There is a famous quote that comes to mind when we speak of Anthropology in Black. “One must speak for one’s self if they wish to be heard.” I had the opportunity to review an article by Lynn Bolles, a famous African American anthropologist, who based her research on African American women and their accomplishments and career goals. In the words of John Gwaltney (1981) ,“telling the story straight” is an inspirational quote for many African American women who have made amazing strides in their career fields, and are celebrated for their major accomplishments within their respective fields. These women have completed the work, and created pathways for others who have come after them. Anthropology in black allows black female voices to be heard by displaying African American women as the driving force for change. They do not feel inferior to their counterparts, and feel free to express their voice as a means to create positive movement. According to Bolles (2013), the term “double jeopardy” is used to describe the cliché between feminism and culture in today’s society. This term modifies how ethnicity plays a significant role in how African American women gain respect and advancement in the respective field of Anthropology. Bolles (2013), highlights the field of Anthropology continues to thrive, as several women continue to pursue doctoral degrees within this area. Gwaltney (1981) has ensured to dismiss several stereotypes associated with the misrepresentation of African American women in their respective career fields. It is paramount that the history of African American women and their accomplishments continue to be the driving force for those to come.
References
Bolles, L. (2013). Telling the story straight: Black feminist intellectual thought in anthropology. Transforming Anthropology, 21,1. https://doi.org/10.1111/traa.12000
Gwaltney, J. L. (1981). Drylongso: a self-portrait of Black America. Vintage Books. https://ehrafworldcultures.yal...document?id=nk04-009
Comments (0)