Explain how Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society. What are their fears, hopes, and dreams? How are their lives predetermined by both sex and race?
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society because she talks about how she was raised and all of the situations and unfairness that she had to deal with because she was a black woman. Their fears are that they end up as your average uneducated housewife with no real future. Their hopes and dreams, like Florence, were to go out and make a future for themselves and get an education. Their lives are predetermined not only by their race but also by their sex. African Americans were already treated worse than the whites, and being female just made it even worse. African American women's futures only summed up to them being housewives and laborers, so there was no need for them to go and get an education. On the other hand, African American men were set to be the workers so they needed to be the ones in the family to get an education. For example, this is explained in the book, "Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all duties of a woman; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life. But Gabriel was a man; he would go out one day into the world to do a man's work, and needed, therefore, meat, when there was any in the house, and clothes could be bought, and the strong indulgence of his womenfolk, so that he would know how to be with women when he had a wife. And he needed the education that Florence desired far more than he, and that she might have got if he had not been born"(67).
I agree with the fact that Florence desires a life for herself as an educated lady rather than a housewife. I question whether Florence would have gotten the education she desired if Gabriel wasn't born. She was still a girl , which still leaves the gender stereotype of the housewife to be trained for. I think Florence has wishful thinking, which is another reference to Florence's hopes and dreams.
I absolutely agree with you two. Also, that's also a very good question because would things changed if Gabriel wasn't born? I doubt it because females only had one role in the society back then and that was to be a housewife. I think people are more appreciative of the things they don't have rather than those who has it. In this case, Florence seems more appreciative about the idea of education rather than Gabriel, when he clearly was presented with education. But who would want to be forced to do something that they don't want? What if Gabriel wasn't forced to learn and be educated? Would he appreciate it more if it was presented to him in a non-forceful manner?
I agree with everything you said 100 percent. I like how you incorporated almost every factor of her life into your post and reflected on it. Good job.
i completely agree with you, i think that she had to make a choice for herself , which was to go out and explore the world, and give life a chance and do what was best for her. I like how she stood up for herself and did not let her mother's opinion stop her form doing what she wanted with her life. I think society alone was enough to discourage any women to get an education, and obtain a career other than being a housewife or laborer, but to have her own mother choose sides an show her that it was more important for a man to obtain an education than it was for a woman was even more of a to go out on her own and prove that she could do what she wanted regardless of what society might have said.
I really like your reply, you went with every aspect of the question and included everything that is needed to be included. I like how you started from the very beginning of where things started and went down the list. To be honest, things such as gender or race need to be put into the past. Being such a race and a gender doesnt grant you to be having the upper hand in a job or any sort of thing, anyone can be just as talented and there are many jobs that a certain gender can do better than the other.
I totally agree with you like 100% percent. I think that Florence was determined and had a plan. For that reason, she set out to change her fate. She did not want to become the stereotypical housewife and she felt that she shouldn't let her race and gender hinder her from doing what she wanted to do.
I agree 100 % with this statement. I respect and agree with the fact that florence desires a better life for herself and understands that an education is the best way to achieve that. I admire her for not wanting to settle for being just a housewife but strove to break the norm of her time. However, I dont think she understood that it was going to take more than just her. Even though there were probably a multitude of women who inspired to be more it was going to take somebody to inspire them to want better for themselves.
Being the first person to respond to this blog must mean that you are very dedicated and really understand this topic pertaining to the book. I agree with ever statement the you have made. I like how you incorporated education as a key factor towards black womens' dreams and aspirations in this society. That was black women's number one goal while they were looking into the future. My only wish was for you to give more on gender and race for black women, because to me that is the main purpose of this topic on Black women in this society. I also like how you gave respect to a man as well. This is mainly a female topic, but you showed respect towards us men.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because Florence's prayer reflects on struggles for African Americans in the South during slavery times. Florence mentions the 30 plus years her mother was enslaved and how her father abandoned the family after Gabriel's birth to escape to the North. In consequence of the struggles and pain, fear was a common result. Florence makes notice of Deborah's rape by white men, which indicated black women's fear of the race as a whole. The situation for the black women in this society seems to equal great fear, yet their is hope for an escape. Escape becomes her dream. The African American women rely on these factors because they often could not be themselves due to their situation. Baldwin explains the expected future for Florence's family based on race and sex by stating, "There was only one future in that house, and it was Gabriel's- to which, since Gabriel was a man- child, all else must be sacrificed. Her mother did not, indeed, think of it as a sacrifice, but as logic: Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of women; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life" (67). In this society, women were set in a situation which only left hope for an escape. Their lives are predetermined by gender stereotypes; the women serve and the men provide, but race only allows a certain level of success. African Americans were considered the lesser race, and as Florence mentioned, slavery was prominent.
I agree with your response based on Florence's thoughts and also the way it represents society as a whole. In the text Florence does mention how Deborah was raped, I do agree on the basis that this not only what African- American women fear but what all women fear. She also mentions how her brother was sent to school, that was one of the things that she always wanted to do. She valued education and yet he had it but didn't appreciate it. Concerning their lives, I do agree that their lives are predetermined. Women are destined to do household work and stay at home, where as men are treated differently.I do find your statement about success having a certain level based on race, because that is absolutely true.
Replying back to both, I believe Florence not representing African Americans but women overall. She was worried about rape since Deborah did mention it. I believe every women is worried about a guy mistreating them and doing harmful things to her. A question comes to mind is, Is Florence jealous of Gabriel's life style he is handling because he is in school and she wasn't.
I agree. I also thought of the question about if Florence was jealous of Gabriel. I think she is jealous but it’s also deeper than jealousy. Here is a young girl who wants to go to school but cant while her brother gets to go to school but don’t want to. I think she feels hatred towards her mom for it. It’s like her mom completely forgot about her just so that she can attend to the needs of her brother who don’t even want to be educated.
(Amanda Lloyd) I agree along with everyone elses responses about the situation that Florence was in. Women had no means of free choice as men did and this limited them to the house-whether it was their own or not. Florence may have said she hated her brother and men, but really she felt-like other women did-the unfairness that came with just being a women. Florence may regret leaving her mother as she did nw but to women today, she would be looked upon as being a strong, independent woman. Though for her time period she was looked upon as woman that cared for nothing but herself and not for her famiy. There is a lot of feminism that is being said within this section of the novel.
I agree with your response because black women are automatically predestined to be stay at home mom's and cook for their husbands. Florence embodies the drive and empowerment that strong black woman have progressed in society. I love the way you correlated Baldwin's thoughts on societal values in women.
I totally agree with you. I think that Florence was determined and had a plan. For that reason, she set out to change her fate. She did not want to become the stereotypical housewife and she felt that she shouldn't let her race and gender hinder her from doing what she wanted to do.
