"…Women of today are still being called upon to stretch across the gap of male ignorance and to educate men as to our existence and our needs. This is an old and primary tool of all oppressors to keep the oppressed occupied with the master's concerns. Now we hear that it is the task of women of color to educate white women -- in the face of tremendous resistance -- as to our existence, our differences, our relative roles in our joint survival. This is a diversion of energies and a tragic repetition of racist patriarchal thought." (Lourde, p.113  )  

Hi guys..

Sister Outsider was a very interesting paper to have the pleasure of both writing, and researching. Audre Lorde, self proclaimed 'black, lesbian, feminist, mother, poet warrior '; used vivid details to describe her angst, and anger at being labeled as a consumate ‘outsider’.  There is so much in depth writing that Lourde has been accredited with, and it can be quite difficult to pinpoint the meticulous messages that she is trying to extend with her works. I found them quite compelling; as well as ground-breaking in both theory, and active practice.  Upon examining 'Sister Outsider', we see that Lorde sees herself as a paradoxical entity; that is both accepted, and at the same time rejected by society. She is noted for stating.."I am your sister"; indicating that she is the familiar and traditional black sister, of which we can all find comfort. However; she is also an outsider to that very circle of comforted friends; as a Lesbian black woman. She was both a sister, and prolific outsider, within the normative patriarchal world of encouraging discrimination against those who are outside patriarchal normative acceptance, or ‘different’....

"......  However; I was fascinated to see that within Lourde's work, she failed to highlight as above..the origination of the 'patriarchal' male oppressive system , as represented within the 'theodicean rationalization' aspect discussed above, that was so crucial within the homophobic oppression of  men; in particular black men. This damning homophobic oppression,

"......Controversy ensues within my personal response to this statement; just as within Dr. Gordon's work.  So..what of dismantling the Master's House? Is it not possible to create a new system, where patriarchy does not determine the pre-existence of endoctrined male homophobic behavior; as the foundational normative; thus requiring a response? One must note that within Lourde’s response to male oppression, she can be seen as actually stimulating

Consequently; we must examine the surge in homophobic behavior created by the patriarchal system, in relation the Jungian ideology of the anima (unconscious female portion of the male psyche), and the animus (unconscious male portion of the female psyche). And in addition, how it has triggered both the homophobic oppression of black men and the subsequent oppression of  black women. And to state that, there would not be a pattern of the repressed male ‘anima’ without both these factors; goes without saying. This repressed male anima seems to have created an increase within the female ‘animus’; particularly within Lorde’s work. One.. thus directly triggering the other. For instance, thinking along the lines of sex construct, we devise a new definition of gender (male and female acceptable behaviors).

"...It is possible to identify with the female (anima) present in men; as well as the male in women (animus); even if the male female anima has been significantly repressed into homophobia by this point.  Could it be possible to use the tool of  ‘knowledge’ to identify the factors (one tool of the Master’s House), and significantly add more tools; to build yet another house. This house..based upon a stronger, more educational foundation.  In other words, it is actually possible to have ‘female bonding’, between both male and female sources; thus placing the need to apply pressure to changing the construct of gender identification and Homophobia; prior to any possible significant female bonding...."

".. ".......additional homophobic behavior towards women. Is doing the same to men (oppressing them) acceptable; as they have done to us? And would this deem us closer as sisters? I would deem neither forcing men into more homophobic repressive behavior towards women; nor oppressing other women into homophobic behavior of men, as being acceptable. Fear of Lesbianism or the ‘difference’ is not necessarily the primary issue. And in particular (the disturbing portion that I thought was notably missing, within Lourde's work)…..how to approach the reversal of homophobic behavior; particularly in Black Men. Perhaps this falls in line with Lourde revealing herself as both ‘self’, and ‘oppressor’. The oppression of black women, actually causing her ‘backlash’ of oppressive behavior; indicating that black women must also assume the role of oppressor; in order to establish liberation....."

In addition, upon further reading of Lourde's work, there seems to be a reluctance towards the inclusion of the parallel psychological needs that both men, and women have towards the current 'feminine' association with gender; or as again Jung described it, the ‘anima and the animus’. This association is perceived by the patriarchal system, as being homosexual; when at the very least..it is quite normal. So..Lourde’s reaction to  the male anima, or lack there of..is astounding. Perhaps because she felt that the female animus’ needs are much more complex, and thus should be heralded as key.  However; my personal belief is that, the natural affiliation by both male and female towards this natural unconscious behavior, being called erotic or homosexual..is exactly the problem; thus causing oppressive behavior....

In addition, upon further reading of Lourde's work, there seems to be a reluctance towards the inclusion of the parallel psychological needs that both men, and women have towards the current 'feminine' association with gender; or as again Jung described it, the ‘anima and the animus’. This association is perceived by the patriarchal system, as being homosexual; when at the very least..it is quite normal. So..Lourde’s reaction to  the male anima, or lack there of..is astounding. Perhaps because she felt that the female animus’ needs are much more complex, and thus should be heralded as key.  However; my personal belief is that, the natural affiliation by both male and female towards this natural unconscious behavior, being called erotic or homosexual..is exactly the problem; thus causing oppressive behavior..."

" ...Often this can impede female bonding; as women compete to win the attention of the desensitized male persona, towards women.  These types of behaviors seem to further repress the male anima, even further into homophobia; by offering acceptance. Ironically, the same can occur when there is an overly aggressive influcuation within the female animus; such as within the case of Lourde.  In fact, quite often male genders are often attracted to the female anima present within other men; as well as the animus within women, and vice versa....."

"....Honestly in that retrospect, the disallowance of race and gender autonomy, and acknowledging the ‘differences’ within an individual, is considered common sense. Thus within my analysis, it should be noted that;  I am not supporting the ignoring of ‘differences’; as within autonomy. However; I am debating the value in simply ‘just’ the acknowledgment of this factor; as being indeed enough. Indeed, as an oppressed single black mother (and child of another); I can access the value within being a true survivor. “...And survival is the greatest gift of love. Sometimes, for Black mothers, it is the only gift possible, and tenderness gets lost” (p.150)...."

It's true..I feel that anger..

When I am held back...when I put myself through school..when I pay all my bills..when I am awake from insomia, because my beautiful children wear me down..when I buy my own house..buy my own car..buy my own groceries..

And am numb to all this..until I am forced to remember; as another person swiftly manages to overlook all of these elements...

As another bill comes..another bigot blossoms, another white privilege hailed.....Just to start the anger all over again.

Re-teaching us that...Black Women are still on the outside;Or..perhaps, there are those who are ignorant to the fact that....it is indeed quite the opposite.


Thank you,
 
 
 
I'm Alisha M.Gray