Black Women example essay topic
We are presented with an image of black women as helpless beings, and the only form of artistic expression available to them is their daily life. In the ordinary tasks of cooking, sewing, and growing food, tasks on which their survival depended, these women found a way to express the yearnings of the soul for hope and beauty, as well as the desire to be remembered. Unable to read and to write their own stories, these generations of mothers and grandmothers, their own lives became their greatest work of art. Walker explores the theories and practices of feminists and feminism, incorporating what she calls the "woman ist" tradition of black women. She proposes questions that invite the reader to respond with feeling. First, she discusses a touchy subject, being used as a sexual object.
The color of our skin, direction of our lives, experiences as a male or female, knowledge of suffering, prejudice and sanity will all affect how we respond to her writing. This response could be confusion, shock, or even outrage. Second, she presents questions that will affect woman in particular, especially black women. She draws a vivid picture through her words. We must use our imagination to experience her depiction of nineteenth century black women. She extensively uses sentence fragments to drive or empower a theme creating a more casual and intimate style of writing.
In a vivid and courageous memoir she tells of a scarring childhood injury and her daughter's healing words. She uses a light, informal style of prose and plenty of detail. Describing her mother's temper as being on view and saying that she battled with the landlord, Walker uses common, everyday speech rather than formal diction. In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens is an essay that deals with race, gender, and the complexities of being human. Walker deals with a variety of situations, which represents her response to the concept of heritage as expressed by the Black political movements of the 60's. This essay brings forth a strong message; regardless of race or gender, it encourages us to continue to live with each other and accept our differences!