What Is: Womanism

[@Risky2014]

I love black centered content. So rarely do youtubers speak to me as a black woman without trying to sell me something.

[@PipByMac]

That's because you're a racist

[@HalfbloodPirate1]

I think as intersectional feminists, it's important to understand why a woman may identify as a womanist. Black women have consistently been put on the back burner of feminism. If they have experienced racism in the feminist community, why should we force them to adapt the term. I think it's more important to fight for the issues of racism and sexism itself instead of trying to convince someone to identify as an intersectional feminist.

[@omnichrome9784]

I think this thought only applies to black woman or women of color, though. If you are a supporter of women’s rights and the overall ideology/goals of the feminist movement, but not black, colored or identify as female/a women, identifying your self as an intersectional feminist is pretty important (assuming you support those goals, as I do). Anyway, for people like me who are “white” and don’t ID as female, it was really nice to find out what “Womanism” and “Womanist” means.

[@omnichrome9784]

dusty48 I feel like you missed an important point of this video. Alice Walker, the author who started the Womanist movement was a black woman - and it is a black woman centered movement. So “white chicks” doesn’t really apply here.

[@angelfire101]

@@tmsphere your view on womanism is skewed.

[@angelfire101]

@@tmsphere you must be one of those people who have a problem with marginalized identities carving a space for themselves where they initially weren't thought of.

[@phillip2169]

@@omnichrome9784 of colour* this aint the fifties. But still agree with you (except black men should too cause no body got time for hoteps)

[@iguessitsokyungrichbaby2813]

Y’all can drag me I don’t care but: please non black women do not start calling yourself a womanist after watching this (1) video. There are topics and issues that womanists tackle that are apart of the black woman experience. I’m already seeing non sense in the comments about wanting to identify because “it’s basically feminism”. No it’s not. Also something to keep in mind there are some womanist who are very militant about the advancement of black girls women. In short : watch yourself.

[@aubreywilliam9048]

IGuessIt’sOk YungRichBaby okay I won’t

[@bigbluefrog]

Thanks for that clarity... I don't want to appropriate a movement! I can support it without trying to colonize it. I'm gonna try out "intersectional feminist".. That might not be cool either, I'll do more research; (I was gonna ask.. then i realized y'all don't need to educate my a@@, you got enough on yer plate). ❤

[@kayuliosborne4110]

Thank you for this. I was just made aware of the movement/ideology and was not sure if white allies would be invasive in this or if it was something I should do to acknowledge white feminism is bleh

[@aliyaisha8740]

Amanda Kropp lol respect yourself and stop pandering to black people who want nothing to do with white people. THEY DONT LIKE WHITE FOLK they want to be segregated so let them be segregated. Im Egyptian and want absolutely nothing to do with “black spaces” this also means they shouldn’t be given access to white women or any other race of women’s spaces.

[@aliyaisha8740]

Aubrey William respect yourself

[@anj354]

I think it is important to keep the words "Black Feminist" in our activism in equality; Black Feminism is a verb or the work I do. Womanist is the centering energy of the work of Black Feminism; It is the spiritual practice of the active listening to and unification of all WOC.

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

there's womanism ie feminism and then there's black liberation. some people belong to both groups, but they are distinct.

[@sharicealexandria1]

I love that you brought this up, but it is unfortunate that the viewers cannot be bothered to do simple research to understand what the difference is between womanism, feminism, black feminism, and intersectionality. None of these terms are mutually exclusive. As with most things in life you can choose to identify with whichever ones apply to you. As black women, we don't have to just pick one word, we are a vast and varied people with different views. Let us do us, and you (non-black women) worry about your own adjectives.

[@Montasia1112011]

Exactly

[@jadem6258]

I’m a womanist for all intents and purposes, but I tend to identify as a feminist in public because people usually aren’t familiar with the term womanist. In feminist spaces I do ID as a womanist. Intersectional social justice comes before all else to me, and I don’t even like to hear feminist talking points unless it considers multiple intersections that could have different perceptions on the same topic.

