※Oppression
The pain that oppression brought African American women was extensive because they faced the double-edged sword of being black and women, receiving no respect or opportunities.
1. In the beginning: slavery
At that time, they have to try their best to adjust to the new environment, culture and language. Besides, most of them come from different tribes, so they must learn English to communicate with each other.
2. After Abolishment: non-citizens
“ Mules uh de world." Hill-Collins (2000)
→The gender roles for African American Woman
"physically demanding, economically exploitative," and "intellectually deadening" (p. 48).
3. The wrong images for African American Woman
EX : Film "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Cabin in the Sky."
※ The “Voice” of African American Woman
1. The first was with maintaining a connection to the culture through maintaining the Black English Vernacular that was adopted during slavery.
2. Blue Music:
EX: Bessie Smith, Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, and Billie Holliday
3. Scholarly Works : Black Feminism
4. They were the women in the neighborhoods getting together to discuss how to educate other women, teaching their children both solidarity and independence, refusing to be called "girl" by white women who were younger than them (Hill-Collins, 2000).
※The new images of African American Woman: Strong, Independent and determined
( source :
Rising Out of Oppression: The Identity and Self-Definition of African American Women
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/293514/rising_out_of_oppression_the_identity.html
Friday, 21 May 2010
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
The Difference between Precious and Her Mother
If we see the movie unilaterally form Precious’ point of view, it is she is abused by her mother physically and verbally. In addition to our sympathy for Precious, we should take more consideration to the discrepancy of the mother and daughter’s interaction. For Precious, though be maltreated by her tyrannical mother, she still has beautiful dreams in her mind. Precious encounters all the unimaginable unfortunate events in her life, but she finds her way at the end of the movie. Despite all the misfortune Precious comes across, her genuine mind makes the people around her willing to help her which lead her life upward gradually. For Mary’s part (the mother), we have to think what kind of life she had lived and what kind of environment and people she had met that make her into a such monstrous figure. In the film Mary not only abuses Precious to release her oppressed emotion but her action could almost considered as self-abuse. Mary avoids to pursuit a better life for her family rather she chooses to live on others and complain all day long. Is it because her mother and the man she has chose leads to her misery outcome or she just made her own bed to her misery fate? Should such a role like Mary be sympathized or be spurned like the social worker did in the end of the film?
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Domestic violence hits Black women harder
According to a recently released study, the weapon most used by men to kill African American women was a gun.
The Violence Policy Center, a national non-profit organization that conducts research on violence in the United States stated in its annual report, "When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2006 Homicide Data," that 551 African American women were murdered by males that year.
The Violence Policy Center, a national non-profit organization that conducts research on violence in the United States stated in its annual report, "When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2006 Homicide Data," that 551 African American women were murdered by males that year.
Of those homicides where a murder weapon could be ident
ified, 305 of the victims were fatally shot and most during the course of an argument.
The study stated there were 1,818 race-identified females murdered by males. And while white women accounted for the largest total of those killed–1,208–African American women were killed at a rate nearly three times higher.
The study stated there were 1,818 race-identified females murdered by males. And while white women accounted for the largest total of those killed–1,208–African American women were killed at a rate nearly three times higher.
In Illinois, there were 39 domestic-related homicides and 114,921 reported cases of domestic violence in 2006.
Justine Gray* (real name withheld to protect her privacy) lived to tell about her repeated incidents of violence at the hands of a former boyfriend.
Gray said she was fresh out of college and had a 2-year-old son. She said it was hard to make ends meet while working, caring for her son and maintaining stable housing. The jobs she held paid barely above minimum wage, and she had little help from her family.
Then an old acquaintance came into the picture, and she thought things were starting to look up. They moved in together, created a two-income household and the man treated her son as if he were his own, she said.
Then an old acquaintance came into the picture, and she thought things were starting to look up. They moved in together, created a two-income household and the man treated her son as if he were his own, she said.
“But jealousy kicked in for some odd reason, and I became a punching bag. I have no idea what set him off,” the now-married mother of three said.
