My Political Philosophy
As I grow into developing my own mind and engage in topics that affect me most, Womanism or “black feminism” is one that I have been particularly drawn to. Growing up in a very cultural household I was always aware of the oppression I would have to face and understand on my own after reaching a certain but I was not prepared for severity. I think it is important to learn from and with people that grow with the people that are closest to you in this world. Being black and a woman, movements such as Womanism are necessary for us to help and protect each other. Womanism taught me to love all black girls regardless of sexual orientation, appearance, and education.
The Womanism Theory allows black women to celebrate their…show more content… There was something about being around a group of people who, generally, needed similar rights and campaigned behind constructive, strengthening messages for ladies. Also, key backers like Janelle Monae, and Janet Mock and the Mothers of the Movement would be in participation. While it was quite a moment in my memory’s Rolodex, I can’t say it was for reasons I anticipated. My optimistic trusts in this kind of "kumbaya" minute with ladies in my city were as a matter of fact guileless. Surrounded by white women, women of color were truly the minority and so were our voices. What was supposed to be a rally for those who have been silenced so many times before, quickly became a motion to put their issues before ours as if we weren’t important enough. As the hours passed and marchers became restless, I watched countless videos posted where they acted out, chanting over activists, and celebrities that attended. By surprise most of those women were WOC. The moment I heard women claiming to represent “all women” disrespect Angela Davis by complaining and chanting “we want to march” over Janelle Monae’s “Say Her Name” cries, I couldn’t be bothered. I turned off the video feeling discouraged; it was from the invigorating statements from women who looked like me and whose struggles mirrored mine. Moments like the Women’s March just solidified my truth that I am a womanist first and a feminist second.
The term “womanism” has been credited to writer and activist Alice Walker. As with most movements in this country, black women were left out of the narrative. With women’s liberation, groundbreaking legislation and rulings were being made but it wasn’t to our benefit. Racism was still running rampant. As evidenced in the 2016 election, some white women would rather put their race first than the advancement of their
