Kayla's Ideas on Law, Ethics, & Diversity

     The representation of Black women in media has been a source of controversy for years, with numerous scholars highlighting the frequent use of stereotyped portrayals that commonly promote negative and restricting narratives. In the video Mammy, Jezebel, and Sapphire Stereotyping Black Women in Media, The Listening Post analyzes the origins and effects of three prevalent stereotypes imposed on Black women in film and media, as well as how they further divide black feminist groups.      The video first addresses the Mammy stereotype. The Mammy is frequently portrayed as a dedicated servant who takes care of a white family with tireless commitment and compassion. This stereotype emerged during slavery when black women were compelled to serve as domestic slaves for white slave masters.  An End to the Neglect of the Problems of the Negro Woman states, “ In the film, radio, and press, the Negro woman is not pictured in her real role as breadwinner, mo...

     Stereotypes are biased views or preconceptions that are frequently based on features like ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. These stereotypes can adversely impact people and communities by perpetuating negative prejudices and restricting chances for growth and activism. Stereotypes ultimately undermine the efforts of black feminist organizations, limiting their ability to stand for equality and justice.      Stereotypes primarily harm black feminist groups by undervaluing what they do and discriminating against their voices. Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower states, “Americans adore sassy Black women. You know, those caricatures of finger-waving, eye-rolling Black women at whom everyone loves to laugh—women like Tyler Perry’s Madea, Mammy in Gone with the Wind, or Nell from that old eighties sitcom Gimme a Break! These kinds of Black women put white folks at ease” (Cooper, 2018). Black women are frequently stereotyped as...

     The video Journey to Liberation: The Legacy of Womanist Theology offers a compelling and insightful examination of Womanist Theology and its role in feminist and religious movements. The video shows notable educators and activists explaining the history, concepts, and effects of Womanist Theology, as well as its importance in today's society.      Womanist Theology, as described in the video, is a viewpoint that confronts various difficulties, truths, and experiences of African American women within the larger picture of Christianity. The video emphasizes the relevance of intersectionality in Womanist Theology. Intersectionality is the concept that different types of oppression, such as racism, sexism, and classism, overlap and perpetuate one another. The Womanist Reader states, “War, violence, poverty, environmental degradation, racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, heterosexism, xenophobia, ableism, ageism, inadequate health care, inadequate educat...

Womanism and Black feminism are separate but related feminist movements that have evolved in the Black community. While both movements want gender equality and justice for women, their ways of tackling Black women's challenges differ. Author and activist Alice Walker first used womanism to emphasize the challenges and experiences of Black women. Walker specifically defines womanism as “ A black feminist or feminist of color…Usually referring to outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered “good” for one. Interested in grown up doings” (Walker, 1983). As sources of power and resistance, womanism also gives faith, community, and intimate networks a lot of importance. Alice also defines womanism as “A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or nonsexually. Appreciates and prefers women’s culture, women’s emotional flexibility (values tears as natural counterbalance of laughter), and women’s strength” (Walker, ...