Florence's life is a representation in society because most black women during the earlier years did go through hardships just as she did. It was normal for black women to not go to school. Black women were only meant to perform household work and take care of the children, and men are meant to be the ones to fend outside for the family. Their living depended on the men. For this reason, I believe that is where some of her anger was built. She could not do anything that she wanted to accomplish in life because she depended on her husband who used the money irresponsibly. Black women posses hopes and dreams of living the "stereotypical life," that they are meant to live by. They dream that one day the do not have to be dependent on anyone or anything. Black women have a fear of being abused, just as Deborah was. In the text it states "... after Deborah's accident, hated all me. When they looked at Deborah they saw no further than her unlovely and violated body." (page 68) Because after that you are looked upon with disappointment and embarrassment. That can also lead to the hindering of black women, because the might feel that they are not good enough to do anything because of the issues that they wet through. his allows the to stay in that stereotypical life because they do not have the courage to do other things. They are lives are predetermined by sex because women are under the men. Men are the human beings that take on the role as the head of everyone in the family, while women listen and obey. In addition, their lives are predetermine by race because there is only so much they can achieve because they are certain race. Everyone wanted a good-paying job back the, but because of the skin color they could not be granted that job. This also impedes the uprising of back families at the time because of the little money they earned they could not really achieve anything that they really wanted to do.
I agree, her life was planned out for her before it even started. Her life was given to her. As a black women, she was expected to stay and perform her household duties, but she wanted much more for her life.
This is a very good blog. I agree with you on the fact that Florence life was predetermined fir her. I don't blame her for having wishful thinking and wanting to break away from the life society destined her to live. Even in this society some may think women are too weak to work in the world and make a difference but we prove them wrong everyday because women are constantly stepping up to the plate handling the business that no man could do.
Florence's story is represented the precarious situation of Black women in society because she experience what black women in history also experienced. Her fear was to end up just as black women who were before her. She desired to do and be better than the world around her. Their lives are predetermined by both sex and race because their lives had limitations that they could not change.
To respond to your question, I believe if Florence didn’t go through the thing she went through she wouldn’t be there or able to share such an experience. Because at the beginning she was talking about how much she wanted to go North to make her life better since women couldn’t determine their own future. When she realized that her mother was just concern about Gabriel receiving an education she would have taken that opportunity to leave. However, I think her experience still in a way would’ve been the same because during that time women all over were being treated and looked at as only a house wife.
I do agree with you, however I don't believe Florence was so much afraid of being like the women that were before her. I think she just longed to have a better chance than they did but, knowing their situations made it harder for her to get the courage to move North. She knew that where she was would hinder her to the current standards of women (uneducated and working as servants &housekeeps). She wasn't really afraid because it was the norm then. She just refused to settle for that as her fate.
I agree with you as a African American woman you have to battle with a little bit more that just equality sex wise by race wise as well. These women are being depicted as homemakers with no chance at a future, disabling them to become courageous and self determined.
Florence's represent a black women in society, on how life is not easy at all. She goes through many different obstacles just like any other black women in society. They have to struggle in order to get their name out in the world. Black men are acknowledge by the simplest thing unlike african american women; "Gabriel ain't never going to leave you. Is you, boy?"..."But me," she said, " I got to go." (73-74). Florence is already giving her brother the benefit of the doubt he is stronger than her, and thats how many african american women think, that majority of the men are stronger. A black women's fear would be staying uneducated and not able to support her family finically. A hope and dream can be the same in some situations when coming down to a black women because some hope for a better future and some actually try to change that "hope" into a reality that they always dreamed of. When Florence was walking out of the house, she felt as if her dream was in New York and that she was hoping she would not be in rags anymore like her brother Gabriel; "I won't be wearings rags like yours" (74). Florence and other black women in society lives are predetermined by both sex and race by their background. Many already have had a struggling background by slavery, father's leaving, and not able to continue school. Black women have it harder in many different situations which makes many break loose and try to do something on their own like Florence and move away.
I agree with this post, because women can only dream and hope. They do not have the opportunity to go out into the world and be successful, and make lives for themselves and the family like men. Their only duties are to stay in the house as said on page 67. All blacks are treated unjustly, but at least black men have the opportunity to be educated, and look out for the family. It was looked down upon that women be educated and be on the same level as men, so women were of course at the bottom of the chain. It is sad that it took so long for blacks, and especially black women to take a stand and be able to create a life for themselves. Luckily, we have come so far since then, so it really makes one appreciate life, which Baldwin is trying to portray.
I totally agree with you because life is harder on black women. We have to fight and struggle and we strive off of our hopes and dreams to try and beat the odds.
I agree with your post African American Women do have it the worst, one because they are black and also female. Yet that is another reason why so many women have stepped up and tried to fight for equal rights because they understand the struggle. Men are always glorified as being the "breadwinners" and leader of the household and they get the fullest acknowledgement. Women didn't want to be viewed as "ladies of the household" and that's why many of them began to leave the household just like Florence as it's mentioned on pages 71-74. They just wanted to be treated like an equal counterpart in society.
I completely agree with this post because I feel that Black women are mistreated the most in society. Black women have to strive harder for things that others get handed to them. I agree with the fact that Black women are born with hopes and dreams but their lives are full of struggle that they eventually give up on their dreams.
I do agree with somethings you said, but I don't agree that Florence thinks Gabriel is stronger than her in a mentally sense. I think she feels that she is just as capable to do everything that he can, that's why I think she dislikes him so much because she feels that no one gives her or women for a that matter a chance to show their strength and stand on their own but they are automatically seen as weaker individuals and forced into marriage to be supported by a man.
Growing up in a time of slavery and hardship, Florence faced many challenging situations. The fact that she was young, black, and a woman made the situation all the worse. Being black during this time period meant that you could only go so far, but being a black woman meant you were at the absolute bottom of the chain. Black women duties were to "by and by be married, and have children of [their] own" (67) and stay inside to mend the house, as opposed to black men who got an education, brought home food and clothes for the family. Gender predetermines the future, because life for women is much more limited then men. Women do not have the power or opportunity to do what they want to do. When Gabriel was born Florence's whole life changed. "If he had never been born, Florence might have looked forward to a day when she would be released from her unrewarding round of labor, she might think of her own future and go out to make it". (67) This proves that because Florence is a woman, she can longer carry out certain duties because a male is born and will take over. Her life is now put on hold due to these certain circumstances. Black women were beneath men, and black men were beneath whites. White men and women had the power and control to do whatever they pleased, and could ultimately destroy the life of any African American person that might come across wrong. Blacks will never be on the same level as whites, due to slavery and the power of history. No matter how hard they tried, the circumstances always predetermined their future.