She wanted to leave but could not bear no longer having a stable environment for her son. She initially thought she was to blame for his tirades, plus he threatened to kill her if she left.
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Related to:domestic violenceAfrican American women murderAfrican American women domestic disputeblack on black crimeBlack women abuseBlack women beatBlack women fightBlack couples fight
“Even though I was working, it still wasn’t enough to put food on the table, pay the rent, the bills and pay for day care. He treated my son very well and was paying his child care costs. I don’t know where we went wrong,” Gray said. The man hit her several times--a few times she was knocked unconscious. There were many times she had to wear sunglasses to hide the black eyes that sometimes never seemed to fade, she said about the “toxic” relationship.About a year into the relationship, she mustered the courage to leave. “It was the best decision I ever made. I just wish I had the nerve to do it sooner,” Gray said.Domestic violence is a pattern of mental, physical, emotional or sexual abuse where one partner makes the other partner feel scared, weak, isolated, hurt or sad, according to Between Friends, a Chicago-based non-profit agency that provides educational and counseling services for domestic violence victims and advocates. “One in three women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime so everybody probably knows someone who has been affected,” said Kathy Doherty, executive director of Between Friends. Signs of abuse include jealousy, controlling behavior, isolation, forceful sex, and physical and verbal abuse. “It is our responsibility to help others learn more about the issue and take action that will make a difference in the lives of the women and children affected by domestic violence,” Doherty said. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
For more information, visit www.betweenfriendschicago.org, or www.ncadv.org.
______
Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
My opinion:
It really shocks me that one of three women will suffer from the domestic violence in their lifetime.
The condition will become worse for black women, since they have to suffer the discrimination, and when they come back home, there is another bully. It really burdens them very much.
Every women should be equally treated, so there must be some social welfare institute to help them.
It really shocks me that one of three women will suffer from the domestic violence in their lifetime.
The condition will become worse for black women, since they have to suffer the discrimination, and when they come back home, there is another bully. It really burdens them very much.
Every women should be equally treated, so there must be some social welfare institute to help them.
Push (Novel)-plot summary
Push (Novel) by Sapphire
The novel is set in New York in 1987. The narrator, Claireece Precious Jones, is an obese and illiterate 16 year old. The victim of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of both of her parents, Precious is pregnant with her second child, both pregnancies the result of repeatedly being raped by her father. Her mother, an obese woman who hasn't left the house in several years, supports the two of them with welfare money and food stamps and expects Precious to do all of the cooking and cleaning. She receives extra money for Precious’ first child, "Lil' Mongo," who has Down Syndrome. The child lives with Precious’ grandmother, Tootsie. Although Precious' father is married to another woman and has another family, he lived with Precious and her mother until the birth of Lil Mongo, at which point he disappeared for about three or four years, returning to rape Precious and impregnate her once more.
As the novel begins, Precious is summoned to the guidance counselor's office. The school has decided to suspend her because she is pregnant. Precious is furious, but the counselor later visits Precious’ home and convinces her to enter an alternative school called Each One Teach One. Despite her mother's insistence that she apply for welfare, Precious enrolls in the school. She meets her teacher, Blue Rain, and fellow students: Rhonda, Jermaine, Rita, Jo Ann, and Consuelo. All of the girls come from troubled backgrounds. Ms. Rain's class is a pre- G.E.D. class for young women who are below an 8th grade level in reading and writing and therefore are not ready for the high school level courses. They start off by learning the basics of phonics and vocabulary building. Despite their academic deficits, Ms. Rain strives to ignite a passion in her students for literature and writing. She believes that the only way to learn to write is to write every day. Each girl is required to keep a journal. Ms. Rain reads their entries and provides feedback and advice. By the time the novel ends, the women have created an anthology of autobiographical short stories. The works of Audre Lorde, Alice Walker and Langston Hughes are inspirational for the students, especially for Precious who contributes poems to the anthology.
