Ain T I A Woman Analysis
Key Word #1: Identity.
An overarching concept that framed both readings “Ain’t I a Woman” by Avtar Brah, and “Race and Ethnicity” by Stephen Spencer looks at defining identities whether it be of individuals or social and cultural groups. Stephen Spencer discusses how language is a cultural code that can “reflect inherently different social attributes: class, gender, ethnicity and so on (Spencer, 40).” Language is crucially important when looking at many social issues. How we define these issues, and what terms are derived by society takes a look at how language is able to “belittle, abuse or…almost to deny the separate existence of unique and complex cultures (Spencer, 40).” Language leads to defining identities, the key concept that I will be looking at. Avtar Brah indicates in their reading that “identites are not objects but processes constituted in and through power relations (Brah, 77). This relates to Spencers analysis of language. These identities that are …show more content…
I found the title “Ain’t I a Woman” to be interesting as it asks an important question. Taking into account that this woman falls under a minority group as she is a black woman, it is interesting that she is looking for affirmation from others that she is a woman. Even though she is trying to make a point, this takes a look at how identities play out in society. While she knows she is a woman and she knows she deserves to be treated like any other woman, she is asking others to confirm that she is a woman. This suggests that some may not see her as a woman. Some may see her as an enslaved person who does not deserve the same rights as white woman receives. Some may believe that even though she is a woman, she is no equal to a man. It helps us realize that identifying as a black woman might not give you a right to exercise the same rights as those who fall under different
An overarching concept that framed both readings “Ain’t I a Woman” by Avtar Brah, and “Race and Ethnicity” by Stephen Spencer looks at defining identities whether it be of individuals or social and cultural groups. Stephen Spencer discusses how language is a cultural code that can “reflect inherently different social attributes: class, gender, ethnicity and so on (Spencer, 40).” Language is crucially important when looking at many social issues. How we define these issues, and what terms are derived by society takes a look at how language is able to “belittle, abuse or…almost to deny the separate existence of unique and complex cultures (Spencer, 40).” Language leads to defining identities, the key concept that I will be looking at. Avtar Brah indicates in their reading that “identites are not objects but processes constituted in and through power relations (Brah, 77). This relates to Spencers analysis of language. These identities that are …show more content…
I found the title “Ain’t I a Woman” to be interesting as it asks an important question. Taking into account that this woman falls under a minority group as she is a black woman, it is interesting that she is looking for affirmation from others that she is a woman. Even though she is trying to make a point, this takes a look at how identities play out in society. While she knows she is a woman and she knows she deserves to be treated like any other woman, she is asking others to confirm that she is a woman. This suggests that some may not see her as a woman. Some may see her as an enslaved person who does not deserve the same rights as white woman receives. Some may believe that even though she is a woman, she is no equal to a man. It helps us realize that identifying as a black woman might not give you a right to exercise the same rights as those who fall under different