Introduction
In her powerful and thought-provoking book "This Will Be My Undoing," Morgan Jerkins explores the complex experiences of Black women in America. Through a series of personal essays and cultural commentary, Jerkins delves into the intersections of race, gender, and identity, shedding light on the unique challenges and struggles faced by Black women in a society that often marginalizes and misunderstands them.
Jerkins, drawing from her own life experiences and observations, presents a compelling narrative that challenges readers to confront their own biases and misconceptions about Black womanhood. The book serves as both a personal journey and a call to action, urging readers to recognize and address the systemic inequalities that continue to shape the lives of Black women in America.
The Complexity of Black Womanhood
One of the central themes in Jerkins' book is the complexity and multifaceted nature of Black womanhood. She argues that society often tries to simplify or stereotype Black women, failing to recognize the rich diversity of their experiences and identities.
Navigating Two Worlds
Jerkins shares her own experiences of growing up as a young Black girl, feeling torn between two worlds. On one hand, she felt pressure to assimilate into white culture, believing it was necessary for success. This led her to adopt certain behaviors and preferences that were seen as "white," such as wearing clothes from Gap and Limited Too, and avoiding Black classmates who rejected white culture.
At the same time, Jerkins learned to navigate when it was advantageous to embrace her racial heritage and when to adapt to the rules of whiteness. This constant negotiation of identity highlights the complex balancing act that many Black women face in their daily lives.
The False Dichotomy of "Black" and "Human"
Jerkins recounts a revealing interaction with a white man who questioned why she identified as a Black woman rather than simply as a human. This encounter illuminates a troubling perspective held by some: the idea that being "Black" and being "human" are somehow mutually exclusive.
The author explains how this mindset stems from deeply ingrained stereotypes about Black women. When a Black woman doesn't conform to these stereotypes – for example, by being well-spoken, educated, or successful in traditionally white-dominated fields – some people struggle to reconcile her Blackness with their preconceived notions of what a Black woman should be.
This false dichotomy not only denies the full humanity of Black women but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and limits their ability to be seen as complex, multifaceted individuals.
The Myth of Color-Blindness
Jerkins tackles the problematic concept of "color-blindness" – the idea that not seeing or acknowledging race is a progressive stance. She argues that this approach, while often well-intentioned, actually does more harm than good.
The Importance of Acknowledging Race
Being "blind" to someone's Blackness, Jerkins explains, means being blind to their history, experiences, and the unique challenges they face in a society still grappling with systemic racism. By claiming not to see color, people inadvertently erase the very real and distinct experiences of Black individuals.
Moreover, this color-blind approach often masks a "universal" standard that is, in reality, a white perspective. It allows people to ignore the ways in which societal structures and norms are built around whiteness, further marginalizing people of color.
The Danger of Denying Blackness
Jerkins points out that when Black people are told they're not seen as Black, it's often because they've successfully assimilated into white culture. This "compliment" reinforces the idea that Blackness is something negative that needs to be overcome or hidden to be accepted.
The author emphasizes that white people don't have the right to determine whether someone identifies as Black or not. Acknowledging and respecting a person's racial identity is crucial for understanding their lived experiences and the challenges they face.
The Fetishization of Black Women's Bodies
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to exploring how Black women's bodies have been and continue to be fetishized and dehumanized in society.
Historical Context
Jerkins provides historical context, referencing examples like Hottentot Venus, a Black woman with an unusually large bottom who was turned into a freak show attraction by Dutch colonists in the early 1800s. While such blatant displays may not occur today, the mentalities underpinning them persist.
The Legacy of Slavery and Objectification
The author traces the roots of this fetishization back to slavery, when Black women's bodies were considered property and subject to the whims of their white owners. This dehumanization has evolved over time but still manifests in the over-sexualization of Black women in media and popular culture.
The Problem with "Compliments"
Jerkins highlights how even seemingly innocuous actions, like asking to touch a Black woman's hair, are problematic. Such requests, while perhaps intended as compliments, treat Black women as objects of curiosity rather than as individuals deserving of respect and personal space.
The author draws a parallel between these actions and the way people interact with animals, noting that white people rarely have to defend against such invasions of their personal space. This dynamic reinforces power imbalances and perpetuates the objectification of Black women.
Black Hair and Cultural Significance
Jerkins dedicates significant attention to the topic of Black hair, emphasizing its cultural and political importance.
More Than Just Hair
For Black women, hair is not merely a matter of aesthetics. It carries deep cultural significance and can be a powerful form of self-expression and resistance against white beauty standards. Natural Black hair and traditional hairstyles like twists and braids are often seen as bold statements of nonconformity to mainstream white culture.
The Politics of Black Hair
The author explains how wearing natural hair has become a political act, a way for Black women to assert their identity and reject pressures to conform to white beauty standards. However, this choice often comes with consequences, as many schools and workplaces still discriminate against natural Black hairstyles, deeming them "unprofessional" or "distracting."
Cultural Appropriation
Jerkins addresses the issue of cultural appropriation, particularly how white women often adopt Black hairstyles without understanding or respecting their cultural significance. She points out the double standard where white celebrities are praised for wearing cornrows or other traditionally Black hairstyles, while Black women are often criticized or penalized for the same styles.
Mainstream Feminism and Black Women
A crucial aspect of Jerkins' book is her critique of mainstream feminism and its failure to adequately address the experiences and needs of Black women.
