Womanism vs Feminism
Whether it’s live or fortune, we’re all gravitating towards something, a greater good. But when the system fails you relentlessly,and many doors close, for many its hard to get back up and keep advocating for what you truly believe in.
With headlines all over social media,whether in the Western world or Africa, there seems to be a shift towards conversations of unity and empowerment from women all over the world. Most perhaps focused on concerns of economic inequality, particularly for women. It is now, in 2018, which I like to call the year of women that women are strongly advocating their voices.
Be it, Yara Shahidi, Tracee Ellis Ross, or Chimananda Adichie. I always wondered what feminism truly entails, especially because the world is filled with misconceptions that feminism means that all women hate men and have hairy armpits.Honestly, I get quite bored reading books about feminism.Instead, I prefer keeping up with feminist women.
Chimanada Adichie Ted talk on feminism (A must see)
ONE of my favourite activists, Chiminanda Adichie describes feminism by stating that, 'the higher you go, the fewer the women, and although we have evolved as people, our ideas on gender have not evolved.'
While, in Alice Walker's 1983 novel she describes womanism as:
'Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered 'good' for one.'
A womanist is also a woman who loves other women sexually and/or non-sexually,appreciates and prefers women's culture and women's strength.Although, Walker states that a womanist is a black feminist or feminist of color, she insists that a black feminist as a womanist brings new demands and different perspectives to feminism, and compels the expansion of feminist horizons in theory and practice.
A womanist is also a woman who loves other women sexually and/or non-sexually,appreciates and prefers women's culture and women's strength.Although, Walker states that a womanist is a black feminist or feminist of color, she insists that a black feminist as a womanist brings new demands and different perspectives to feminism, and compels the expansion of feminist horizons in theory and practice.
She describes the black woman as a knowing/thinking subject who is in pursuit of knowledge for the greater good. Someone who poses strength, capability, and independence. Womanism seemingly supplies a way for black women to address gender-oppression without attacking black men.
Many of the debates and controversies about womanism focus on the differences and tension between womanism and feminism. Chiminanda argues that compromise, sexuality and policing is more prominent for women as opposed to men. I have this debate with peers frequently.
What is the fine line between what a man is allowed to do as opposed to a women?
What is the fine line between what a man is allowed to do as opposed to a women?
Indeed, both concepts stem from cultural backgrounds. Many African cultures do not allow for women to have an opinion, taking into account different histories and realities of women from African descent.
In this dialogue, between feminists or womanists a few things are clear
We don't make culture, culture makes us
Equal rights for all
A new way of thinking
Nonetheless,whether it’s live or fortune, we’re all gravitating towards something, a greater good, and yes there is a problem with gender and we must fix it.
In this dialogue, between feminists or womanists a few things are clear
We don't make culture, culture makes us
Equal rights for all
A new way of thinking
Nonetheless,whether it’s live or fortune, we’re all gravitating towards something, a greater good, and yes there is a problem with gender and we must fix it.
Love and light,
T