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Rebeca Masis-Cubero
Dr. Parker
ENG 113
24 September 2016

Feminism and Womanism

In Feminism and Womanism, Carmen Mojica states that, as a woman of color, she feels
uncomfortable labeling herself as a feminist. Specifically, Mojica argues that the term
womanist describes her values and experiences with more accuracy. In the authors own words,
Womanism is centered around the natural order of life, family and a complimentary relationship
with men and women. Although some might argue that the definition of feminism is broad
enough to encompass the sentiments of all women, regardless of race, the author asserts that
while feminism focuses on equality and the empowerment of women in a patriarchal society, it
often neglects the challenges, values and experiences of women of color. In sum, her view is that
women of color are often more comfortable referring to themselves as womanists, rather than
feminists, because the term describes who they are and what they believe in more thoroughly
than mainstream feminism.
I agree. In my opinion, mainstream feminism has become a movement that represents
only a specific type of woman. For instance, many issues that affect women of color or women
who live in poverty are often neglected or ignored in the mainstream feminist movement. In
addition, women cannot separate their identities. Being oppressed because of their gender and
being oppressed because of the color of their skin are both issues that need to be addressed. In
the mainstream feminist movement, where only gender-based oppression is advocated against,

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women who are oppressed because of their race may feel that their voices and their experiences
are insignificant. Some might object, of course, on the grounds that one can advocate for both
racial and gender equality separately. However, I would argue that someone needs to advocate
for the woman who is marginalized because of her gender and the color of her skin, not just one
or the other. Her burden is much heavier than the burdens of those who are only victims of one
type of discrimination. Overall, I believe that we must not antagonize women who feel that a
different label is more appropriate for them. Instead, we should stand beside them and listen to
what they have to say.
Understanding this perspective of feminist and womanist thought is important considering
the racial tensions that have been building in our society. African Americans, including women,
are frequently subjected to violence and discrimination simply because of the color of their skin.
The experiences and values of black women are just as valuable and important as those of white
women. The mainstream feminist movement, unfortunately, has neglected to address issues that
affect women of color. However, just because these issues are not addressed does not mean that
they are not significant. If women of color are more comfortable labeling themselves as
womanists, rather than feminists, because they feel that the term womanist encompasses and
represents them better, they should proudly claim the term. Because of all the acts of violence
that have occurred and all the struggles that women of color face, I believe that womanism is a
much more broad and representative term than feminist. I dont think we should focus on what
label a woman has. Instead, we should support women who are fighting for what they believe,
whether that is through feminism or womanism.

Works Cited

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Mojica, Carmen. Feminism and Womanism. Gender Across Borders RSS. N.p. 30 Mar. 2011.
Web. 24 Sept. 2016.