Question

How important do you feel cultural context is to African American women’s autobiographical works? Why is it (or is it not) central to understanding these writings?  

Answer 1

Each culture is different and people, especially women would be treated differently in each culture. The customs, practices, values of a particular culture would determine the relationship and power status of men and women. Although African American women had lived in America and adopted the lifestyle, they were still practicing their cultural values and customs at home. This means they had to endure a double-edged sword such as race and gender which made them disadvantageous in many aspects of life. Thus, it is very important to understand the perils of African American women not from the white world’s background but from the black world’s background. This would provide the readers to understand the life of the African American women from their standpoint would shed new light in understanding the issues of African American women.

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