While in the hospital for the birth of her second child, Precious reveals to a social worker that her first child is living with her grandmother. The confession leads to Precious' mother getting her welfare taken away and when Precious returns home with her newborn baby, her mother is enraged and chases her out of the house. Homeless and alone, she turns to Ms. Rain who uses all of her resources to get Precious into a halfway house with childcare. Her new environment provides her with the stability and support to continue with school. Precious' literacy skills continually improve as evidenced by her journal entries, which become gradually more coherent and are peppered with imagery and similes.
With her attitude changing and her confidence growing, Precious finds herself thinking more about having a boyfriend, a real relationship with someone near her age, someone she's truly attracted to. Her only sexual experience thus far has been the rape and sexual abuse by her father and, to a lesser extent, her mother. Although she tries to move beyond the trauma of her childhood and distance herself from her parents, an unwelcome visit from Precious' mother reveals that her father has died from AIDS. Testing verifies that Precious is HIV positive, but her son is not. Her classmate Rita encourages Precious to join an incest support group, as well as an HIV positive group. The meetings provide source of support and friendship for Precious as well as the revelation that her color and socio-economic background weren't necessarily the cause of her abuse. Women of all ages and backgrounds attend the meetings. The author doesn't conclude with a clear prediction for Precious' fate. We aren't told how long she has to live. We know she is focused on her goals. As readers, we are left only with Precious' dreams for the future; her desire to increase her test scores to a high school level and her dream of going to college and getting a job so she can independently care for her son.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push_(novel)#Plot_summary
The novel is set in New York in 1987. The narrator, Claireece Precious Jones, is an obese and illiterate 16 year old. The victim of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of both of her parents, Precious is pregnant with her second child, both pregnancies the result of repeatedly being raped by her father. Her mother, an obese woman who hasn't left the house in several years, supports the two of them with welfare money and food stamps and expects Precious to do all of the cooking and cleaning. She receives extra money for Precious’ first child, "Lil' Mongo," who has Down Syndrome. The child lives with Precious’ grandmother, Tootsie. Although Precious' father is married to another woman and has another family, he lived with Precious and her mother until the birth of Lil Mongo, at which point he disappeared for about three or four years, returning to rape Precious and impregnate her once more.
As the novel begins, Precious is summoned to the guidance counselor's office. The school has decided to suspend her because she is pregnant. Precious is furious, but the counselor later visits Precious’ home and convinces her to enter an alternative school called Each One Teach One. Despite her mother's insistence that she apply for welfare, Precious enrolls in the school. She meets her teacher, Blue Rain, and fellow students: Rhonda, Jermaine, Rita, Jo Ann, and Consuelo. All of the girls come from troubled backgrounds. Ms. Rain's class is a pre- G.E.D. class for young women who are below an 8th grade level in reading and writing and therefore are not ready for the high school level courses. They start off by learning the basics of phonics and vocabulary building. Despite their academic deficits, Ms. Rain strives to ignite a passion in her students for literature and writing. She believes that the only way to learn to write is to write every day. Each girl is required to keep a journal. Ms. Rain reads their entries and provides feedback and advice. By the time the novel ends, the women have created an anthology of autobiographical short stories. The works of Audre Lorde, Alice Walker and Langston Hughes are inspirational for the students, especially for Precious who contributes poems to the anthology.
While in the hospital for the birth of her second child, Precious reveals to a social worker that her first child is living with her grandmother. The confession leads to Precious' mother getting her welfare taken away and when Precious returns home with her newborn baby, her mother is enraged and chases her out of the house. Homeless and alone, she turns to Ms. Rain who uses all of her resources to get Precious into a halfway house with childcare. Her new environment provides her with the stability and support to continue with school. Precious' literacy skills continually improve as evidenced by her journal entries, which become gradually more coherent and are peppered with imagery and similes.
