2.7.3: Discussion Questions
- Page ID
- 211485
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- When did you first hear the word feminist/feminism? What were your initial thoughts about the word? Did you consider yourself a Feminist; why or why not? If you are a cis-gender male or self-identified male, what role did your assigned or chosen gender play in your thoughts about feminism/feminist? Do you believe that males (cis gendered or self-identified) or non-binary people can be feminist too? Why or why not?
- Summarize the historical growth of Black Feminist Thought from Enslavement through the Contemporary Period. What positions and concerns are woven throughout the differing periods? What fundamental truths have remained a part of the theory, practice, and application of Black Feminist Thought from its inception to its current iteration?
- Why is it harmful to erase the collective choral wisdom inherent within Black women’s experiences? What problems emerge without this collective? Please provide examples of instances where this collective’s erasure is practices or attempted, making sure to outline the harm that has risen from the practice and any activities practiced to combat them.
- How has the activist work of Black women created change for other marginalized communities? Describe some examples of alternative knowledges and practices that Black women have utilized for community, self, and world empowering work.
- Describe the differences between Black activism, Black nationalism, Black Radical Thought, and Black Feminist Thought. How has their historic concerns and histories influenced each other and differed? Discuss how they have played a role in the larger movement of liberation for all people.
- Research instances where Black women have merged theory and action for social activism. Focus on little known movements in working class and lower class structures. Examples include but are not limited to Black women Blues singers of the 1920s or Black Washerwomen during post-Reconstruction. Identify examples of their subversion of economic and socio-political systems, identifying policy changes, abolitionist policy changes, creation of otherwise institutions of knowledge, creations of new wealth, and/or creation of critical popular culture trends
- Discuss some ways that Black Feminist Thought and Practices have had to remain flexible and dynamic in the face of oppression. How have they continued to advance a liberatory and abolitionist agenda in the face of changing oppression? Give specific examples.
- What are the main components for Black American Feminist Thought? Define them and provide examples of each component in action. How might you incorporate those components into your life? Have you naturally incorporated any into your life or been around others who have? If so, what are your thoughts about yourself/them as activists?
- Womanist methods focus on acts of harmonizing and balancing, as well as acts of healing within the everyday. Consider Africana and women of color you know, have learned about, or have witnessed that you believe have acted in alignment with Womanist beliefs. What are some of the everyday activities they have practiced and how have you benefited from these activities? If you are unable to think of any—critically reflect on why you do not have examples. Have you not paid attention to these women, have you not created relationships with Black or Women of color? If this is the case, how might you support the womanist activities of Black and women of color moving forward?