I agree with exactly what you said. I wounder where she would have been if Gabriel was not born. would she have been able to go there and maybe one day get her education.
I also strongly agree with you. However, I think I would truly wonder of her life if she would have moved to the North earlier in her life. Would she be happier? Would she be less bitter?
I agree with your blog about how women of that time are beneath men because it shows in so many ways. For example, when garbiel would come home drunk and the mother would not make him do anything, but instead make florence help him out.
Florence’s story in the book is represented of the precarious situation that most black women in that times society went through. It was common that African American women would not get their education, and just settle to later becoming a regular old house mother. For example she was taught at a young age of exactly how she would be living when the text says. “Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of a women; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life.” However even though Florence did not agree with this and expected a lot more for her life, there was not much that she could do because of the circumstances of time period she live in. Florence’s had two main factors that held her back from reaching her hopes in dream in life and that was being that she was not only an African American but also a women. There was not much difference when it came to African American males in this time period as well. Males were expected to go out there and try to get the little education they could but if not to go work hard and try to support their families.
I agree. During the 1900's being black and a woman decreased opportunities of success drastically. I feel Florence had no choice but to be expected to have kids, be married, and carry duties of a woman.
I agree, i believe that her being african american and a woman held her back from having a real future for herself, and i believe that this adds to the jealousy and resentment that she has toward Gabriel.
Florence story is representative of the precarious situation of the black woman in this society because She is a young black female that has dreams to go places in life but can't fully them dreams because of life stiuitanes.Also most black girls are foucsed to follow their mother footsteps,so if their didnt have an education than your not going to have one either.Their fears are becoming an uneducated and having to depend on an men.their hopes and dreams are to become more what people expect them to be ,which is, eudcated and to be independent.Their lives are predetermined by both sex and race because this society people are stereotyped by gender were the women is depends on the man and the men is independent and take care of the woman .Has for their race most black women are seen has less educated than most race.
Florence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of the Black women in society because she talks about the hardships they encounter in their early years that really affect them later. Florence also makes it known that the things that were going on with the women during that time wasn’t fair to the women and only favored the men. Throughout her time in the book you can feel this sort of hate she had towards her brother and all men she came across due to the fact that they were not always treat equally. From what was discussed in the story I can tell that most of the women feared being just a housewife without any types of education. When Florence was upset with her mother for just over looking her when it came to education made her furious since Gabriel was sent to school but he wasn’t taking it serious. Women during this time just wanted to be independent and get things on their own. It was frustrating to them to have to get everything they needed from their husbands and not be able to make their own decisions without their husbands telling them no or yes. The women dreamed about being educated and having their own things without having to depend on someone else. Their lives are already predetermined by their sex for instance if you were a female your job was to be able to take care of the children, husband and house duties; whereas the men were to go out and get a job make money for the family, take care if the finances and they were the once that were given the opportunity to get an education because they needed a job.
I completely agree with Florence having an angry tone whenever her brother or any male is mentioned. I couldn't imagine the fear of being uneducated since is the number one stressed thing in the household I was raised in. It's unfortunate that many women during slavery had very little to no access to educational material. Its also interesting how society still focuses on "womanly" and "manly" duties and how men have higher wages than women. Society will hopefully change one day.
I agree with you there is definitely a resenting tone used with Florence. I believe she feels that men have not only kept her down and put her through many struggles, but also influenced the women in her life to believe this is acceptable. FLorence wants to be independent like modern women. The discrimination in views towards men and women is very obvious and has changed somewhat overtime but still needs to be revolutionized.
Florence’s story represents the precarious struggles of women in today’s societies as she went into detail about the struggles that herself and other women have overcome and are currently facing. Florence’s deep ambition, like most women, was to “walk out the cabin and never return” (77). This ambition is closely linked to the ambitions of most women. Their hopes consisted of leaving the plantation they lived on and never returning while their fear was leaving the plantation and getting caught by the masters and being forced back into a life that they are trying to escape from. Women experienced a variety of events that forced them into fear. Having children that had been taken away from them or even having children that were fathered by the master forced them into shame and despair. Most women who have a child want the opportunity to nurture and care for their children but during slavery, they were most often taken away and sold at an auction. Their hopes were to be able to become educated and independent one day and to be seen equally to the men. Men are the most dominant gene. They are seen to be the breadwinners while women are already thought to be the housewife and caretaker. The thought process of Florence’s mother is as follows “Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of a woman…” (78). To an extent being a housewife and caretaker is detrimental to the female gender. The opportunity to learn and enhance the common life skills such as learning more about yourself and knowing your capabilities are extremely limited. Daphanie Bibbs: Week 5
I agree with your response women of this time period were very ambitious. They wanted a better life that they sometimes unfortunately never received. Black women had all the odds against them; their main job was to be a good housewife, instead of getting a proper education that many craved. This paved the way for many Black women being unhappy about their lives.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because she longs for a life where she can be an educated women that is treated equally with disregard to her race and sex. However, because she is a female, she was forced to take on the role of a housewife rather than an educated woman in the society. Her dream was to leave to the North like her father did because perhaps, she might have a better future rather than staying in the South. The fears that she has seems like perhaps one day, if she dies, she'll still be nothing more than an african american woman. I know she wants to be more than that because she explains descriptively that vivid details about her mother favoring Gabriel more because he was the male of the family. Through all the opportunities that Gabriel had to become educated, he opposed them while Florence desired it more than ever. Just because of black women's race and sex, their life are already predetermined. Actually, it's women in general. Society is so stuck up on the fact that females should stay at home and take care of the kids rather than going out to work. The lives of people can be changed everyday because every single day is an opportunity for a change. Society boosts male's confidence way too much, that's exactly why they are so many stereotypes that women are not better than men. I think they're equal, it just depends on what they plan on doing with their lives that determines whether they're stronger or not.
I agree with you, but is it truly society boosting men's confidence or rather their power over women? I believe Florence had a truly hard life, but rather than being bitter could she have been happier if she grew and became a stronger woman from it?
I agree with this post 100% because in today's society, both women and men have opportunity, but I don't agree with the equal part. If a man walked into an office for a job and was interviewed and the next day a woman walked in that job would be most guaranteed to the man. Even now, men get paid more than women. So, I agree with the opportunity, but not so much on the equal opportunity
Florence story represent precarious situations of Black women in this society because of the inequality of education forced upon her and the fact that she was being raised to be a housekeeper and cook. She represents women, especially Black women who were deprived of an education that they wanted. They didn’t make the choice to not attend school, it was determined for them. Therefore, the only job that was being available to them was house work. This is the only skilled that they acquired. Most Black women, like Florence, hate themselves. This is why they used skin whiteners and pay so much to change. They see themselves as being the problem, not the system they are being raised in and live in. These women feared being raped, beaten and taken advantage of. They fear the situation Deborah and her family were placed in. They fear not being able to take care of their family and keeping them safe. They hope and dream of living without worrying. They dream of freedom. Of being able to go as they please without worry. They dream of better days were they won’t have to worrying about food and clothes for their family. They dream of an education that will help them to succeed and no longer be a “common nigger”. They dream of uprising against the “White Man” who has them in bondage. They know that being a woman and being Black is holding them back. It was predetermined that blacks should not be educated and that women were not meant to be able to think for themselves, let alone be educated and work aside a man. They know it and can’t change their situations.
