Kristin Figg

WS 202
Reflection 7-29-15
In the second chapter of Distinguishing Features of Black
Feminist Thought, the main rationales of the movement are discussed
as well as the need for black feminism. Some of the struggles the
movement has faced are also presented in the chapter. The article
discusses how broad, and therefore how inclusive black feminism is
and that black feminists are not just limited to black women. This is
because while most black women face discrimination on many different
levels in many different settings, individuals still have unique
experiences. Many African American women face inferior housing,
neighborhoods, schools, jobs, and treatment and they are often
vulnerable to sexual violence. The article discusses how at he turn of
the century the first wave of black feminism occurred and women
began to form clubs amongst themselves and the second wave
coincided with the second wave of feminism but focused more on
racial equality than sexual liberation. However, even though there
were similarities in these aspects, there are still many different
responses to these issues and varying situations which could effect
discrimination they may face. For example, middle class black women
may face a more subtle kind of discriminating in the workplace; her
coworkers may talk down to her, as if she were less intelligent.

However, lower classes may face more blatant discrimination. Black

female intellectuals lead the movement which is a vehicle or
expressing a public consciousness. These women can vary across the
board and form the base of black feminism. The article discusses how
improvements have been made through black feminism like the fact
that the mammy character is ceasing to exist in todays world.
I agreed with many things in the chapter. One thing I thought
was interesting was how they discuss black female intellectuals and
how it was positive because they have the power to create support.
Examples that were listed include Oprah and Toni Morrison. I agree
that this is positive but I can also see a downside to having such
powerful women portrayed in the media. When people see these
figures they often use it as justification that racism doesnt exist
because these women were able to achieve so much. Likewise I hear
the same argument referring to the president. I think these are great
role models who have used their positions to have attention targeted
at certain issues but I also think that when there these kinds of pubic
figures it takes away from discrimination in lower classes and can
create a sense of victim blaming well if we have a black president,
racism clearly doesnt exist, people just dont work hard enough, etc.