A Voice From The South Analysis

I agree with many of the points made by Woodson in this book and for the points I could not directly relate to, I could reflect and see validity in his statements. I like that he tries to instill confidence in Black people by telling them that their history did not begin with slavery and critiquing the way slavery and black history is taught. He addresses the issue of not hearing about our own, history, culture, and accomplishments while we praise the work and accomplishments of white people. He critiques the learning system because it does teach Black people that they are inferior and many people don’t get to see anything different unless they do outside research or if they are fortunate enough to go to college and take an Africana class. …show more content…
I could heavily relate to her discussion on double damnation and intersectionality. It wasn’t until I had taken a Women and Gender Studies class that I understood the importance of intersectionality. I liked that she addressed the problem on both sides with intersectionality with Black men and White women. The issue lies with Black men because they are knowledgeable about the racial issues and prejudices they face as black people but they overlook the hardships on Black women who face the double damnation, Black and female. As far as the comparison between white women and black women, she notices their differences in what they’re fighting for. Yes, she agreed women and men should be treated equal and that was apparent in her fights to gain higher education, but white woman had some respect and an inherent social advantage over Black people due to their whiteness. I like that she demands respect and chivalry from men because it shows that women are appreciated. I think by her explaining how important women are to the Black race,it motivates men to appreciate them more and be more chivalrous. I think the parenting role of women is often overlooked so it was important that she emphasized women support their men all while teaching morality to their children amongst other things like the importance of education, structure, and …show more content…
When first reading it I was immediately displeased on her views. I didn’t understand how she thought race issues were good seeing that she was a slave. I think maybe her ability to be so successful clouded her thoughts about race tension and issues. I understand her point when she stated race problem can lead to progression and peace in America. However, I think this unrealistic. The problem with her statement is that in order for there to be peace and progression, people have to want to change their ways and want change. At the time this was written, white people weren’t looking for this change. This racial tension brings about the question, how should we interact with white people if we want racial progression and they don’t. Protests and boycotts have been done but they brought about a little progression and little to no peace. I also didn’t like that she thought we should celebrate the opportunity to have this progression and peace because to celebrate it would mean we would be celebrating the death and exploitation of Black lives. By celebrating this source of diversity, we would be celebrating all the oppression white people brought. Her views on diversity and race sounded more like a fairy tale dream because it is 2015 and white people still don 't want Black people to advance and be equal. Also it is apparent that America still has race problems and although we have made some