Thinking...

 

“Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender” -Alice Walker

Alice Walker coined the term "womanism" to describe the unique perspectives of black feminists who battle both sexist and racist aspects of society.

Ever since I started molding ReasonsAndRoses to be the voice of black Southern Belles, I've wanted to write a post that examines how or if women who describe themselves as such could ...also embrace the philosophies that undergird womanism, and vice versa. To be honest, there are stereotypes about Southern Belles, starting with the definition of Southern Belle being a genteel white woman with a drawl, that fly in the face of all that womanism is. Part of the goal of ReasonsAndRoses is to create another definition of the Southern Belle that is a wider, updated, and accurate description of women who have grown up in and inherited the traditions of the South and who now operate in the New South.

Can a black Southern Belle also be a womanist? Can she maintain the courtliness that is the signature to a Southern Belle while also upholding the principles of womanism? I'm using your responses to help me frame this post, so any input is welcomed and appreciated.