The Problem with Color-Blind Feminism
Jerkins uses the example of the film "Girlhood," directed by a white woman, to illustrate how attempts to universalize the experiences of young girls can erase the specific challenges faced by Black girls. By claiming that the film represents the experiences of all young girls, rather than acknowledging the unique perspective of a young Black girl, the director inadvertently perpetuates a color-blind approach that negates the real-life experiences of Black girls.
Different Experiences, Different Challenges
The author emphasizes that the experiences of Black girls and women are fundamentally different from those of their white counterparts. For instance, she points out how media portrayals of teenage experimentation differ based on race: white girls experimenting with drugs might be seen as rebellious or edgy, while Black girls in similar situations are more likely to be portrayed as addicts or criminals.
Representation Matters
Jerkins highlights the lack of diverse representations of Black women in media and popular culture. From the scarcity of Black Barbie dolls to the limited portrayals of Black female university students in TV and film, these gaps in representation have real impacts on how Black girls and women see themselves and their potential roles in society.
Intersectionality in Feminism
The author argues for a more intersectional approach to feminism, one that acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges faced by women of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. She stresses that feminism cannot be truly successful if it fails to recognize and address the disparities between women of different racial and ethnic groups.
The Complexity of Black Womanhood
Jerkins delves deeper into the multifaceted nature of Black womanhood, challenging both external stereotypes and internal community expectations.
Breaking Stereotypes
The author discusses how Black women are often limited by stereotypes imposed both by white society and within their own communities. One such stereotype is the expectation of strength and resilience in the face of adversity – the idea that Black women should be able to handle immense suffering without showing vulnerability, just as their ancestors did.
The Burden of Strength
While this expectation of strength can be seen as a form of protection, Jerkins argues that it can also be limiting and harmful. It can prevent Black women from freely expressing their emotions and seeking help when needed. Moreover, it places an unfair burden on Black women to constantly be strong and resilient, denying them the full range of human experiences and emotions.
Cultural Appropriation and Black Womanhood
Jerkins explores how aspects of Black womanhood are often appropriated by white culture, particularly when it comes to physical attributes and cultural expressions. She points out the irony of how elements of Black culture, when adopted by white women, are often celebrated, while Black women are criticized for the same things.
For example, she discusses how dance moves originating from Black culture, like twerking, are appropriated by white celebrities and praised, while Black women performing the same moves are often stigmatized or seen as reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Empowering Black Women
In the face of these challenges, Jerkins emphasizes the importance of Black women supporting and uplifting each other.
The Crabs-in-a-Barrel Theory
The author introduces the concept of the "crabs-in-a-barrel" theory, which suggests that members of marginalized communities, including Black women, might try to pull each other down rather than helping each other succeed. This mentality, born out of a scarcity of opportunities, can lead to a mindset of self-preservation at the expense of community progress.
Challenging the Theory
Jerkins challenges this theory, arguing that the success of one Black woman should be seen as a success for all Black women. She emphasizes the power of collective progress and the importance of breaking down the barriers that keep Black women from supporting each other.
The Ripple Effect of Success
The author illustrates how the success of one Black woman can have a ripple effect throughout the community. It can inspire other Black girls and women, showing them that success is possible despite the obstacles they face. It can also validate the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the entire community.
The Role of Allies
While much of the book focuses on the experiences and challenges of Black women, Jerkins also addresses the role that allies, particularly white women, can play in supporting and uplifting Black women.
Understanding Without Appropriating
The author emphasizes the importance of allies trying to understand the experiences of Black women, while also recognizing that they can never fully comprehend or embody these experiences. She encourages white women to engage with and amplify the voices of Black women, but to do so reflexively and with an awareness of their own limitations and privileges.
Inclusive Feminism
Jerkins calls for a more inclusive feminism that recognizes and addresses the specific challenges faced by Black women and other women of color. She argues that true feminist progress cannot be achieved without acknowledging and working to dismantle the intersecting systems of oppression that affect different groups of women in different ways.
Final Thoughts
"This Will Be My Undoing" is a powerful and necessary exploration of Black womanhood in America. Through her personal experiences and insightful analysis, Morgan Jerkins sheds light on the complex realities faced by Black women in a society that often fails to see or understand them fully.
The book serves as both a mirror and a window – reflecting the experiences of Black women back to themselves while also providing others with a glimpse into the challenges, joys, and complexities of Black womanhood. Jerkins' work is a call to action, urging readers to confront their own biases, challenge systemic inequalities, and work towards a more inclusive and just society.
Key takeaways from the book include:
The importance of recognizing and respecting the complexity of Black womanhood, rather than relying on simplistic stereotypes or expectations.
The harmful effects of color-blindness and the need to acknowledge and address racial differences and inequalities.
The ongoing fetishization and objectification of Black women's bodies, and the need to challenge these harmful attitudes.
The cultural and political significance of Black hair, and the problems associated with cultural appropriation.
The shortcomings of mainstream feminism in addressing the specific needs and experiences of Black women.
The power of Black women supporting and uplifting each other, challenging the "crabs-in-a-barrel" mentality.
The role of allies in supporting Black women and working towards a more inclusive feminism.
Ultimately, "This Will Be My Undoing" is a testament to the resilience, complexity, and power of Black women. It challenges readers to think critically about race, gender, and identity, and to work towards a world where Black women are fully seen, respected, and empowered. Jerkins' work is not just a personal narrative, but a call to action for all of us to contribute to building a more equitable and just society.