This week the importance of identity politics was introduced to me by black feminism I believe. I read A statement or article by THE COMBAHEE RIVER COLLECTIVE. They are A group of Black feminists who have been meeting together since 1974.  They speak out together about struggles like racial, sexual, heterosexual, and class oppression.  Although they are a group of black women, they represent all women and the problems they face. I find this interesting because they are like the black panthers of feminism. I also like that they are speaking up for other women while also dealing with racial oppression. I’d like to think that a white woman goes through the same oppression as black women in 1970 but that was probably not the case.  Black Chinese Indian white it don’t matter I’m sure all women and men have felt oppression. The matter is who is going To speak out for the black women and be about them. A group of black feminist will do so , The Combahee is trying to do so. Throughout reading the statement, they talk about 4 different aspects the Group worries about or covers. I go over a few According to the author “ Issues and projects that collective members have actually worked on are sterilization abuse, abortion rights, battered women, rape and health care”. The need for proper Heathcare , and better abortion rights is very important for any women black or white it should be equal , accessible and fair. Justice should be served to battered and raped women. The genesis of Contemporary Black Feminism is a very informing beginning  after reading the intro.  It gave a little analysis about the history of black women standing up for survival and liberation, and its connection to the American political system that is not really built to support them. A system built off white  male rule. I like that they bring the point that there were many Black women activists even before 1970 … even around the end of the 1800s women like Sojourner Truth , Harriet Tubman showed personal sacrifice, militancy for what they believed in and wanted for others. 

Paris is burning an interesting short film about ball culture and its community. They presented the beautiful things about life like the fashion, how they dance etc and the downfalls like oppression, how they are seen by others outside the ballroom.  the African American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities where basically the people involved in it. This seemed almost like an underground thing at first. People like Pepper LA Beija Angie Extravaganza, and Willi Ninja Dorian Corey are interviewed throughout the short film to get an understanding of what it is like who are such major influences “voguing” and drag balls and turned these small celebrations into a powerful expression of personal pride. The house as they would call it allowed freedom of expression for young teens and adults. They get to go their dressed up as they please. Sadly, when these same people are outside dressed this way, they are seen as completely different and almost odd.  The drag queens honestly started seeing this like winning a Grammy. So basically, over time something so small became bigger and bigger and helpful to many who wanted to dress up differently and be themselves with others and have rewards for how beautiful they look.