[@jadem6258]

dusty48 huh? it’s my understanding that womanism centers intersectionality, especially pertaining to race. feminism focuses on sexism/misogyny/the patriarchy, which is amazing, but it often times forgets about intersectionality.

[@jadem6258]

james brown aw look an insecure man being insecure

[@YauriSKellyDalencour]

That’s an opportunity to educate. Say womanist ... get those questions and drop some knowledge 💖🌸

[@rockwitu96]

Graduated from Spelman...been a Womanist from the start. That is where I learned what womanism is!!!!

[@user-qg4td6rg5x]

What's the difference between womanism and intersectional feminism

[@munii3216]

alice walkers description of a womanist was so beautiul i teared up and could taste the wisdom, fruitfulness and hope in the words!! womanism is the way to a colourful happy society where everyone thrives and becomes their best self and then loves life, art and eveyone around them!✋💖💗💝💐👏

[@toxicdotaep2890]

I didn't know that this was a thing at all ! that's pretty neat

[@toxicdotaep2890]

@King ABADDON hey what drugs are you on and can I have some

[@toxicdotaep2890]

@King ABADDON what the fuck are you talking about, also dyou think I'm a woman?

[@grivar]

Feminism vs Womanism = Supergirl vs Dear White People.

[@DDD033]

But but but... i like supergirl too...

[@grivar]

Ever notice how almost every character is white, thin and conventionally attractive? And best not forget Kara's shock when whatsherface came out.

[@VentraleStar]

@@grivar I like Kara's shock. That was actually really cool to me because she isn't perfext. But anyway, if you don't know Supergirl has been labeled problematic, where you been? You can still like the show unless you literally think everything you like has to be vetted and approved by the mysterious Woke entity. Just be aware. Or not. Who cares.

[@DDD033]

It is a mostly white show and when her sister came out it was super unrealistic. I just like seeing her use her powers and fight the bad guys And the way she and the whole super family represents hope makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside

[@Dave102693]

Every non white character, both heroes and villains get shafted, especially if black.

[@quinnj3296]

As a white man: Thank you so much for taking your time to explain this! I've never heard of this term before and I'm hyped to learn more about it now.

[@Asy1207]

One white man to another: help...

[@monteanthony1022]

@@Asy1207 all you gotta do is listen

[@genderpunktheo]

Love this! I've seen a lot of people say that womanism is divisive, and while I knew that wasn't true, I wasn't sure as a white feminist how to properly refute that beyond just saying "no it isn't." In future, I'll direct them here!

[@mar2982]

i understand the point of womanism and as a feminist, i know about the race and class problem withing feminism. i would also like for more women getting into feminism to know this: feminism as a unique concept with one goal and specific means to obtain it, does not exist. there is no feminism. only feminisms (or feminismo(s) as we know it in latam). it's a plural because women go through different oppressions, struggles and there's no unique formula that works for all. there's liberal feminism, marxist feminism, anarchofeminism, afrofeminism, community feminism, decolonial feminism, separatist feminism, radical feminism, transfeminism, and so much more. i do understand the problem of racism and classism within feminism and do not condone it, but it's important that we don't boil down such a vast and complex group of theories into an individualist category that does not represent the whole movement (white feminism). that's why we have intersectionality. i am not shitting on womanism and understand where this movement comes from, and women of color have all the right to feel as though white feminism doesn't do anything for them, and i support it. i just also don't want everyone to view feminism as liberal, individualist and white, when only a small percentage of it is like that and there's plenty other branches that recognize and fight against all sorts of oppression.

[@rosedalinevaletine6931]

I'm a black feminist. I can't be one without the other.

[@BLVCKM143]

Kat this was so helpful to me. Thank you !!!!

[@caribbeanqueen1389]

I appreciate the contributions that feminism would've made for women, but after my research, I can safely say that I'm not a feminist. I'm a WOMANIST.

