Kristin Figg

WS 202
Reading Reflection 7-27-15
In the Combahee River Collective Statement, the reasons why
black feminism is needed is addressed as are their goals for their
activism. Black women face oppression based on both their race and
gender. This intersection makes it difficult for other people to fully
understand their struggles. This is why groups like the National Black
Feminists organization have been created. They believe the current
capitalist system is one of heterosexism and economic oppression and
this is why they identify themselves as socialists. They believe it is
important to work towards the goal of lifting everyone up and have a
more community-based approach rather than self based. They find
solidarity with black men and reject the lesbian separation approach
that many white radical feminists use. Their motivation mainly comes
from self-love, as well as love for other black women. They hope to be
recognized as humans that are valued just as much as other humans.
African Americans only had a limited ability to become more
prosperous after the Second World War but have often been shut out of
many industries and their accomplishments have been put down by
others.
I agree with most things in the Combahee River Collective
Statement, including the fact that capitalism helps contribute to

oppression. However, I do not think socialism or communist is a

realistic approach to combat this oppression. I think while in concept
people would agree with the idea of working together to benefit
everyone, in practice I think some would perceive this as taking away
from their own freedoms and prosperity. I think the first step to
achieving more economic equality would be to highly regulate aspects
of the economy to try and help eliminate discriminatory practices.