African-American Women Understanding The Problems of...

African-American Women: Gender and Race Introduction African-American women have often been an overlooked group with the larger context of American Society. Historically, oppression has been meted out to the African-American woman in two ways. Historically, everything afforded to African-American, from educational and employment opportunities to health care have been sub-par. As women they have been relegated even further in a patriarchal society that has always, invariably, held men in higher regard. Throughout history black women have been referred to as â€Å"slave†, â€Å"wench†, â€Å"nigger† and â€Å"mammy† amongst other things. Her children have been referred to as â€Å"pickaninny† and â€Å"niglet†. They have been beaten, routinely raped and abused in†¦show more content†¦In terms of mental, emotional and physical health how does the African-American woman compare with other cultural groups? How does she cope? How does she view herself and her circumstances? Where is sh e now in terms of employment and educational opportunities? Historical Overview The first Africans landed on the shores of America in 1619, there were 17 men and three women. When they arrived these Africans were not considered slaves, they were instead identified as indentured servants. This would eventually change and by the time slavery ended in 1865 it is estimated that more than 500.000 Africans had been imported to America as slave labor. Although there were many common factors within the institution of slavery for both men and women there were also circumstances that were unique to women. â€Å"The first slaves to be brought to the British colonies of North America were disproportionately male. Considered more valuable workers because of their strength, enslaved men performed labors that ranged from building houses to plowing fields. When the Dutch brought African and Creole women into New Amsterdam in the late 1620s, they did so not to supplement their workforce, but to provide company for their black male slaves† (Hallan, 20 04). This tells us that from the beginning the African woman was less valuable and her treatment by the slave owners was a direct reflection of this. â€Å"The slave owners exploitation of the blackShow MoreRelatedUnderstanding Gender Identity and Sexuality1083 Words   |  5 Pagesthe terms â€Å"gender† and â€Å"sex† are often used interchangeably, the two words have significantly different definitions. One could argue that sex refers to biological essentialism and the idea that we are who we are because of our genetic material. On the other hand, gender is associated with the social constructionist theory, which argues that the way we are is dependent on our race, class, and sexuality. 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