood Feminism then move outward. You're welcome
MBrooks
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