Kristen Rowe-Finkbeiner, The F-Word Feminisim in Jeoparday

Extended Comments,

As I read Verrie's blog post I began nodding my head immediately. I agree with her when it comes to race in feminism. This article was from a white women's view on feminism and how her family has contributed to it from generations, however I don't think it was stressed enough how difficult it was for black women fighting for the same rights and the urge for equality in all ways. They had to deal with racism and sexism. As Verrie talked about in her blog Brownmiller's response to the question "Do you think women of color were excluded in the second wave?" pissed me off. Of course I knew that she would try to defend the movement, especially since she was considered "a prominent white second-wave leader"; however what she stated just proved how oblivious she was to the actual problem. On page 27 she states "... we are often rebuffed because there was still the sentiment that black women should be working with black men on civil rights issues- they were torn" which wasn't the case they shouldn't have to pick either or when it comes down to both issues affecting them equally. By saying they were torn to me is making it seem as if they were devastated and didn't know whether being treated as an equal race was more important than being treated as an equal when it came to gender when in reality we should be equal in all ways, once again just like Verrie states what the definition of feminism is and equality is all it's about.

There was another quote that stood out to me when it came to race in feminism it was on page 27 Rowe-Finkbeiner said , "... women of color and white women often worked for change alongside one another, instead of as part of the same overall movement". What is it that keeps two groups fighting for the same thing apart from fighting together? Doesn't it make more sense that the more people fighting for the same thing together be better than two different groups fighting on their own for the same thing? Racism kept them apart, especially since the second wave happened in 60's-80's although the Civil Right's act was passed during this time doesn't mean racism was over. Towards the end of the article when she talks about the third wave it had more to do with my generation and I do agree that the fight isn't as strong anymore and the main point is getting lost but I believe we more of us becoming educated we can make sure it continues.

http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/06/black-feminists-guide-white-feminists/