America Quote by Bell Hooks
“No other group in America has so had their identity socialized out of existence as have black women... When black people are talked about the focus tends to be on black men; and when women are talked about the focus tends to be on white women.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center, 1984
Black women’s identities have been systematically erased, while discussions of race and gender often marginalize them.
In simple terms: Black women’s identities are ignored.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and amplify Black women’s voices.
Themes
intersectionality
identity
race
gender
visibility
Mood
urgent
reflective
Type
critical
activist
When to use this quote
- academic curricula
- media coverage
- policy making
- community activism
Key Concepts
social erasure
marginalization
representation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions center Black women’s experiences?
- What steps can individuals take to counter erasure?
A Different Perspective
May overlook other intersecting oppressions.
![“The inspiration for this movie [Something New] was this Newsweek article that came out a couple of years ago that talks about 42.4 percent of black women in America aren't married. Black women are shooting up the corporate ladder way faster than our black male counterparts. And (black men) are…” quote by Sanaa Lathan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a63/sanaa-lathan-12439_america_the-inspiration-for-this-movie-something_788920.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
