Patricia Hill Collins' "Black Feminist Thought" (Part 2 of 2)

Published in 1973, 'Sula' by Toni Morrison is a novel that delves into the intricate and often fraught relationship between two childhood friends, Sula Peace and Nel Wright, growing up in the African American community of the Bottom in Ohio. The narrative explores themes of friendship, identity, freedom, and the consequences of societal expectations. Sula, who challenges traditional norms and lives a life of independence, and Nel, who opts for a conventional life as a wife and mother, find their bond tested by a tragic incident and later by Sula's affair with Nel's husband. The novel questions the terms 'good' and 'evil', highlighting the ambiguity and complexity of human relationships and the impact of societal judgments. Through the characters' experiences, Morrison examines issues of motherhood, black masculinity, and the constraints faced by black people in a small-town environment.

Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí's "The Invention of Women" is a groundbreaking work that challenges Western feminist perspectives on gender. The book examines how colonial practices and the imposition of Western knowledge systems have shaped understandings of gender in Africa. Oyěwùmí argues that the concept of 'woman' as a universal category is a product of colonialism, and that many non-Western societies have different ways of understanding gender and social relations. The book's analysis of Yoruba culture in Nigeria is central to its argument, demonstrating how gender roles and identities are not fixed or universal. Oyěwùmí's work has significantly impacted feminist theory and postcolonial studies.

Audre Lorde's essay, "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House," critiques the limitations of using existing power structures to achieve social change. Lorde argues that relying on the tools of the oppressor will only perpetuate oppression. She emphasizes the need for marginalized groups to develop their own strategies and tools for liberation. The essay highlights the importance of embracing difference and challenging dominant narratives. It remains a crucial text for understanding the complexities of social justice movements.

Set in Lorain, Ohio, during the Great Depression, 'The Bluest Eye' tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an eleven-year-old African American girl who desperately wants blue eyes, believing they will make her more beautiful and accepted according to white cultural standards. The novel explores themes of race, class, and beauty standards, highlighting the destructive impact of internalized racism and societal pressures on Pecola and her family. Through a non-linear narrative and shifting perspectives, Morrison critiques the systemic racism and social stratification that contribute to Pecola's tragic downfall.