[@haileyscott807]

unfortunately I'm sure alice walker's philosophy of advancing the status of women, specifically marginalized women, does not extend to jewish women. That's part of why, like some of the other comments, i'm more partial to the word "intersectional" since that covers different kinds of intersections of oppression. Black women face misogyny AND racism in a unique way, and jewish women experience misogyny AND antisemitism in a unique way.

[@QuikVidGuy]

@MrCrowley1018 not really and this isn't just about white jewish women. this is about jewish women.

[@MothsAudioandVideos]

While I understand your point, I think pinning antisemitism on womanism because the woman that coined the term is antisemitic would lead to a similar condemnation of the term feminist, since most of the prominent white first wave feminists that popularized the term, including the still honored Susan B. Anthony, were violently anti-Black.

[@haileyscott807]

@@MothsAudioandVideos I think that's a completely fair point. I just thought it beared mentioning, since it wasn't brought up in the video.

[@MothsAudioandVideos]

Oh, I absolutely agree! I hope I didn’t come across as dismissive of your point.

[@rockwitu96]

Moth's Audio and Videos 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Feliciavdm]

Thank you! I’m a happy womanist❤️🙌🏾

[@pathd9110]

Beautiful captions. Thanks!

[@digimaui]

I didn't know a thing about womanism, thank you for the learning opportunity!

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Another great video Kat! I'm really enjoying these quick, educational videos! I had often heard of Womanism when first becoming active in the feminist movement, but never quite understood it or it's significance to black women. Thank you for educating! ❤

[@SeasonalFrostbite]

Yassssss womanism ❤️❤️❤️❤️ this was a great topic

[@ashes1822]

Very insightful thanks for this!

[@KT-432]

Why is Alice Walker given credit for creating womanism when Audre Lourde is in fact the real creator.

[@emmiemace168]

hello! thank you so much for this video! i was wondering if i as a white woman could call myself a womanist and support the womanist movement? i do not want to overstep in the slightest bit whatsoever. i have always hated how feminism has not welcomed BIPOC women. if i am overstepping, how can white women make the feminist space more welcoming to bipoc women? thank you so much for this video it was very helpful!

[@ci9099]

This was so interesting and informative. All your videos give me so much, and im so happy you’re making such thoughtful and interesting content.

[@myishenhaines1706]

Your videos helped me so much. (By the way....your hair looks amazing!)

[@ALBUMOF2008]

I don’t really care as long as what you practise is intersectional

[@verogunn8272]

I love the idea (also im Latina, and here we are trying to fight for a less European/Northamerican feminism) but i hate the name! At the end this leave apart a large number of transgender (woman and man) and also other identities by only giving visibility to woman, naming things is important and gives validation, language is an important issue. I see myself as a Transfeminist, not just for biological woman.

[@hinatashimeluv7464]

Does this mean we also advocate for Latino women and native women because I think that's also an important thing that's missing from Current feminism

[@aroangeI]

yes im sure it does

[@lonliestfudanshi3170]

Speaking of intersectionality, is there gonna be a mention about Alice Walker's antisemitism or...? EDIT: So, I've been researching this some more and it looks like the "antisemitism" she's been accused of is supporting the BDS movement and criticizing Israel's oppression of the Palestines. Which, by no stretch of the imagination, is antisemitic. I really got hoodwinked by the places that first reported this, but it's also my fault for not seeing what she was really being criticized for before writing this comment. Feel free to correct me if anyone can prove otherwise but as far as I can tell Alice Walker isn't antisemitic. EDIT2: OK, I guess I'm changing my mind again? Now I'm seeing her endorse David Icke's gross, antisemitic book completely, and even a freaking conversation with Icke and Alex Jones saying she "likes those two." What the hell. One of her poems calls the Talmud poisonous. This is confusing, but even though the act of supporting BDS isn't antisemitic, it's looking like she really IS an antisemite. Yikes...

[@4dultw1thj0b]

Yeah, that was pretty disappointing to learn. I don't wanna throw out the rest of the great work she's done though, but it would be good to discuss that.

[@HamishDownie]

Maybe that just stems from the terrible job Spielberg did with turning her book into a movie

[@4dultw1thj0b]

@@HamishDownie Mmm, but seriously though.

