WHY WOMANISM?
Womanism is a celebration of everything black women have done and demonstrates a love for black women. There is a system of support in the community of black women that uplifts each other. Even in the midst of ridiculous adversity such as skin shading black women managed to stick together. Black women during 1982 benefited from the theory of Womanism, black women needed to be recognized for everything that they brought. When the theory of Womanism came out, it completely shifted the attitude of black women, “Black females were supposedly denigrated by being referred to as ‘women’ rather than ‘ladies.’ However, the connotations of "women" within the black community have become positive ones, asserting and affirming the value in females of adult qualities such as ability, independence, creativity, loving, and strength.” (e.g. Deborah K. King, Womanish, Womanism, Womanist, Studies Encyclopedia)
THE BEGINNING
Gender roles are assumed by black women at a very young age. They are and were taught how to act in front of black men, white men, white women, and our peers. It was important not to act too “grown” at such an early age but make it known that you were mature and could not be messed with. The theory also includes the role of the black man in both positive and negative ways. Recognizing that without him, black women would not be the strong beings that they are. It also acknowledges the role of the black man, and how he hurt and helped develop what is known today as the black woman. “While more than ever before in our history black women who enter the workforce are encouraged to feel that they are taking jobs from black men or de-masculinizing them.” (Hooks ch2; pg. 83) This quote represents a small encounter that black men and women have had. When Womanism first came to be, many thought that the structure of the family was failing, women suddenly wanted to go to work which left no one home to care for the kids. Conservative black men, were trying to hold black women back while white women were marching around for equal pay. Womanism added some liberation and freedom to the tired and beaten down black women.