As
we think about the cultural representation of black women in American
today, we must consider all of the complexities that arise from such a discussion. Representations in media,
film, literature, politics, etc. all provide certain suggestions as to
who black women are. Black women have had to work extensively to
redefine themselves in a more positive light, yet there is more
work that needs to be done. Ultimately, liberation from years of racial
and gendered oppression rests in the freedom to just "be"...to be smart,
funny, happy, mad, sexy, strong, or weak...just to be human. A passage
from “ A Black Feminist Statement” embodies this very thing:
"Above
all else … black women are inherently valuable, our liberation is a
necessity not as an adjunct to somebody else’s but because of our need
as human persons for autonomy.”
-The Combahee River Collective
The dichotomy of hatred/desire going on simultaneously helped to construct the modern identity of black women and white men by giving the two a platform. White men hold most of the very powerful positions in our society. However, that is not the same as white men holding most power. Just as "Hearts of Darkness" illustrates.... the black woman outsmarted the white man without his knowledge. Therefore, the white man was top dog as far as the heiarchy goes but the black woman was the source of the power. The modern era seems to be often driven by ideologically-driven ignorance. Today, the black woman is still exceptionally powerful. However, as stated in the post, we still have to work extensively hard to redefine ourselves because the fact still remains that white is still seen as superior in the hiearchy of race.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the Essay "Hearts of Darkness" it allow me to realize how women were viewed as sexual objects and not as a strong women or human. The European men placed labels on the black without asking the question How would you define yourself? Ms.Omalade 's words made me reflect on Sarah Barrtman or "Hotten Tot Venus. She was forced to leave her homeland and perform like an animal for the entertainment of the white americans in london. Ms. Barrtman was forced to allow the audience to touch her in inappropriate parts of her body. She offered cried from sadness and harassment the European people bestowed upon her. When she died from a std after being a concubine in 1815, the scientists of London placed her body on displayed at the local museum. The family of Ms. Baartman did not recieve her body to lay to rest until 2002.
ReplyDeleteMs. Barrtman was forced to exploit herself. In today's society women are voluntarily exposing nude images to proof they are beautiful and confident. I strongly feel that in order for us to destroy negative stereotypes and images of our race, we need to stop encouraging our own exploration. After we do this all Americans will know o respect all black women for their intelligent and beauty. We must never forget the struggle for our ancestors.
After reading the heart of darkness I realized that being a black woman during slavery help create the structure of black woman today. We are seen as independent, full figured people. The most women want the image of having a big butt, and it's promoted through videos, commercials and music. Reading heart of darkness Omolade put the white man as the leader of society just as it is today. Not much has changed from our images as black and white. Black woman are still seen as people who just birth babies and be under the control of the white man.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading hearts of darkness I was totally convinced that the way people perceive African American women as a whole had been established many years ago, and even though there has been much progression in our race we are still viewed in the same manner by the majority. African American women are still displayed and embraced in the media as sex symbols, mother children in the dark, and as an inferior class. There was great similarity in the selection and our society today we have come extremely far but still have the need for unity as one to embrace our culture and continue to progress as a people.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading "Hearts of Darkness" I realized that how black women were perceived back then and how they are perceived now is not much of a difference. They are still seen as sex symbols or housewives. I do believe that we have came a long way as well when it comes to black women in our society. We are not just seen as that anymore, we are also seen as strong and independent.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading "Hearts of Darkness" I began to realize that this act of oppression against black women is still occurring today. The dichotomy of hatred vs. desire has impacted the way that black women are viewed. White men see black women as inferior. But everything that a white man says is wrong with a black woman is what attracts him to her. In society today black women are portrayed as vulgar, and sexual individuals. As a result of oppression and being labeled with this negative title some black women have used their bodies for financial gain. But black women have managed to create a new image for themselves by being positive, strong and educated. There are still somethings from the past that are affecting today's society but we have accomplished many things as well.
ReplyDelete