[@misterree09]

@@4dultw1thj0b Agreed. It's one of those things where we could separate the author from the book. Readers can still like The Color Purple while disagreeing with those anti-Semitic views she holds. But both Icke and Walker deny being anti-Semitic. www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/20/18146628/alice-walker-david-icke-anti-semitic-new-york-times

[@misterree09]

@Nolwenn Appelbaum What are you talking about? I never said not to mention her anti-semitic views. My point was not to dismiss her books simply because of that reason. Readers can still appreciate The Color Purple AS WELL AS condemn her endorsement of Icke's Jewish conspiracies.

[@tatijacky343]

Thank you so much for the information!

[@dashae2358]

very clear & informational thank you!

[@gypseafeesh7795]

Yes.... Give me a lesson!

[@stefancudjoe214]

Wow. That was very informational. Thanks Sister!

[@Vintagejunkie22]

Thank you for this Kat!

[@danniealexander4131]

Someone told me they were a womanist once. I was very confused by what that meant. I asked but it seemed to mean that they were "women supremacist" but maybe this is what she meant.

[@SweaterGodHavina]

I've missed you, Kat!!!!

[@ncokeke1958]

This hair on you is amazeballs.

[@Jessinking]

great breakdown

[@HDorce12]

Lost me at she loves struggle 2:09

[@ziontheelder1697]

It first appeared in 1979.

[@ame8790]

super helpful, thank you 🤗

[@ontheroad684]

I'm a mixed race WOC who's been heavily abused by YT feminists and Feminism. Is it respectful to Black women's struggles for me to use the term Womanist, or should I look for another term for other WOC that doesn't center white feminism? I'm just learning all of these differentiations in terms and meanings. Thank you.

[@aisansilva6228]

Thanks for this❤❤❤❤

[@bonesandhearts5683]

Hey I love you and this video is on the first page of google when you search for womanism so congrats

[@stefanfrei6199]

what do you think about the implicit connection between reacism and sexism? is this solution better than fight for each individual group-right seperately?

[@aliciastalksessions]

She loves struggle 👀. .. I pass on that part ..No parts of me love struggle ..I get through it ,but I don't love it

[@UdoADHD]

Please... hair tutorial!!!

[@dangold9191]

Where would you place Africana womanism in this?

[@eve36368]

I am relatively unfamiliar with womanism, but intersectionality is my homebase. My wonderment is: how does this label changing compare to say bisexual/pansexual & homosexual/homophile/gay

[@venus7686]

I didnt even know this term existed thank you for bringing this up! I think I might be a womanist 😳

[@Parallelepiped2]

Well done explanation thanks!

[@Dustorama]

What are the differences between womanism and egalitarianism?

[@KatBlaque]

To overly simplify, the time period in which both were established. If you listened to this definition, womanism is also about uplifting men.

[@XÆ121.0]

Could someone please explain, if you are not a black woman or man but you still fight for black feminism does that make you a womanist?

[@diaz9rox]

great video. thank you.

[@user-wx5uy3qs3x]

Hello, I am a student from Germany and currently writing my thesis about Womanism. Is it possible that I interview you online? Or that I ask some questions via email? I would really appreciate that. 😊 lots of greetings

[@botanionut5080]

sorry if this sounds stupid or tone deaf or anything like that im just genuinely wondering can a white person be a womanist? would it be considered performative?

[@alhalasan]

Lost me at love struggle and empowering Black men. Why does a movement meant for Black WOMEN including men and trying to empower them? I don't agree with it.

[@Walkthroughh]

Because the whole point is to grow together so empowering us is just as important as empowering you. Don’t generalize and say men are already empowered, you are thinking of the 5-10%. The number is even lowered amongst black men. It’s not a competition, we should grow as one together.

[@angel-gu8co]

cool

[@priyapatel8249]

can other minorities be womanists? i’m indian but can i consider myself a womanist?

[@hvp69]

Why does it say she has 0 subscribers?!

