I AM NOT a womanist nor am I a feminist. There is nothing wrong with either faction of thought. I am a black woman, and as a black woman, the current state of black women concerns me. The constant debasement of black women within society has infiltrated our sense of self. The confidence we possess as black women has been compromised. Thus, we have become each other's competitors rather than sisters.
The response to the competition between black women commonly involves black men. Black men have little do with our lack of support for each other. One of the keys to the success of black women in the past has been their support for one another. As black women, we are connected. At any given time in history, black women have been at the forefront of the struggle and the backbone of the community. Despite the hardships, we thrived as black women not as a black woman. The lack of support we have for each other provides the basis for our current state of emergency.
As a society, we are immune to the constant degradation of black women. The media perpetuates various stereotypes of black women, which degrade our character as individuals and tarnish our perceptions of self. The collective history of black women reflects portrayals of Mammy, or Sapphire, and now expanding to the affirmative action statistic, welfare "hood rat chick" and other depictions of black women in the media, mostly in the music video sector. Despite the discussion against music videos, we are still being minstrelled on television as "black booty." It does undermine the perceptions of our younger black sisters in middle and high school, whom embrace "black booty" as a requirement of black womanhood.
Without support, young black women base their behavior as a black woman on media portrayed stereotypes. These young sisters lack the confidence necessary to get them to the next level on the road to their ultimate success. It's apparent in their behavior, when they imitate the vulgar behavior and risque dress of Lil' Kim (a female hip-hop artist) in the quest for money, power and respect. Whether you support Lil' Kim or not has nothing to do with this statement. The fact of the matter is, these young girls who emulate her image neglect her tribulations as a black woman. They're overloaded with these images of "black booty" and other various stereotypes that are manifested in their recognition of self. Young black women lack the support system needed to nurture characteristics that build pride, and reassure confidence needed to attain aspirations. Though from the perspective of black women at U.Va., it's hard to support younger black ladies when we do not even support ourselves.
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I have yet to meet one black female or one group that does not mention their dismay with the black female relations on Grounds. In spite of all the outrage, we still continue to walk around Grounds without acknowledging each other. We perpetuate stereotypical conflicts based on complexion and competitions between the first years and upperclass women.
Meanwhile we share a common plight for success in academics, relationships, attainment of spirituality, and a battle against race/gender based stereotypes in an effort to be our own person. In spite of our common plight, we offer no support for each other as a collective unit. We watch a drunk sister make a fool of herself; we collaborate in her debasement fully aware she regrets it the next day.
We continue the black women legacy at U.Va. of un-acknowledgement. We call out each other's weaknesses and mistakes, ignoring our successes. At U.Va., we hold our own as intelligent, strong people demonstrating ourselves academically, and by holding leadership positions. We constantly defy many of the stereotypes perpetuated upon us, but as individuals we are often overwhelmed by the extremities of life affecting our confidence levels. I am not suggesting a black women cult or some type of revolutionary movement. I am proposing the solidarity needed amongst black women to achieve healthy, fulfilling success.
The first step in attaining solidarity amongst black women will be the Black Women's Conference on April 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Minor Hall. The conference provides a neutral forum for black women to discuss issues concerning us. Every black woman will receive a personalized invitation in several weeks, and you must RSVP to attend the conference. I encourage everyone to attend, even if you cannot participate for the entire day, for it will give you the opportunity to share your concerns and achievements in a supportive environment.
This conference is just the beginning; whether it leads to a workable solution depends on every individual black woman on these Grounds. In the meantime, there are things one can do to spread the positivism. Be bold, smile at another black woman on grounds. No matter how she reacts, you have already begun the process.
(Ayele Hunt is a second-year College student.)
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