"The Root" Response

I found several things very interesting about this article...

1.) I find it interesting that Beverly Guy-Sheftall credits several books for cementing black feminism in scholarship. The book she references is All the Women Are White, All the Men Are Black, but Some of Us Are Brave which was published in the '90s. It seems so strange that black feminism was only articulated in this book (and several others) about a decade ago. When I first think of feminism, I tend to think of it as a whole, versus in sections of racism and sexism. But this article proves otherwise. The first feminist movement started much earlier in history. However, Guy-Sheftall writes that black feminism is still young and making new strides. On a positive note, the books mentioned in this interview help create awareness. As Guy-Shrftall mentioned, the issues of black feminism can no longer be ignored thanks to such literature.


2.) Beverly Guy-Sheftall also mentions how pleased she is with the shift in age. The age of young participants at the 2010 National Women's Studies Association has increased from previous years. Guy-Sheftall is impressed with this change because she no longer has to worry about filling her position at the conference. The youth interest is increasing and eliminates this problem. I find it hopeful for issues such as black feminism. I'm glad that youth participation is increasing and becoming popular. It's about time we start taking interest in today's issues that affect us.


3.) I also think it's great that young, black college men are taking a stance on black feminism. Through women's studies classes and other educational reports, men are able to take on an active role in igniting a change. Guy-Sheftall says that majority of black males she considers feminists are between the ages of 30 and 45, which can be attributed to the education from their mothers and leaders of a new, feminist generation. This piece of information is hopeful as well, because the number of black, educated men is increasing, also being influenced by a larger number of black women and men feminists. 


With all these things to consider (the shift of age, the education of black men and women, and feminist literature) black feminism will continue to spread awareness and knowledge. However, we do have reality checks every now and then that prove America is still a homophobic, sexist, and racist society. For example, when Barack Obama was elected president, his wife, Michelle Obama was continuously criticized for her fashion and life choices. The one main example was the gold dress she wore to the inauguration that people tore apart. It doesn't matter that she is a strong, educated black women, people still made ruthless comments regarding her fashion choices that night. Until these situation change, America is still behind in the black feminist movement. At least influential people, such as Beverly Guy-Shaftall, create an image and positive direction for such movements.