can a black man be a feminist?

Question

i mean, don't most black men have other problems to worry about without including feminism? do they have the energy?

"I think that would be simple enough for any man, even white."

OH AND THAT DOESN'T SMACK OF RACism

Answer 1

If like me, you care about our communities and about our relationships with black women and about how our mothers and daughters fare in the world, you definitely SHOULD take an active interest in many feminist issues, in discrimination over sex as well as race, in violence against women, in the degradation of our sisters at the hands of some of our own entertainers...

So you definitely should take some feminist concerns as your own.

I suppose you CAN be a feminist. I'm not, but I do care about some of the issues.

EDIT

The black women in my family, who come from a long line of women who were educated and professional, including my great-grandmother who got a college education as a black woman in the 1920s, support women's rights, but few of them identify as "feminists". Now, that may just be a matter of terminology: think what you may. But I guarantee they take serious many issues that feminists care about.

Answer 2

Wow, I see this question got the racist member of the house going again....she still doesn't understand she can't play around with just any 'ism' on here...to answer your question though:

I personally don't know any black male feminists. This doesn't mean they don't believe in equality for women, but it may just be a matter of picking your battles. When you live your daily life striving for the right to drive while black without getting pulled over, campaigning for more men to cry on TV to keep up with gender equality in the media, just may not be a priority.

And I didn't hear about many feminists participating in the Jena 6 rally either. Although you would think if we want to move towards a common goal of "equality", a systematic conviction of blacks without equal legal representation, or consistent police brutality against blacks and such, should take some priority.

Answer 3

In reading the additional comments with this question, I am inclined to find it racist. There is no legitimate reason to expect any male not to be feminist, black or not. And since I am, and have to deal with racism every day I am out and about, I have a unique perspective to understand the problems with discrimination. Maybe you just lack the perspective to appreciate the value of freedom and equality.

If any black man were to have any problem identifying himself as a feminist, he need only ask his mother, if she is black, what struggle she's had to endure to raise him as a child and give him the inspiration to be what he is today. I think that would be simple enough for any man, even white.

Shingoshi Dao

Answer 4

Yes, he could be a womens rights advocate. Stand up for diversity in the workplace. Help battered women. I don't think you have to be a woman to be a feminist, just stand up for women. Everyone has their own problems, that doesn't mean you cant go out for a cause. You might choose not to, but you can.

Answer 5

Not this one. I was taught at home to be decent, kind, and fair to everyone without relying on any ISM's. I don't need some ideology with contradictory practices directing me.

Despite being fair and kind to all people, including (and especially females), I will *never* be accurately described by any word beginning with FEM.

EDIT:

Race has always been a bigger challenge for black women than their gender (sex).

My mother and aunts grew up in the south and ALL have stated that their race was a FAR greater challenge than their sex.

Not a single one has ever (in my earshot) uttered anything about feminism or women's rights.

But, I have countless times heard them talk about race creating challenges.

Answer 6

Yes black men can be feminist and yes they have the energy to go out ans stand for other's besides the black man....why can't a black man have enough energy to stand for himself and others oppressed? That shows more power...Word is bond!

Answer 7

As a feminist who isn't a woman, it is possible for a man or person of any color, ethnic, cultural, or national background to identify as a feminist.

This is because to me, contemporary feminism simply means a movement that seeks to integrate a level playing field, taking advantage away from gender, to create a society of both community and self-determination. I don't believe that only women or caucasians have the ability to identify within this definition.

Answer 8

Absolutely. Anyone can be a feminist — the only rule is that you have to believe in gender equality and apply that belief in your daily life.

Answer 9

The simple answer is yes. He recognizes that women have been discriminated against in the past and wants women and men to be treated fairly.

Answer 10

Your names Fredrick, surely you heard of Fredrick Douglas? He was a black male and after fighting for blacks right he also fought for women's rights.