How We Get Free

  In the text, How We Get Free, by Keeanga Taylor, it talks about the oppression of black women and the struggles and poverty they face. All blacks are looked at differently and treated differently, but many would argue that black women are even more oppressed than black men. On page 3, it states "Black women were making on average $34,000 a year compared to $53,000 for white men." An even more interesting point also is found on page 3, stating in Louisiana women weren't even making half the money that white men in that state made. To be exact, black women were only making 43 percent of what white men were making in the state of Louisiana. Also on page 3, it mentions that "Black women make up 25 percent of the poor, compared to black men, who are 18 percent; and to white women, who make up 10 percent of poor people." I mean it would be extremely hard to not see how these women were being oppressed. They were not valued in anyway and it was disgusting that there was absolutely no equality in any way. I feel like another concern is that many people are unaware of how these black women were oppressed and not valued. After reading this text, it was the first time I've actually ever heard about black feminism in detail. It is scary to think that many people are unaware of these situations and will never have the opportunity to learn about this. Learning this background should not only be a requirement in high school, but also college. I feel that it is important for all students to be in some way educated about African American oppression in general, but specifically African American women.

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