[@erikanovakova97]

Maybe this is a stupid question but can I, as a white woman, call myself a womanist? Or is that disrespectful? Doesn't that make it about me once again, even though I have the intention not to?

[@dallassegno]

Lol what?! Ha ha ha oh man.

[@Teakai8]

Looking forward to the day when we stop identifying with all the labels and just become decent, self fulfilled human beings.

[@Teakai8]

that's not actually true. The solution is to stop holding on to those issues that you think matter so much. Especially if those issues take away your power. Stop seeing people as being different from each other because of their body suits or the culture they have been brainwashed with. Having to have other people do something before you can feel better is going to keep you entrapped until you let that go and take control of you. We are all powerful beings - let's connect with that and stop identifying with the narrative put out by the establishment .

[@phebs3402]

if i am a woc but non black can i still identify as a womanist? /gen /srs

[@PrimordialChaos07]

You lost me at women of color, she loves the struggle. She’s loves all people, she’s not a separatist…it sounds like Alice walker was hedging her bets and black women were once again the pawn. Hard pass. Im a me first second and third and FBA should do the same.

[@theitalianalien8477]

There seems to be a new word for anything these days uh

[@KatBlaque]

This word is over 30 years old.

[@KingMrLobster]

Can a black man be a womanist? You only talked about black females being womanists, but I assume black males can be womanists just the same way a white male can be a feminist

[@claudiarcade]

today i learned something completely new and something i can add to my understanding of other womens experiences. is it possible to be white and womanist?

[@popcorn1304]

In my opinion, I don't think this is possible because it was a movement created for Black women specifically. You can be intersectional and aware of our issues but this movement is for us, by us. I think you should aim to support Black women regardless of the title.

[@claudiarcade]

@@popcorn1304 thank you so much for your response. i figured as much. as always, i strive to support all women, which is why for a long time i have identified as an intersectional feminist.

[@diamondgoddess5914]

You’re beautiful

[@juandavidquiceno3244]

XD

[@MoonLitFRANK]

I am an aboriginal man in Amerikka and I pray that this movement will give a rebirth to True Matriarchy❣️ i am about to take a deep dive into this movement. Kinda excited for yall

[@bilbobagpipe2384]

if its only for black women, then why is it called "womanism". i feel like that would cause confusion to people who dont understand it. first impressions are everything, and if you want people to understand it, then you need a name that isnt misleading to people who know nothing about it.

[@Dave102693]

It always gave me transphobic vibes, even today.

[@winros]

You have to be black to be a womanist?

[@ilovechicken4658]

A WOC can still identify as a womanist

[@winros]

@@ilovechicken4658 I don't like to refer myself as a feminist so I went with the word womanist! What is your definition of a womanist? I'm just a humanist I never heard of so many ist in my life! I like keeping things simple...

[@winros]

@@ilovechicken4658 I don't even know what WOC stands for! I will look it up! It is not being ignorant either it's just so much knowledge out there now and makes your head spin! ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@amym7122]

I don't think I had ever heard of womanism before. Cool!

[@DaraCaldera]

Black women are feminine though

[@KatBlaque]

What is this a reference to? This is a video plainly defining womanism

[@Asy1207]

Hey so I was dislike number 20. Thanks!

[@bigjoe8612]

I was dislike #35

[@Asy1207]

@@bigjoe8612 pog

[@majorharris8194]

As a philosophical liberal, this is where our conservative counterparts beat us in the public square. Your appropriation of the authentic, anatomical identity of a real Black woman makes a mockery of their plight! And the back room fighting of the 0.04% trans community is causing us to lose the political fight 77% of the time. Please stop appropriating the experiences that only real women who happen to be Black have lived, and continue to live with.

[@michealmajor7883]

She loves struggle? Lol this movement has been a terrible detriment to the black community smh lord

[@majorharris8194]

As anatomical Black man you are not qualified to speak on this subject. Full stop.

[@PipByMac]

Lmfao a dude pretending to be a woman telling women about women

[@Yourpleasure721]

tfs