With her attitude changing and her confidence growing, Precious finds herself thinking more about having a boyfriend, a real relationship with someone near her age, someone she's truly attracted to. Her only sexual experience thus far has been the rape and sexual abuse by her father and, to a lesser extent, her mother. Although she tries to move beyond the trauma of her childhood and distance herself from her parents, an unwelcome visit from Precious' mother reveals that her father has died from AIDS. Testing verifies that Precious is HIV positive, but her son is not. Her classmate Rita encourages Precious to join an incest support group, as well as an HIV positive group. The meetings provide source of support and friendship for Precious as well as the revelation that her color and socio-economic background weren't necessarily the cause of her abuse. Women of all ages and backgrounds attend the meetings. The author doesn't conclude with a clear prediction for Precious' fate. We aren't told how long she has to live. We know she is focused on her goals. As readers, we are left only with Precious' dreams for the future; her desire to increase her test scores to a high school level and her dream of going to college and getting a job so she can independently care for her son.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push_(novel)#Plot_summary
Purpose
Purpose
Since 1943, the year which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man, women of the Black have always played an essential role in the painful history of the Black striving for their right. The peculiar incident of Montgomery Bus Boycott was not merely an accident. In fact, it was a plan schemed to initiate the Black to fight against the segregated laws through the hands of black women (Jo Ann Robinson and Rosa Parks). To place black women as the key factors in such a movement inspired us to stretch our studies to the profound gender and social issues related to black women. “Precious” is such a film that not only portraits the ghetto life of Precious Jones, but various aspects of her encounter with different characters.
Since 1943, the year which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man, women of the Black have always played an essential role in the painful history of the Black striving for their right. The peculiar incident of Montgomery Bus Boycott was not merely an accident. In fact, it was a plan schemed to initiate the Black to fight against the segregated laws through the hands of black women (Jo Ann Robinson and Rosa Parks). To place black women as the key factors in such a movement inspired us to stretch our studies to the profound gender and social issues related to black women. “Precious” is such a film that not only portraits the ghetto life of Precious Jones, but various aspects of her encounter with different characters.
Some comments on MIDB
Here are some comments from MIDB.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Powerfully emotive story filled with hope and optimism"
Author: wmjaho from Park City, 25 January 2009
I'm not surprised that Push won both the Grand Jury and Audience Award at Sundance this year. Director Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer) has created a very powerful film that manages to entertain while evoking a broad spectrum of emotions, from anger and heartbreaking pity to optimism, joy and hope.
Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabby Sidibe) is a fat 16-year-old illiterate black girl that lives in Harlem with her welfare-dependent, abusive mother (Mo'Nique). She has one autistic daughter (who lives with her grandmother) and is pregnant with another child, both from her mother's boyfriend, who is also Clareece's father. Her mother repeatedly tells her how stupid and worthless she is while other kids taunt her for her obesity. She has become hardened and heartless, lacking education and social skills. She spends her time cooking for her mother and fantasizing unrealistically about a glamorous life. She would be easy to dismiss. Based on a novel by Sapphire, this is some pretty bleak stuff.
But good things can happen in this world and Precious is blessed with an indomitable spirit that refuses to accept the negative reinforcement that bombards her. Through her efforts, and despite resistance from her mother, she finds an alternative school. It is staffed by Miss Rains, a caring teacher (Paula Patton) and classmates who, although anything but perfect, possess enough compassion to become supportive friends. It turn out that the world can be a pretty good place.
First-time actress Gabby Sidibe gives a powerful, emotive performance. Equally good is talented actresses Mo'Nique, who is almost frightening as Precious' mother, and Patton as the compassionate teacher. Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey also have minor roles, giving the film a little star power.
Daniels conveys a Harlem existence that is profane, hard-edged and brutal, but with rays of humanity and compassion that leave room for hope. It is at once both a message to the poor in spirit not to despair, and to the rest of us make the time and effort to reach out where we can. Push is an inspiring message that will fill you with optimism and joy.