I agree with your opinion. The way their lives were determined for them was totally unfair and it hindered their development as self-confident people as well because they could never live up to their full potential. And having to worry all the times of the danger of what Deborah went through was also a blow to all women because they would become devalued in a way and further more make then undesirable.
Florence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because she explains her story and the trials and tribulations she went through all because of the color of her skin. Me being a black woman in America I know how it feels to be put down and underestimated in my everyday life. One of black women’s greatest fears is to live up to the stereotypes that are engraved into us because of who we are. Another fear is to be an inexperienced, stay-at-home wife and/or mother with no real sense of life or purpose. Black women hopes and dreams are to go against the grain and prosper in life. They want to be educated and skilled in something so that we may have more in life than being someone’s wife and mom. Black women have no reason to go to school and get an education because the man of the household would take care of all the financial needs and wants of the family. All the woman has to do is take care of the family physically and mentally. (I personally do not believe that at all!) Both sex and race because of the stereotypes that have been given to our race and sex predetermine black women lives. Being black has its own set of stereotypes but being a black woman has another separate set of stereotypes that are nothing less than degrading to us. Olivia Sherman: Week 5
Florence’s story is the prime example of the fate that Black women in this society look to avoid but often can’t. Although a big part of your life is determined by what you make of it, the opportunities you receive also play a big part. She was predetermined to live a life of serving others and fulfilling “all the duties of a woman” (67). The way she was raised by her mother and lack of a father caused her dreams, in a sense, to never come true. With Florence being a female as well as being Black, her life was more challenging than a Caucasian’s life would be. She faces the added pressure of her mom who forces her to stay home because living “in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life” (Baldwin 67). This is the point of view of many sexist people in this society and was unfortunately the way her mother thought as well. As Florence grew older and became married she feared for her future. She saw that her dead-end marriage with Frank was not going anywhere, and she began to have doubts if moving away from home. It puts doubt in her head that what her mother said was true and that living in the cabin was her best way out. But women like Florence also hope to be successful and independent. If she had gone to school instead of Gabriel she would have made something with her life. The story also suggests that women also dream of having a family with a stable home. Unfortunately Florence did not experience these, and it is representative of the way a women’s past and lack of opportunities haunts her future.
I think that it is very insightful that you mentioned Florence's mother was also apart of the sexist people in society. The mom did pressure Florence to be just a caretaker rather than an independent woman.
I also like the point that Florence's mother was a part of the people enforcing the sexist ideas of society. Like many other oppressed people her mother had also been conditioned to the idea that men should be cherished while women should stay home and do housework.
I didn't realize how sexist Florence's mother was with her view of how Florence should live her life; I thought she just wanted to keep her at home to protect her. But, how can Florence feel secure in the South when her friend was violated without justice for the perpetrators and her employer wished to do the same? I agree with you, Florence was right to leave, but she lacked the education necessary for her to make something of herself after she came to her destination.
Florence's story shows that being a black woman in the 1900s was hard and very dependent on family and men because of her sex and race. Florence never wanted the life of being and uneducated and dependent black woman. But since there were no opportunities for black women to succeed she could only do for her family or a "common nigger" and as a result be nothing but a housewife. During Florence's story you can conclude that the black woman's fear was of white men. When Florence's friend Deborah got snatched up by white men, Florence had realized that this situation had frightened her when she heard the sounds of horses at night (p.69). The black woman's dream was to leave home and start a new life. After Florence heard about her mother's departure from the plantation she worked on, Florence's deep ambition was to walk out one morning through the cabin door and never return (p.72). Florence's dream luckily comes true when she moves to New York and starts and new life.
I agree with you that Florence didn't want a life that was uneducated. You can see how she ridiculed Gabriel when he went to school by saying that he didn't learn anything at all. I believe this was common among the African American female population. Longing for education but constantly being denied the opportunity. Also, her longing desire to move also expressed that of other women during this time period. The fact that she was willing to leave her mother, while dying, and go to New York shows how much she cared to fulfill this goal.
I completely agree with you that Florence's story give a great example of depicts the struggle for black women in society. Also the fear that was instilled in them by different situations that occurred.
In this section the reader is able to view a broad image of the life of women in this society through Florence’s story. She speaks of the ridiculous tasks that she was required to do in order to ensure the success of Gabriel. Florence was expected to complete household chores, and tend to Gabriel. By doing so Florence shows that many women of this time period were subject to endure harsh treatment just to make sure their male counterparts would excel. A negative connotation was placed on women. It was one that stated that they were inferior to men, and were only suited for housework and raising children. Florence feared remaining stagnant in this lifestyle. This can be viewed when Baldwin states, “Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of a woman…” (66). Simply because she was a girl her life was predetermined. Likewise, many women of this time period feared the same. Many chose to break through the boundaries that society confined them within, and venture out on the own. Florence also feared and hated men. This fear and malice not only developed from the devoted attention that her brother received, but also the tragic event that happened to Deborah. This caused Florence to possess a deep disgust for men. This part of Florence’s story shows the vulgar behavior of men during this time period, and also the dangerous events that women experienced. Florence’s story also shows that women of this time also expressed longing desires and hope. Florence long for the education that her brother, Gabriel, took for granted. Seeing that women were only fit to complete household tasks, many were not allowed the chance to obtain an adequate education. Florence’s desire to leave behind the duties of a housewife led her to finally relinquish her tasks and head north. This can reflect the will of many women in this era that chose to cast aside social norms, and create a life of their own.
Florence’s story is a representation of the precarious situation of black women in this society. Florence was denied education as a girl due to sexist values of her mother who placed all her faith in Gabriel. She was forced to play the role as a “woman in the kitchen” so to speak. Due to her mother’s consistent push for Gabriel’s schooling and his constant rebellion against it, I believe Florence grew jealous and bitter of her mother’s constant doting on Gabriel. After the departure of her father, Florence viewed the North as her escape from her mother and Gabriel. Because of her misfortune, I believe Florence put her blame on her skin color most of all. Florence has had to grow up in racism and sexism. This is like our society today. The thought of a woman is supposed to hand the everyday care of life.
