Feminism For All Women: The Unfortunate Racial Canyon

[Cherry]

Posted by Meagan of The Gaffe Watch:

The Chicago Tribune did a great piece this weekend (including nods to AJ, Gina, and myself!) on the racial divide between feminists who support and don’t support Michelle Obama.

Via the Chicago Tribune:

Her experience reflects what some hope will become a trend–that interest in ensuring fair coverage of Michelle Obama will bring together black and white feminists who have often had different goals and visions for the feminist movement.

Obama, who speaks openly about the challenges of balancing a successful career with the responsibilities of raising two young daughters, has the potential to reach a wide spectrum of women. Lately she’s been hit by a spate of unflattering–and some say sexist–media portrayals.

The Michelle Obama Watch was dicussed in this article as a repository for all things Michelle in the media. It highlighted the fact that our blog contains a huge cross-sections of visitors: black, white, gay, straight, conservative, liberal, etc. However, we often forget that even that there are chaffing factions even among progressives; this issue was painfully brought to light during the Democratic primaries.

Michelle Obama is in a unique position because she brings both racial and feminist issues to a head. Her very existance prompts discussion about sexism in the media, derrogatory racial remarks, etc.

For the past 19 months, our country has been locked into a narrow-minded debate of which form of oppression is inherently “worse”: racism or sexism. This discussion is pernicious, as it absolutely trivializes the individual importance of these distinct forms of marginalization. They must be viewed together as part of a larger problem. Racism will not exist in a nongendered society, sexism will not exist in a racially egalitarian society. We must tackle both problems head-on.

Feminism, of course, it not without its white privledge. Many feminists do try to be sensitive to the issues that affect women of color, but the longstandsing racial divide among feminists was only excerbated during the Democratic primaries. Historically, women of color have been ignored, and the plight of urban poverty and single motherhood has taken a backseat to ensuring reproductive rights…rights, of course, that cannot be exercised by those women who are too poor to afford them. We cannot allow this willful ignorance to persist.

Via the Chicago Tribune (emphasis mine):

White women bloggers, she said, still have trouble admitting their own prejudices. “There’s still a sense of silence,” she said. “People are shuffling their feet.”

Not all white feminists agree. “I don’t really see sexism in the coverage of Michelle Obama,” said former Democratic vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro.

No sexism?! Is Geraldine Ferraro blind and deaf? Let’s see, she can look HERE and HERE for starters. The silence among white mainstream feminists has been deafening. Luckily, more and more feminists are quickly realizing that another strong, talented, capable women is being brought down simply because of her gender. Michelle Obama was initially ignored by mainstream feminists, mostly because Hillary dominated the news cycle, but also because she is black. This is absolutely reprehensible. It is my sincere hope that feminists come together to support Michelle Obama and defend her with the fervor that they defended Hillary Clinton, and not turn a blind eye because Michelle is black.

We are all women. We are all human beings. And we should all be feminists. As my wonderful boyfriend once said “Feminism is for everyone. I mean, it is 2008!”.

Thank you, Michelle Obama, for simply existing. Your very presence is encouraging a much-needed discussion all over America.

[Michelle2005]

This post stated, " Michelle Obama was initially ignored by mainstream feminists, mostly because Hillary dominated the news cycle, but also because she is black."
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The above statement is fact!. As a white feminist, growing up during the late 60's & 70's, to see the same type racism now is beyond grievous. Yes, there have been positive change...but we're not finished! This is the same crap I witnessed while working in Mississippi decades ago. Yet, on the other hand, currently, I hear all the time, "We don't have a problem with race here in the US." When I hear this, my mind suddenly begins racing. Usually, those saying this to us are Republicans (but not always). Those that say this are clueless.

To those that have said this to both myself and my hubby, our answer is simple and to the point: If you don't see it, it's due to the fact you have never had to! You have also chosen to remain oblivious to the obvious.

Personally, I'd never vote for someone based on race or gender. We, women have a brain and are actually capable of thinking and processing information. So, after processing all this information, our (both hubby & me) choice is Sentor Obama for President. His lovely wife is an amazingly classy, intelligent, articulate beautiful lady. This is the first time in three decades, that we have felt this level of confidence in any presidential nominee!

Thank you, Cherry, for posting this article.

Michelle

[Tanya]

this may be inappropriate but it so sums up how sexy michelle and obama are as a first couple..Michelle is a true feminist. She is strong enough to make her own decisions, and defend them. She has gone thru more ridicule then anyone..as much as Obama..its sick...especially comparing the news of McCains wife...disgusting..whats even sicker..is the fact that hillary screamed sexism so often, even when it wasnt applicable...blam,ing everyone who didnt vote for her was a misogynest...and Michelle NEVER focuses on the things that have been brought before her. and because she is a strong black woman, she is called negative stereotypes...when she adn barack have ALWAYS remained the most positive