Sundance Moment: When asked about her getting the role, Sidibe said that she had some acting experience--like a non-speaking role in a college production. Pretty funny! She said her friends encouraged her to audition because she "fit the profile." She also said she relied heavily on "Mr. Daniels" for direction. Daniels said there were parts of making the movie that were hard on him emotionally--like directing Precious to eat, or instructing her peers to bully her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"a work of art"
Author: mukava991, 8 November 2009
Gabourey Sibide looks and sounds a lot like the late Hattie McDaniel; if a biopic about McDaniel is ever made, Sibide should star. Starting from this superficiality, it is clear that the character Sibide plays, an abused, obese late- 20th-century Harlem teenager three or four generations down the line from the McDaniels era, seems to embody a sadly ironic regression in the status of black women in America. Precious's very existence and her debased environment speak to a grave social disease that continues to poison our civilization – the creation and perpetuation of a dependent underclass. At one point Precious compares her self image to "black grease that needs to be wiped away." The horror of it all is that as dreadful as Precious's situation is, she is actually better off than many others in similar straits. She is, despite obesity, strong and healthy, drug free and has a beautiful smile. There are plenty of underclass females much closer to an early grave and utter hopelessness than she.
The story takes us on the journey of this monstrously mistreated young female from near destruction at the hands of her violent, hyper-narcissistic mother (Mo'Nique) and her rapist father (who has impregnated her twice by age 16) to a rescue with the help of a frayed but still somewhat viable network of dedicated social workers who help her gain literacy and independence from her wicked elders.
Interspersed with the depressing realities of ghetto life is the constant flow of Precious's glamorous daydreams, the little fires generated by her undying spark of life, her only opening toward beauty and light, imagining herself wrapped in beautiful gowns, doted on by handsome men, cheered by adoring crowds on the red carpet; wealth, fame, as she knows them from the pop culture that is her only mental nourishment. For her mother and for herself, life is an endless round of TV–food–arguments-TV–food-arguments. In their dark and dingy apartment, practically the only illumination is from the TV screen.
Mo'Nique's performance is revelatory on multiple levels, down to the bone of the human condition and certainly up to the highest screen standards. It is bravura work. Sibide's performance is technically masterful but much of her effectiveness comes from her imposing physical presence; this is not meant to detract one iota from her acting skills – it is just a fact. The excellent supporting performances include a pleasing turn from singer Mariah Carey as a down-to-earth social worker with a playful personality; it's an inventive characterization. But the whole cast excels and they should be honored for great ensemble work, especially the young ladies in the special education classroom.
Flaws? The pacing seems to slow down unnecessarily toward the end and Precious's educational progression seems a bit confused and not completely fleshed out, but this is minor stuff. This is a very inspired work of art by someone with a fresh vision. It is not preaching morals or slogans, just revealing truth.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Powerfully emotive story filled with hope and optimism"
Author: wmjaho from Park City, 25 January 2009
I'm not surprised that Push won both the Grand Jury and Audience Award at Sundance this year. Director Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer) has created a very powerful film that manages to entertain while evoking a broad spectrum of emotions, from anger and heartbreaking pity to optimism, joy and hope.
Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabby Sidibe) is a fat 16-year-old illiterate black girl that lives in Harlem with her welfare-dependent, abusive mother (Mo'Nique). She has one autistic daughter (who lives with her grandmother) and is pregnant with another child, both from her mother's boyfriend, who is also Clareece's father. Her mother repeatedly tells her how stupid and worthless she is while other kids taunt her for her obesity. She has become hardened and heartless, lacking education and social skills. She spends her time cooking for her mother and fantasizing unrealistically about a glamorous life. She would be easy to dismiss. Based on a novel by Sapphire, this is some pretty bleak stuff.
But good things can happen in this world and Precious is blessed with an indomitable spirit that refuses to accept the negative reinforcement that bombards her. Through her efforts, and despite resistance from her mother, she finds an alternative school. It is staffed by Miss Rains, a caring teacher (Paula Patton) and classmates who, although anything but perfect, possess enough compassion to become supportive friends. It turn out that the world can be a pretty good place.
First-time actress Gabby Sidibe gives a powerful, emotive performance. Equally good is talented actresses Mo'Nique, who is almost frightening as Precious' mother, and Patton as the compassionate teacher. Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey also have minor roles, giving the film a little star power.