I like how you started to relate this reading passage to today's terms. Black women do carry both of the bad ends of the spectrum... being a woman and and being black. It's amazing how it's nearly a century later and black women are still being treated as if they do not deserve an education. However, I do think in today's terms, Black women have it a little more easier compared to black men due to stereotypes and such.
Florence’s story is good representation of the precarious situation that many black women faced in society during this time period. Black women longed to get an education and make a life for themselves. Many Black women moved up North thinking they would find the perfect life with their perfect Black husband. But in actuality it was the total opposite, like Florence women had married drunks who eventually left them for other women. Life in the North was no better, Florence lived in a two-room apartment in a city she did not like with the most childish man she ever knew (79). This was the case of many women who decided that it was good decision to move so far away from home to find a better life. Women’s lives are predetermined because they were expected to stay at home to be the housewife and mother. It was extremely difficult for the Black women to escape their misery, because the men possess all the money and power. Also there is still discrimination in the North towards Blacks, so most of the jobs for Black women are to just clean houses without a proper education.
I like how you showed that there was no real place for black women to escape from all the hardships. It gives it a much more realistic view of the situation that these women were put in.
I somewhat agree with your answer. I feel that you gave a very realistic outlook on the fears, hopes, and dreams of black women back then. You were very blunt and honest. But i also feel that you did not have much faith or hope for change. Which later in the novel hopefully will occure. But for now your response caught my attention the most due to the fact of how realistic it was. Most deffiantly was an eye cathcer and opener.
Florence’s future like black women in society was predetermined. Her story is about the struggle that black women face. Florence was supposed to live a life where she got married and was mainly dependent on her husband to take care of her. Florence’s story also recalls when she tells Frank that he wastes all of the money that he earns (80). This is an example of a black woman’s fears. She is afraid that she will be forced to cook and clean while her husband wastes all of their money on gambling and alcohol. The scene where Florence tells off Frank portrays how society views all Black women as mad, angry or bitter. In society, Black women have a double disadvantage because they are black and they are female therefore black women are more susceptible to unjust treatment and discrimination. In the story I feel that Florence wanted to be free from the chains that bounded her while she was at home. Additionally, I feel that Florence unsuccessfully tried to use Frank to fill a void in her life. She just wanted to be financially comfortable but with Frank’s spending tendencies that was impossible. Florence just wanted to be successful, own her own home and have a happy family of her own. Florence’s yearnings correlate with the yearning s of Black women as a whole because they want to be treated equally and they want to be able to follow whatever their dreams may be. Black women just want to work and be able to provide for their families. They do not want to always depend on their husband for money.
I think that the things that Florence faced in the south in her time period many African American women today still face.I know as a black women it is important for me to have my own independence and take care of myself and i know many African American who feel the same. Everything that Florence wanted women still want today the only difference is we have a little more room to make these thing possible.
I completely agree. Florence had a predetermined fate because she was born a girl. the fate of a girl was to "by and by" be married and go off to do the things expected of a woman to do. Black women most definitely have it etra bad, because they are not only women, but they are black as well. Women will sadly always suffer the horrid unjust treatment and discrimination.
Florence's story represents the precarious situation of African American women by the many injustices and inequalities she faced in the south. Although Florence wished, craved, and showed interested in going to school, being educated, and being able to go out into society and be a independent women she was never allowed this opportunity because she was a black women. In this time Black women were not allowed those type of opportunities. " Gabriel was the apple of her mother's eye. If he had never been born, Florence might have looked forward to a day when she would be released from her unrewarding round of labor, when she might think of her own future and go make it. With the birth of Gabriel...her future was swallowed up. There was only one future in that house and it was a Gabriel's...Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all duties of a women." Pg. 72 Although in today's society African American women are free to seek and obtain a education leading them to a career African American women still today face injustices and inequalities like in the time of Florence. The only difference is that these injustices are not as apparent.
I agree. I think that Florence's story is a story many women in the South could relate to. It shows that no matter how much she might have wanted to receive an education, she couldn't. It is also true that in today's society women may be able to receive an education but they will always face discrimination.
Florence's story is a good representation of the difficulties black women faced in society. Florence wanted to follow after her fathers footsteps and move to the north. Like Florence many women wanted a better life outside of the house. In a way the way Gabriel raises his children reflects the way their mother raised them. This part of Florence’s story shows the violent behavior of men during this time period, and also the dangerous events that women experienced. Florence is an example of what young girls hoped for but didn't get.Florence long for the education that her brother, Gabriel, took for granted. During that time period women were only fit to complete household task. Florence viewed the North as an escaped from her mother and Gabriel. Now she is finding a relationship with god and still hoping that her brother will come to his senses.
Florence's story is a good representation of the difficulties black women faced in society. Florence wanted to follow after her fathers footsteps and move to the north. Like Florence many women wanted a better life outside of the house. In a way the way Gabriel raises his children reflects the way their mother raised them. This part of Florence’s story shows the violent behavior of men during this time period, and also the dangerous events that women experienced. Florence is an example of what young girls hoped for but didn't get.Florence long for the education that her brother, Gabriel, took for granted. During that time period women were only fit to complete household task. Florence viewed the North as an escaped from her mother and Gabriel. Now she is finding a relationship with god and still hoping that her brother will come to his senses.
I agree. Her brother took many things for granted that she could have used towards her advantage. The domestic society she lived in gave men more power to do foolish things like being violent towards women and blacks. Florence represents the average black woman during her time.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society. In her home life Florence feels trapped and just wants to get out and be free, "The master and mistress , and their kin, and one child she had borne were in that house- which she did not enter. Soon it occurred to her that there was no longer any reason to tarry here. She tied her things in a cloth that she put on her head, and walked out through the big gate, never to see that country any more. And this became Florence's deep ambition: to walk out one morning through the cabin door, never to return. Her father, whom she scarcely remembered, ha departed that way one morning not many months after the birth of Gabriel"(66). The disbelief in educating women has Florence learning by example. She feels that in order to reach her freedom she needs to leave and she knows how to do this. This is something that she must do for herself, so that she might grow in character and persona.
Florence is a good representation of black women in a White man's society because like many women in her time they had dreams to become somebody, black women were never the type to just be a reflection of their husband, be at home with the kids all day, and be satisfied. She wanted to be successful. Florence had hopes and dreams to go and get an education and better herself, but because she is a black women in a white man's society that is preventing her from doing so. Being a black man in a white man's society is hard enough but a black women is like a double negative. By her race and gender and time of living her life is predetermined to be nothing more then a housewife at the most.
