“America has defined roles to which each individual should subscribe”(Beal, Frances pg1). Frances M. Beal writes a manifesto that examines the underrepresented intersection of race and gender. Beal dives into the intricacies of America’s definitions for specific races and genders and its effect on the black community, noting the dual oppression faced by black women. The reason I chose this specific manifesto was because Beal wrote an important manifesto of the black female experience and the unity needed amongst all oppressed people. I believe it's fundamental to learn about others' experiences in order to understand how to help change the world around us for the better. Therefore, by reading about what others face and believe in, we learn…show more content… Unfortunately, Beal grew up experiencing anti-semitism, racism, and sexism but fortunately, also by the political activism of her parents; Beal discussed how it was the period in which she grew up that inspired her to pursue politics. Fast forward, Beal studied at the University of Wisconsin and also Sorbonne in Paris, France, her junior year. It was during this time that Beal began working in the SNCC(student nonviolent coordinating committee) which grew her interest into anti-imperialist politics after learning about the effects of colonialism. Frances M. Beal was also heavily involved in the CESA (Committee to End Sterilization Abuse). Then, in 1968 she became a founding member of the SNCC Black Women's Liberation Committee, which would later evolve into the Third World Women's Alliance. Also, Beal was editor of two newspapers, Triple Jeopardy and The Black Woman’s Voice. Furthermore, Beal was elected National Secretary of the Black Radical Congress and worked for the American Civil Liberties Union from 1987 to…show more content… This manifesto is a reflection of the social issues that were taking place at the time: the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Liberation Movement, Economic Inequality, the Vietnam War, just to name a few. Beal begins the manifesto with a critique against capitalism, calling it out for the afterbirth of racism. More specifically, Beal writes within the opening paragraph, “The system of capitalism (and its afterbirth—racism) under which we all live, has attempted by many devious ways and means to destroy the humanity of all people, and particularly the humanity of black people. This has meant an outrageous assault on every black man, woman and child who resides in the United States”(Beal, Frances pg1). It is through capitalism that black men can’t find meaningful or productive work, and in which black women are exploited physically and economically, according to Beal. Additionally, it's through this capitalistic lens that America defined roles of ‘manhood’ and ‘feminity’. These lenses are ones that were, “...phony luxuries”(Beal, Frances pg1), not available to black
