Thursday, September 13, 2007

Can a black woman catch a break?!

I think it's high time we revisit this because seriously, it is always relevant, never gets old and (seemingly everyday) it's a very necessary reminder.



That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.


The world is in such a mess, there has to a be a new word invented in all the languages to sufficiently explain how bad it is. One can't turn on the news without seeing a flurry of bad news happening to folks all around the globe. But this week especially has been a massive trip because of all the attacks on black women.

After a black woman is attacked, tortured, beaten sexually assaulted, and held captive in a recent VA case, there was nary a whisper on the mainstream media news. It's just business as usual. No one is pissed off that a person, a human being, was treated like a freakin' animal by 6, count 'em SIX people assaulted her for a whole week?! Does this not piss off human rights activists?! I know we can harp on the Michael Vick case regarding dog treatment til the cows come home, but what about a real live human being?!

Can't a black woman catch a break-even in the news?! Even for an outcry of human sympathy?!

After a black woman is forced to sexually assault her own son in front of a group of pathetic lifeless scum gang members, nary a news story or dialogue is going on. Once again though we can talk about Britney Spears insipid dance number, but nothing about the inhumane poor treatment this woman experienced?!

Can't a black woman catch a break - even for some justice to be served rather than sympathy given to the gang who did this to her? (Don't believe that last line? check out the link to the story. You probably still won't believe it!)

There is too much going on in this world that it makes you want to throw your hands up, find a cave and retire from humanity altogether because it appears that we're already living in Lord of the Flies land based on the savagery toward fellow humans. Humanity's standards have taken a nose dive to the magma of this Earth and beyond.

Of course we know that Britney and her ilk are distraction for a greater more important news story that is usually covered on the blogosphere. And of course we understand the blatant racism toward minorities and the special super duper fun extra treatment that we black women have of carrying both sexism and racism on our backs.

And frankly I'm tired. I broke down in tears when I read both of these stories as I was just finding out and I prayed like you wouldn't believe.

It was then I was guided to some homemade videos of couples, newly married sharing their wedding albums, some engaged and others who are in a relationship and wanted to profess their love by creating a video to music to show how much they cared. At that moment I was reminded (and I don't doubt I was being directed to these sites on purpose!) of the love that can survive through all of this mess. That even in a world as ugly and vile as this one, there is real humanity trying to survive amidst it all. People pulling together for a greater good that rises above everything else.

My heart was warmed in that moment.

We all only get one life on this planet (for the current moment). Some use it for causing pain and hurt to others while others use it to explore what life has to offer in terms of love, friendship, family and growth. I truly believe a change will come someday. And until that day comes, I will continue to hold my head up high, help thoses that ask and guide those that open their hand to me.

If you haven't already, please visit WhatAboutOurDaughters, a site created by "An African American woman who thinks that now is the time to take some organized action to combat the destructive portrayals of African American women in popular culture."

To which I say, rock on.
Posted by Eternal Beauty in Black :: 12:50 AM :: 0 comments

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