I agree with you that like many other women, Florence had to give up many of her hopes and dreams, which included going away and becoming educated. Like many of our mothers and fathers they have to put that new dress or new car tires aside so they can get the necessities that you require. A prime example being my cousin wanted to go away to college to get her degree, but she had to put it aside because her son needed a very expensive dental procedure. In the end, she did graduate with her bachelor's degree in business in the pass year.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because it shows the struggles of the past and how they can become a hindrance to the progress of the present and the future. African American woman automatically have two unalterable strikes against them. 1.) They are African American which presumably makes them the inferior race. 2.) They are women which automatically puts them into comparison and shadows of men. I believe that like Florence, the dream of the African American woman would be to be something other than a typical housewife who's only acknowledgement comes from the man who comes home to her at the end of the day. I believe that successes are attainable for any race, and if as an African American woman you have to work ten times harder then so be it. It's all about the desire to not want to be average or less than average all of your life, as well as not being satisfied with fitting the stereotypes of African Americans.
I agree with you all the way. It is hard enough being a black in society back in those days, but to be a WOMAN of color back then is even harder. Florence struggle to gain independence from her brother before she decides to move up North. Her father's escape to the North became her ultimate goal as well.
This section of the novel reveals Florence’s troubled past, and her experiences cover a broad spectrum of situations that Black women have been subjected to and still encounter at present. As a young girl, the reader learns, Florence is a servant to a white family, alongside her mother. Florence’s mother is described to be content with their situation, a feeling that many Blacks during that time period forced themselves to bear in effort to not cause any more trouble than what was already present. She then explains how her brother, Gabriel, even in spite of his wrongdoings, was deemed superior in the eyes of society and even their very own mom. As a male, Gabriel was expected to become educated and live to be somebody important. In contrast, females were to be married off and live to please her man, care for the children, and keep a tidy household. When Florence decides that she wants a better life for herself, Gabriel and their dying mother essentially tell her that she will not lead a fulfilling life attributable to being a Black female. Black women are born into challenging lives. On one tier, the female sex is depicted to be weak and not able to do anything better than a man besides the tasks of a traditional housewife. Secondly, Blacks holistically have experienced discrimination for centuries. Black women often fear that these two conditions will be the demise to their aspirations of breaking down circumstantial barriers. Florence’s story captures the struggle Black women continue to undergo because of their sex and race.
I liked your explanation on this topic. You provided information about Florence and the contrasts between Gabriel and Florence. It's true, Gabriel is expected to become someone in life like you said, yet he did many bad things. This is why Florence and many Black women had very difficult lives because of their race and gender. Also I liked how you included what Gabriel and Florence's mother opinions of Florence's sudden departure. Florence really wants a better life for herself. Great interpretation!
This response was the most on topic because she was correct on how Florence's struggles can be relatable to many other women and many women can relate to how she feels. Being a women during that time period it was expected of you to be submissive to your husband and be the housekeeper. Black women already have two strikes against them being black and being women.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in the society because Florence goes through many challenges as a young black woman society. Since black women during that time encountered many hardships and struggled to become more than just housewives, they feared to become one rather than get an education to provide a better future for oneself. Black women hoped to live one day without fear of living the life of a slave or maid. They dreamed to receive a higher education and to become equal with white men. Unfortunately, being a black women in a white man's society meant your future was at home doing the normal duties of a black woman in society. Their lives are predetermined by both sex and race because a black woman cannot do anything with her life except be a housewife while men were known for having an education and making a future for their families.
Florence’s story in the book is represented of the precarious situation that most black women during that time. Women didn’t have a say in what goes on, their opinion didn’t matter. Black women were supposed to take care of household work where as men are meant to be the ones provide for the family. Just like Florence, black women had dreams that they wanted to fulfill, not just know the ends and outs of their home. Both black males and females had the disadvantage of being uneducated, but who really had it worse off? Although blacks were left uneducated, men were able to go out and get a job to support their household, so there really was no need for black men to be educated. The only type of knowledge women had was to cook, clean, and fend for their kids. Black women feared that this would be the only life they would ever know.
I agree with you because many African Americans during the late 1800s and early 1900s were uneducated due to the color of their skin and whites being their superior. Also, many black women wanted to go provide for their family just like black men did. but since no one would do house duties or take care of the children black women had no choice but to do just that.
France's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society because like many other women she has to drop her dreams and wishes for her son's, Gabriel. Florence says," Florence might have looked forward to a day when she would be released from her unrewarding round of labor, when she might think of her own future and go out to make it " (Baldwin 67). Florence's duties had changed from going out into world and enjoying her life where she could possibly make something of herself to becoming a housewife where she kept the house clean along with going other chores with the main one being teaching him how to be a man.
I agree somewhat with your statement. I feel it is not only the son most women have to drop their wants for, but for men in general. Men held the power in those times and she had to obey and sit and watch the man do and say as he pleased without any say. Florence mainly wanted the power to control her own destiny, but was still denied that.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because throughout her life she has been mistreated by men and never really given an opportunity to do what she really wanted. In Florence leaving home to go to New York she wanted to live a better life than she did in the south being forced to take care of her mother because Gabriel was never around and out doing things he wanted to do because he was a boy. Her being a women she had a role to play as a caretaker, and later to be a wife to take on the full duties of cleaning, cooking, and being submissive to men. Her dream probably common to many other women's during this time was to live a lavish life in a home they love wearing diamonds and pearls and being able to live the life she never had but after meeting Frank she wasn't able to live that way and was only forced into the "womanly" role even more. In Florence being a women her future was already painted for her she would live as her mother did doing housework as women did in those times. Men were known as the bread winners and were responsible for taking care of the expenses and getting any education while women where to tend to the home and the children so it was predetermined for Florence to be one such as all the other women.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in that particular society. Florence wishes for more in life than just washing and cleaning for white people and having a man dictate what she can and can't do along with setting a limitation on her life.Florence feared having her life dictated for the rest of her days and tried her best to prevent that from happening. Florence also wanted what many women want, she wanted control over her life and to have some sort of power over her life and in her relationships, but not only being born a woman, but being born a black women, deeply hindered her from having what she truly desired. During those times women were considered not as important as men, but black women were the lowest on the chain and this predetermined her fate no matter how hard she tried to change it.
Florence story is a representation of a Black women's dreams, their hopes and fears. her story explains the unfairness and inequality she experienced as a child and a young women. I believe her pain is even more deeper because she had to endure this pain and unfairness from her mother, which opens the door to a greater reason as to why she treats Gabriel the way she does. Florence's, like many other African american women in this day an age, are afraid to lose them selves. She is afraid to to fall into the common category of every other black women and become a housewife, or someone's maid. her story reflected how she was afraid to lose sight of her dreams, she was afraid of living her life she the way she was expecting to do so and letting everything that the world had to offer pass her by. Florence was a African american for one, but her being a women took away her dreams of seeing the world, most of gaining an education and building a career that she could be proud of, in soiety's eye. because of her race, she knew that having the option of "unlimited opportunities", were no more, but her sex only gave her her two optons, housewive, of a common laborer. her hopes and dreams were to live past that, to goo and find exactly what it was that this world had to offer. her dreams was that the importance of a man's future, became as equally important to a woman's also.
