Womanism; The Birth of a New Hope and a Voice for Black Women

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Within the U.S racist community, black women were faced with different forms of oppressions that restricted freedom and defined their roles. For many long years, black women were victimized by whites as well as black males. The whites used to deal with black females as commodities whose desires and needs were treated with humiliation. Several brutal acts were committed against them and they were deprived of practicing social and political rights. Their roles were defined and they were seen as mammies, matriarchs, welfare mothers and jezebels. On the other hand, black males did not appreciate black women’s bodies, but rather they were sexually exploited.
          So, they attempted to fight against marginalization and ask for equal political and social rights. They participated in protests and political movements that were formed to achieve liberation such as Civil Rights Movement and Women’s Movement. During both movements, black women were faced with racial discrimination and sexual assault. In response to black women’s degradation and victimization, Walker’s Womanism has emerged as an attempt to resist white supremacy, male dominance and negative stereotypes against black women, in addition to celebrating black culture, history and identity.

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 February 2019
  • Revise Date: 12 March 2019
  • Accept Date: 16 March 2019

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