The Evolution Of The Oppression Of Black Women

What is a black woman's position in this world? Where exactly do they belong? These questions pose as a response to the racism and sexism, that black women endure that ultimately impacts their lives. During the 60’s and 70’s, black women often found themselves lost, not having a exact position in which they belong to. There was the civil rights movement along with the feminist movement, but where exactly did women of color fit in? They played a pivotal role in the movement, but received little recognition in return, more importantly they were seen as invisible. What claimed to be the “feminist” movement, fighting for the equality of women, proved itself to be fighting only for the equality of white upper-class women, and forgetting about the oppression of black women.

Women have to work twice as hard in what is thought to be a “man’s world”.

It is the common belief that women were not put on this earth to lead, but to procreate. A man is thought to be the provider of the household, while a woman’s only job is to cook, clean, and nurse the babies. If a woman were to hold a position, she is thought of to be a clerk or secretary instead of high end jobs like a doctor or lawyer. Like Beale states, the terms “manhood” and “femininity” are defined by the roles America has place on men and women as to what they should be. If a women were to hold a position of power higher than her significant other a man would not be defined as what society believes is a “real

man”.
Black women are discriminated against by their own men for being a women, and by white women for being Black. As Beale describes, to be black and a woman is a “Double Jeopardy.” It is a double strike against you, because they are both minority groups. Contrary to other women black women, are seen as the backbone of their families. They were not afforded the same luxuries of richer white women, who could stay at home and take care of their households. Women of color were forced to go out and get jobs, but those jobs didn't pay much and government assistance was designed to keep the poor poor. Instead of being recognized as humans black women are often dehumanized and seen as objects. People become fascinated with their looks, and hair because it doesn't look like what they are used to therefore they are more susceptible to sexual harassment. Their bodies are viewed as objects instead of temples.
Simply being black means you are passed over on promotions, jobs and other opportunities because you are not seen as equal. It is the belief of society that African-Americans are not educated and add that to being a woman. If you are hired to a position, compensation is lower because you are female. Opportunities for African-American women are scares. This results in less jobs and lower pay. The “Double Jeopardy” against women of color is that they make less than, white women, African-American men, and white men. Racism is encountered in the workplace through everyday conversation. Many people often display prejudicial attitudes and use discriminatory language. Some even experience harsh working conditions. African-American women are rarely respected within the business environment.