In response to Chelsey: And what about that little black girl in philly? Her *Name* is Erica Pratt

Jet Magazine August 12,2002

http://books.google.com/books?id=LbYDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA30&lpg=PA30&dq=philadelphia+girl+chews+through+duct+tape&source=bl&ots=CBC1AHa70d&sig=wheM2Vofc7WKjdWPO7ziQTLyifk&hl=en&ei=qLT3TNrvDoL6lweRwLiVAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBcQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

What Gays and Straights Both Seek to Affirm in the Military

Read and comment!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/30/AR2010113005693.html

Racism

Everyone cringes when something that appears racist is spoken or written, but I do not understand why. We know or at least, I know racism is still present in society.  It’s not a subject of the past, but it just strange that some people are culturally ignorant regardless of advances we have made. There was an email sent out to alert everyone that there is no “white student union.”  Think about how you felt when you read the email. Did you cringe? Our reaction to racist-like things displays our awareness of racism.

                 Racism is something that should be taken very seriously, but I wonder if it’s better to hide it or make it known. Awareness of racism is better than the hidden reality. I would rather know that a person hates a particular race, so that I know how to approach them. I want to know their ignorance so that I may be able to educate them. Most racist ideals come from a misunderstanding or overgeneralization of something.  Some people are racism without ever having contact with the hated race. This is simple ignorance. Lack of understanding between cultures creates space for racism to develop. Cultural sensitivity and competence breaks down the wall of ignorance that supports racism. If my color was different would my actions still be interpreted the same way or might they say I’m acting like a black girl?

Safi Parker

Elizabeth Smart

here is a link to an article about Elizabeth Smart that i found during class
Elizabeth Smart

*Chelsey Sipe

The Root

I found this article very insightful and brought up some very important issues.  I thought the part in the end where she talks about how she wishes Oprah addressed the women who opt not to have children and get married because of certain reasons and it was the best decision of their life is a good point.  You always hear about the opposite like she said many think motherhood is the best time but that is personal opinion.  There are many women out there who chose to not have children or get married and are perfectly happy.  I understand why these types of women do not get portrayed; some people today do not want to hear this because like Sheftall said we still have a lot more work to do when it comes to sexism especially racialized sexism.  I also found it very interesting and kind of stereotypical when she said all the males she considers to be feminist are between the ages of 30 and 45.  What about the men who do not fall into that age range?  She automatically assumes they could not be feminists.  Sheftall's books have touched many lives and the work she has done over the years to make black feminism equal has done wonders for racial sexism in the U.S.

Caitlin McGourty

The Root Interview: Beverly Guy-Sheftall on Black Feminism

I agree with Andrea that this was a very interesting article. I found it strange when Beverly Guy - Sheftall stated that at all - black gatherings, people were asking her whether or not she was a lesbian, because being pro - female translated into a hate for men. This is crazy because this could mean that she wanted and stood for equal rights for women. This does not necessarily mean that she hates men! I also learned that black males who are considered feminists are between the ages of 30 and 45. Yes, I agree with BGS that we still live in a white-supremacist, sexist, and homophobic culture. Overall, Beverly Guy - Sheftall is an example of being a phenomenal woman who knows what she is doing and stands up for what she wants regarding Black Feminism. She should be mentioned in all Women Studies classes because I could see her as a role model for African American women.

Aliyah Drake

"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.