Womanism, black feminism and reproductive oppression in the color purple
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Date
2024
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Publisher
UMT, Lahore
Abstract
Analyzing the chronicle frame from submissive childhood to resilient womanhood in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, this thesis identifies the interplay of sexism, racism, oppression and empowerment. It explores the horrifying realities of Afro American women, gender inequality, misogynistic perspective of a male dominating society along with sexual enslavement experienced by protagonist, Celie. Black feminism and womanism contextualized as an instrument that unveils racist efforts regarding power imbalances in a community. Black feminism, a specific strand of socialist feminism, assists to restore the subjectivity of black women. Black feminism disrupts the power structure by challenging the traditional gender roles. Alice Walker’s womanism creates an incomprehensible space for self-expression and individualism. It investigates to build relationship between women within the same community to create a strong female bondage. Womanism and black feminism elucidates multifaceted struggle faced by black females, dismantling the oppressive structures to stimulate empowerment and resistance as portrayed through the character of Celie and Shug. The Color Purple, reveals Walker’s determination regarding female consciousness, highlighting the psychological, physical violence by portraying reproductive oppression as a significant theme. Celie uses her own will power to break away the patriarchy social structure by disregarding conventional social structure. This thesis aims to scrutinize the aspects through which oppression is used as a potent tool to undermine women’s right and their true sense of independence.