Evolved Mindsets

Women have always had to define themselves as human beings, rather than animals, in order to establish a place for themselves under the law as rightful holders of the entitlements of citizenship, including opportunities for literacy and learning. (pg. 108) As years have passed the perspective of women, especially African American women, have evolved tremendously.

Elanie Richardson tells us in “To Protect and Serve,” that in the beginning, women were often seen under two spectrums. These spectrums were either housewives also known as “mammies,” or women with high sex drives better known as “jezebels.” As we all know, along with these two types of women, we also have educated women that do not fall under either of these spectrums.  As time progressed educated women began to influence other women. They have done this by taking a stand telling their stories and even beginning to write them themselves so that this who viewpoint will become a rare one.

 In modern time, it is rare that you see an image of an African American woman that is empowering. Instead, we are more likely to see of the mammy on cleaning and cooking commercials, and the jezebel in places like the cover of magazines or in music videos.  Although some problems still remain, it is safe to say that African American women have used literacy to begin changing the definition that others have of them. As a result, problems have begun to be solved not only in the category of being an individual of African decent, but in the category of being as female too.