Essay Questions

Why is black feminism different from white feminism?

The White feminism does not consider the problems faced by black women in their everyday lives. They are not considered a part of White feminism because there is no place for the racial issues in White feminism. The black feminism includes the problems of women along with emphasizing the prejudice faced by the Afro-American women. The society compels them to choose between their African American identity and the identity of being a female.

How are black women treated in US?

Black women face the racial prejudice in schools, stores, offices and in their daily interactions. They are called as ‘mammy’, ‘matriarch’ or ‘hoochie.’ The society describe them as panthers and savage creatures. They are blamed for their own problems by the society. The US society either took them as sexless creatures or entirely focusing on their erotic passions. They are forced to live as outsider-within and are compelled to do low level jobs. They work in the houses or offices of Whites as maids or servants.

What is dialogical relationship?

Collins says that the altered experiences lead to change in consciousness. When the beliefs are changed they automatically change the consciousness. This relationship is known as dialogical relationship. There is a need for black intellectuals who would raise their voices regarding the oppression of black women. It is prerequisite to make the Afro-American women aware of the challenges and the obstacles in their way in order to change their consciousness.

How has the writer urge black women to resist?

The author has urged the black women to resist against their oppression and prejudice by referring to the black activism. Collins has given the examples of black female intellectuals, poets writers, musicians etc. The black women resisted their subjugation and achieved their status in society. They survived despite of facing the brutality and the worst treatment at the hands of Whites.