I believe Florence is symbolic of some black women but is also mainly representing the stereotype many give to black women. Black women are seen as those who defy the typical american woman stenotype due to their desires to have a man who will provide for them and live a different lifestyle than that they were given such as Florence states on page 74 with "if you ever see me again....i won't be wearing rags" for in todays society it is a stereotype that black women are concerned with appearance and wanting to be seen as living the luxurious life through our clothing, hair and nails even if it is only the appearance. However, this stereotype is not representative of all black women because there are many who are naturalists and those who are willing to work for their own well being. Black women often feel inferiority and failure because we are not only discriminated by race, but also by sex. Black women have a lot to prove to all of society such as Florence had to prove to herself and mother that she is more than a housewife and will not have her life predetermined as a male. Many see black women as sexual figures in todays society and usually conclude that we are of the world and lack the spirit of Jesus. Likewise Florence's mother believed her moving to New York was to follow a man in the devil's spirit. Black women often have to work harder to prove our intelligence and our own goals and that we are more than the sexual figures that media had tried to turn us into. I think Florence's story is very representative of the lives of many black women however i do not believe the approach to her problems such as leaving her mother on her deathbed is a bad representation of black women because it is already a stereotype that black women will do anything for success, but this is a whole new level. I think Florence is representing the stereotype of a black women, not necessarily the majority of black women in society.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because like many black women, and women all over the world, she was not as cherished as her male counterpart. Thus she did not get all the opportunites as her brother Gabriel and because of this she felt great jealously and anger towards him. Also like many other black women she did not have any education nor did she have many things of her own meaning she did not have many opportunies. Like many black women she fears that she will be stuck in the same place and will work untils she dies much like her mother and that is why she decides to leave her mother and sister after her boss made sexual advances on her. That also ties into her hopes and dreams because she leaves hoping to gain a better life than she had before. Black women's lives are almost predeterminded because because they are black and also women they have almost no opportunities or are given any respect.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because it shows what most of the women went through during this time and wished they could have been doing instead. Florence was eager to become an educated woman and be looked at fairly much like most women. However, during this time it was rare for women in general to be very educated, especially as a black woman. Florence was raised to become a housekeeper, which didn’t allow her to get the opportunity receive a proper education. She was expected to grow up and do “all the duties of a woman” and take care of her son so he could go out and do a man’s job. She had a predestined life of that of the average black housewife not the life she desired. Florence even longed to have the opportunity Gabriel had. He despised going to school and learned “almost nothing at all”. Just like Florence other women would have given anything to have the chance to go to school but couldn’t unless the broke out of conformity. They were afraid to try and make change for themselves because everything was already set in stone for them. They were the women and this was a sacrifice they had to make.
As stated in the text, women remain uneducated and are there for men to do with what they see fit, Florence did not want her present to be her future, she wishes to leave, just as her father did. James Baldwin wrote, “And this became Florence’s deep ambition: to walk out one morning through the cabin door, never to return” (66). Florence was resentful and bitter because her brother received all the opportunities she never would but did not appreciate them as she thought she would, “Florence might have looked forward to a day when she would be released from her unrewarding round of labor, when she might think of her own future and go make of it… But Gabriel was a man; he would go out one day into the world to do a man’s work” (67). Florence would never have an education, work as anything other than a cook, nanny, or housekeeper because she is a Black woman in the South. Florence feared she would end up working like her mother for the rest of her life and once she saw that becoming a possibility she decided it was time to go and realize her “deep ambition”: “but suddenly she could wait no longer, the time had come” (70).
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because she tells and explains her obstacles she faced growing up and the hardships she encountered and how she overcame them. The black women job or role back then was to be of assistance and do the house work and one would call it as well as to raise the children. While describing the tasks of the black women, she makes it a point to mention her mother and how she was enslaved for several years to justify how hard, cruel, and unfair the treatment of black women was in society. The fears that black women had was that of any, that they would end up being the uneducated house wife by will or not, and having no say so in their life choices or any ambitions to pursue what they want to in life. Their hopes were also similar to that of any women not just black. They hoped that one day she’d escape from the enslavement and that hope eventually turned into her dreams and aspirations. For the longest time, the women were under the men. Men always had the upper hand over the black women, and Florence explains the story about the rape, that alone serving as their fears, the hope for that to change, and the dreams of that one day no longer being their fears.
Florence's story is a representation of black women's dreams, their hopes, dreams, and fears. Her story shows the inequality of black women in the society that we live in. She had big very big ambitions as she wanted to study and rely on herself, but the life she had to live was the life of a typical housewife that had to stay home and take care of children. She had two disadvantages that she had to deal with, first she had to deal with the disadvantage that she is a black which was inferior to the others in the society but she was also a women which deepened the inferiority. She had big dreams as she wanted to break the rule of women being limited in life and wanted to build a life that she could rely on herself rather than others. Despite all her ambitions and dreams, she could not break the rule of race and gender. She tried hard to make something of her life but the only opportunities given to her or really available to her were to be a housewife who takes care of the children and cook.
I agree, Florence wanted more for herself and for her future. She wanted to live above the ordinary or what was known as expected, but by her being an African American and a female her chances were slight.
Florence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of black women of that time period because it demonstrates how males were looked upon at succeeding in the society more than women would who’s only job was to be a care taker. Florence’s story shows how women were only looked at as housekeepers and as she had stated that men saw them as “only to gratify on the bodies of women their brutal and humiliating needs” (p. 68). Florence wanted to do something that was meaningful her life other than to take care of the needs of men and children, but this was at the time was taboo as women’s’ places were at the home and the home only. However, if she was a male, then she could do all the things she wanted, follow her dreams, and succeed in the society she lived in. This story demonstrates how there was no choice in what someone would be doing or wanted to do for themselves just because they were a female or male….there were certain roles each sex had to play to survive in the society they lived in.
Florence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in society because like many other women in this society wanted to get an education but could was not given the opportunity because her little brother Gabriel got the opportunity instead. Also, for a long time Florence had a strong dislike for men due to the events of men mistreating her in her life time such as her father leaving her shortly after her brother’s birth and the torturing that was endured to her friend Deborah by white men. These African American women fear that they will always work for white people cleaning their homes and fixing their dinner. Also, they hoped to live their own life and have the freedom to do what ever it is their hearts desired. Some of their dreams are similar to Florence's, were they wanted to go and get an education and have a better life in the future than the one they already have. By these individuals being African Americans and females they life is pretty much set in stone. The reasoning behind this is because for years African American women were not treated equally as white women such as them being house slaves and field workers. While African American men were granted the opportunity to get an education because they needed to be the ones to go out and get a chance to provide for their family.