Daniels conveys a Harlem existence that is profane, hard-edged and brutal, but with rays of humanity and compassion that leave room for hope. It is at once both a message to the poor in spirit not to despair, and to the rest of us make the time and effort to reach out where we can. Push is an inspiring message that will fill you with optimism and joy.
Sundance Moment: When asked about her getting the role, Sidibe said that she had some acting experience--like a non-speaking role in a college production. Pretty funny! She said her friends encouraged her to audition because she "fit the profile." She also said she relied heavily on "Mr. Daniels" for direction. Daniels said there were parts of making the movie that were hard on him emotionally--like directing Precious to eat, or instructing her peers to bully her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"a work of art"
Author: mukava991, 8 November 2009
Gabourey Sibide looks and sounds a lot like the late Hattie McDaniel; if a biopic about McDaniel is ever made, Sibide should star. Starting from this superficiality, it is clear that the character Sibide plays, an abused, obese late- 20th-century Harlem teenager three or four generations down the line from the McDaniels era, seems to embody a sadly ironic regression in the status of black women in America. Precious's very existence and her debased environment speak to a grave social disease that continues to poison our civilization – the creation and perpetuation of a dependent underclass. At one point Precious compares her self image to "black grease that needs to be wiped away." The horror of it all is that as dreadful as Precious's situation is, she is actually better off than many others in similar straits. She is, despite obesity, strong and healthy, drug free and has a beautiful smile. There are plenty of underclass females much closer to an early grave and utter hopelessness than she.
The story takes us on the journey of this monstrously mistreated young female from near destruction at the hands of her violent, hyper-narcissistic mother (Mo'Nique) and her rapist father (who has impregnated her twice by age 16) to a rescue with the help of a frayed but still somewhat viable network of dedicated social workers who help her gain literacy and independence from her wicked elders.
Interspersed with the depressing realities of ghetto life is the constant flow of Precious's glamorous daydreams, the little fires generated by her undying spark of life, her only opening toward beauty and light, imagining herself wrapped in beautiful gowns, doted on by handsome men, cheered by adoring crowds on the red carpet; wealth, fame, as she knows them from the pop culture that is her only mental nourishment. For her mother and for herself, life is an endless round of TV–food–arguments-TV–food-arguments. In their dark and dingy apartment, practically the only illumination is from the TV screen.
Mo'Nique's performance is revelatory on multiple levels, down to the bone of the human condition and certainly up to the highest screen standards. It is bravura work. Sibide's performance is technically masterful but much of her effectiveness comes from her imposing physical presence; this is not meant to detract one iota from her acting skills – it is just a fact. The excellent supporting performances include a pleasing turn from singer Mariah Carey as a down-to-earth social worker with a playful personality; it's an inventive characterization. But the whole cast excels and they should be honored for great ensemble work, especially the young ladies in the special education classroom.
Flaws? The pacing seems to slow down unnecessarily toward the end and Precious's educational progression seems a bit confused and not completely fleshed out, but this is minor stuff. This is a very inspired work of art by someone with a fresh vision. It is not preaching morals or slogans, just revealing truth.
What is EOTO?
In "Precious," the class that Precious took is called Each One Teach One(EOTO). The following are some data that I found on Internet.
"Each One Teach One" is a known African-American Proverb. This phrase originated in the US during slavery, when Africans and African Americans were denied education, including learning to read. Many, if not most slaves were kept in a state of ignorance about anything beyond their immediate circumstances which were under control of owners, the law makers and the authorities. Denying education was one of the methods used to keep them docile and instill and maintain the belief that they were inferior and unworthy of a life beyond subservience, labor and harsh treatment.
Using these methods those who were in bondage to others would teach each other. This was done in violation of state and federal law, since those in the position of power used government rule to deny slaves proper education. The denial of education made it possible for the system of slavery to exist and prosper because it is HARD to enslave an educated human.
http://3rdpoblogs.com/colderice/2010/02/10/each-one-teach-one-ecommerce-topical-discussion-alpha-test/
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