This week we watched a film called, “Burning in Paris” and a reading “The Combahee River Collective Statement” by Combahee River Collective. The reading “The Combahee River Collective Statement” speaks about the black community’s oppression as well as the feminist movement. I personally feel the information is getting repetitive, we have read multiple readings describing the oppression the black community faces, as well as the result of that oppression. In the entire reading, there are 4 focuses. These four major topics in the paper that follow: (1) the genesis of contemporary Black feminism; (2) what we believe, i.e., the specific province of our politics; (3) the problems in organizing Black feminists, including brief herstory of our collective; and (4) Black feminist issues and practice. I found some parts of the readings tedious while other parts contained new information. For example, at the beginning of the reading (1) the genesis of contemporary Black feminism talks about the historical struggle Afro-American women have for survival and liberation. It was similar to a past reading “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppressions” by Audre Lorde. Where the argument is women who identify as multiple communities can not live happily. In this reading, they argued that women who had a specific sexual identity and a racial identity that was struggling determine black women’s negative relationship to the American political system. The reading continues by explaining oppression brings communities together and creates organizations. One of these organizations was National Black Feminist Organization (NBFO). The part of the reading I found interesting, and new information was (4) Black Feminist Issues and Projects. I thought it was interesting that they were listing the issues they worked on sterilization abuse, abortion rights, battered women, rape, and health care. The reading says white women put little effort into the injustices they face, but that they will continue to fight for them. To my understanding, they argue their injustices are also their injustice.
The documentary, “Burning in Paris” was interesting and informative to watch. I think the film was blunt, heartbreaking but also informative on the issues of the era. I was happy Hispanics were represented in the film. It gave us an in-depth look at how the LGBTQ and POC communities lived based on their sexuality and race. The documentary was filmed in the mid to late 1980s and you can clearly see the difference from then to today. The film clearly shows the viewers how these individuals were treated based on their sexuality and race. They created a safe space in their community with the “ballroom” where everyone came to express themselves. Everyone was welcoming and encouraging. People would literally be half-naked and everyone cheered welcoming. People also came to balls showing their fashion, makeup, the colors, the culture was amazing. In addition, my classmates’ snapshot, Isabella Celentano shows photos of women happy and being in the spotlight. They are smiling and have colorful beautiful clothing on. In the background, the crowd is cheering the ladies on. This just proves a support system was created within their community. At that time the LGBTQ community was not accepted socially so seeing this film now when the LGBTQ community is way more acceptable to society was nice to see. The film also spoke about the poverty the community faced. Speaking with individuals getting one-to-one interviews speaking about their day-to-day lives. It warmed my heart many were appreciative of what they had and who they shared their happiness with. I think this film was great to educate others on the struggles the LGBTQ and POC communities faced.