black woman or
 

I was watching C-SPAN that had a panel discussing AA that have run for the presidential bid. One question asked by a woman candidate was described as damning -
Do you consider yourself a black woman first or a woman first then black. What would have been your reply?

I would say black woman. I think people notice that I'm Black first, then woman.

black woman definitely

I'm with Nikki1920- there are far more issues uniting me with black people in this country than with women.

said like MADEA in Diary of a Mad BLACK WOMAN
 

I am a BLACK WOMAN!! :D

also - - -
 

i failed to mention the question was asked of the candidate because she was seeking endorsement from a women rights group that consist primarily of non-black women - i hope you see the difficulty

Re: said like MADEA in Diary of a Mad BLACK WOMAN
 

...gon wit your bad self, Sojurner "CT4" Truth.

Seriously, this is an interesting topic (good post, Bro. Professor). I'm looking forward to seeing the responses of the GC sistahs.

AH, that makes things more difficult. Well, I guess it's time for me to pull out my Spelman card. I cannot be either/or. One does not come before the other. I am both equally. Historically, if we look at the Black woman's role in the Feminist movement and the Civil Rights/Black Power movement, we were not treated or viewed as equals. So, I cannot choose. Just as white females do not understand me, often times I feel that Black men do not as well.

Very well said, Soror.

Mine is not the Spelman card (but I guess Africana studies major concentrating in Black Women's issues card will do!:D ) I concur with abaici. I think there are things that tie Black women to both the plight of women and the plight of Black men but that in the end, we occupy a space that is unique unto us. To me, I am fundamentally a BlackWoman (no space) one entity with neither part coming before the other. No part of who I am would be the same with out both of these characteristics being vere present. We are something distinct from our White female counterparts AND our Black brothers.

I see why the question really stood out in the context where it was asked. Based on the question asked I would have answered Black woman. Hopefully, any true feminist scholar would (and should) understand the significance of that and not consider it a reason not to support me or recognize my desire or ability to advocate on issues affecting women.

Go head on SOROR KIMMIE!! BlackWoman (no space), fa sho. I wanna be like you when I grow up.
:cool:

Question Professor...did a member of the GROUP ask the question, or someone else?


I take issue with the question if a member of the group asked the question. As, Kimmie stated, white feminists should be informed of the issues confronted Womanist at this point and time and such a question is inappropriate.



**PS SISTERGREEK Kimmie---The Spelman card/Africana-Women's Studies card are very simliar. It's like the difference between a Costco ans Sam's Club card...girl, it's almost the same thing. LOL**

A twist....
 

woman or lady?

Is there a difference?

Hello Ladies. I just wanted to share a book with you that I read in a Women's Studies class. It is called All The Women are White, All the Blacks are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave: Black Women's Studies by Gloria T. Hull, Patricia Bell Scott and Barbara Smith. It was very informative, and I highly reccommend it if you haven't already read it. :)

The question was asked of Shirley Chisom (?) when she ran for president - again, she was seeking endorsement by a womans organization.:D

Re: A twist....
 

Yes. The term lady is loaded. It carries with it behavior expectations. Ladies do not yell? Ladies, do not do this, etc.


Thanks for the clarification. I thought this question was presented to Braun. Well, considering the time period I understand the question being asked. Did she receive their endorsement?

they never said - the question was just described as damning

The late (great) poet Essex Hemphill, when asked whether he was black first or gay first answered a similar question this way:

(Pardon the graphic nature of the comment)

"It's like separating my left n*t from my right."

So to me, asking me whether I am a woman first or African American first is asking me to divide myself in half to better please others, rather than drawing from all of the experiences I've lived as an African American woman in the West. I can't divorce my gender from my ethnicity, nor should I have to/be asked to.

You sound like you took a class from Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall! :D

Actually, nope! I did sit in her class one day though. I was a history major, so I took most of my classes with Dr. Gomez. Also, my graduate studies focused on Black women in liberation movements throughout the African Diaspora. I examined, them within the context of the Black Panther Party, UNIA, and ANC. Interesting stuff.

I believe my answer lies somewhere in this post:

Y'all is lucky to be called anything, but...

Much less a Human Being...

And forget a Child of God...

Interesting Topic
 

For me, some times I am more aware of my gender [ie when the line at an event is twice as long for women as it is for men to go to the rest room:mad: ]

Other times, I'm the only person of color, or the only Af-Am in the room. Earlier today I overheard some people desribing someone, included in the description was that she was Black. Once I walked back in the room, they kept trying to describe her, but never referred to her race again. :rolleyes:

When it comes to terminology, when I was in college [playing the Anthro major card ;)] and WAY more PC, I cared more. Now I just want to deal w/ people who aren't offensive. Anyone who looks at me knows that my heritage includes people from many different countries, but in America, I check the box for Black or African American. Just don't call me a ni**er!

For female terminology, why isn't there an equivalent for "guys"? "girls" has a somewhat dimimutive quality to it. "ladies" has a bit of can't wear a skirt w/o a slip on underneath.:rolleyes: :confused: :rolleyes: :confused:

Good point Soror Abaici,
You're right. Personally, my gut reaction would be to say that I am a Black woman. I am still contemplating how I would be able to communicate this to the group of non-Black women w/out alienating them. I like your statement that you are both equally.

SC

Re: Interesting Topic
 

That's interesting Rho4life,
I prefer "ladies," because I agree that "girls" has a dimunitive quality to it. I don't see a "lady" as someone who has to necessarily be so prim and proper as to always do things such as wear a slip under her skirt, etc. I see a "lady" as someone who does what is proper and carries herself in a respectful way. If a slip isn't needed, then I wouldn't wear one and would still consider myself to be a "lady."

SC

Interesting question and discussion
 

I must agree with others, like abaici, in that I cannot separate the two. Being African American certainly has a major effect on many of my views and reactions, as does being a woman. I cannot separate one from the other.

I am a black women!!!

rho4life your situation reminds me of a situation that happened...

One summer I was a security beat at the Zoo. Well, kids always got lost and at this particular time a black get got lost and we went out to look for him. Well, they described that boy, but did not give me his race. I called in to ask his race and they asked me why...my response...so I can eliminate half of the children in the zoo that is why is race is important. I thought it was proper at this time to know the kid's race because I can try to find the kid faster.

Re: Interesting question and discussion
 

I concurr. Most people who've studied feminism, esp. Black feminism, by now should know that's an inappropriate and loaded question.

I hope no one minds by me responding. As a feminist who is white but I'm first generation American so my ties to my ethnic roots are very strong. I find that questioned posed by the womens group very offensive. Shame on them.

Thanks for reccommending that book Peaches n Cream.