I agree with this claim; however, I feel Florence was more envious and jealous than dislike for men in general. Florence saw the opportunities her mother gave her brother because he was male. She also saw the injustices a man are allowed that a woman was suppose to turn a blind eye to. She wanted to live similar to a man. She wanted an education, to leave her mother's home, and go North to become someone. She wanted to experience life without the burden of race and sex.
Florence’s story represents the precarious conditions of Black women or even women in general in this society. Even though she did not achieve her goals does not mean she did not set any for herself. Florence as well as women in today’s world would like to be something other than a housewife, which is why some women become independent and have careers of their own. In my opinion, the fear of women as well as Florence’s are not being successful and not being able to live up to their goals. Instead people will only characterize them as being only worthy to be a housewife. Their hopes and dreams are to achieve anything they set for themselves. The lives of females are predetermined by sex as well as race because by being a woman and also African American it lowers their chances. “There was only one future in that house, and it was Gabriel’s- to which, since Gabriel was a man- child, all else was sacrificed (67).”Men were expected to be the “bread winners” and to have a promising career and for women it was seen as unordinary.
Florence’s story illuminates the devastating situation of the Black woman in society during this time. She speaks on the hardships that women encounter in their early years and how it affected them later down the road. Florence also makes readers aware that men dominated the society and there seem to be no hope for women to change that. Throughout the book one can feel an attitude of hatred from Florence as it came to her brother and men in general soley based off the fact that men and women weren’t treated equally. After analyzing the story one can see how women wanted to be more than housewives but couldn’t find a way to achieve that. They understood education was important but understood they also had a family to take care of. One saw how upset Florence was with her mother for just over looking her when it came to education. Her mother allowed Gabriel to go to school and he didn’t even appreciate the education he was receiving. Many women, such as Florence, just wanted to gain a sense of independence and obtain things on their own. It was frustrating to them to have to get everything they needed from their husbands and not be able to make their own decisions without their husbands giving them the okay. The women dreamed about being educated and having their own things without having to depend on someone else. Its sad to say but their lives were already predetermined by their sex. If you were a female your job was to be able to take care of the children, husband and house duties; whereas the men were to go out and get a job make money for the family, take care if the finances and they were the once that were given the opportunity to get an education because they needed a job.
I completely agree with Winston. This is the same point I was making that men and women are not treated equally and Florence wanted more out of her life than simply being a caretaker of children and a household. It is an unfair world and Florence was simply trying to do what she could for herself because she felt like her brother took that chance from her when she was younger.
I really agree with Winston's idea of who Florence was and what men were really like during this time in society. We both made similar points in what we thought about what her life was and how women were not treated with the same rights as men were during this time.
Florence's story drives home the difficulty in which an African American woman survives the segregated world. She is filled will bitterness and sadness because society is male-dominated and black women are placed lower in value than a street animal. Black women were used in slavery times as concubines, broodmares, and house servants. Also, women came second to men. Men were prioritized to attend school, build a rake reputation, and marry with a concubine. Women are suppose to care only for their husbands, turn a blind eye to their unfaithfulness, and raise his concubine's and her children. Women who wanted to become educated prayed their father or husband pitied them enough to allow them that freedom. Florence wants an education to become independent of any man, to become more than another housekeeper, and doesn't want to be hated anymore because of her race or sex. Florence desires equality for women and her race as a whole. She carries this burden daily and wishes for the lynching and death to end. Florence wants to live in Utopia, but realizes even if she receives an education, graduate at the top of her class, and complete her daily job well her position in society will shadow her actions until her death.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because it parallels her life. As a child growing up, it was already predetermined by her sex that her role as a woman was defined as waiting on men and that her role as a woman wasn't nearly as important as her brother's role a being a man was.Her mom raised her the way society "raised" women. Women back then were seen as being succumbent to men. Not only that but being a black woman automatically made you a slave to men. Her mother allowed Gabriel to go to school, and it seemed that she cared a whole lot more about Gabriel than she did Florence. Florence carries a lot of bitterness with her because of the pedestal men are put on. It seemed like no matter what Gabriel did, he was still the "apple of her eye". It isn't enough of a challenge that Florence is a woman, but she's a black woman. Black women are at the bottom of value in society. Since the day she was born, Florence wanted to get away. Her hopes and dreams of getting away are similar to the hopes and dreams of other black women in society back in those days. Florence and other black women of that time just want to stand alone and be able to obtain their dreams without the help of a man.
Florence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of the Black women in this society by explaining how life was for black women everywhere. Florence could not stand the fact that society was mostly dominated by men, while the women are told stay stay home and do wife duties; black women were treated even lower than the white women. Black women feared that they could not make it in a society that is ran by men. For one, it is hard enough for black men to become successful, and for black women in society it would be even more harder to succeed. Black women feared being abused by their male counterpart; like Deborah in the story was. In the story Deborah had an accident, and afterward she hated all men. Florence and black women in general have hopes and dreams of wanting to life for their own self(s), and to succeed in this society, but the time they are living made them be only wife's that had to remain at home and take care of children, chores, and husband. Florence’s story explains how women were only viewed as housewifes' and stating in the story, “only to gratify on the bodies of women their brutal and humiliating needs” (p. 68). Black women's lives are predetermined fail because the are women, and black women at that. Women back then did not control or have authority in society, but when the day came that they could have some authority, then white women would control before black women. Therefore black women were considered as the sex and race at the bottom of the food chain.
Florence's story is representative of black women in society because her story shows that everything focuses on the man, no matter his age. Even as the younger brother, Gabriel was seen as important and the man of the house. Their mother wanted the best for him because he was a man and would one day be the head of the household, whereas nothing about Florence matter because she was a woman and would one day have a man to take care of her. It is also shows how women are suppose to portray this "wife" persona of cooking, cleaning, having kids and standing by her husband's side. She represents the hope of independence and freedom, be able to choose her own destiny and nothing having it pre decided. this was shown when she randomly bought a ticket to New York without the permission and demand from anyone but herself. Her fears represent living in a man dominated world, a world where woman are merely objects not people.
Florence's story is very similar to that of many black women at that time. There was an expectation of them that they should do certain things and life certain lives because they were not only women, they were black women. Once slavery was over, there wasn't a lot that a black woman could really do in society besides being a cook or a maid or some type of servant. Because they were women they only had a variety of options to begin with since it was more so the man's job to work in society and a woman's job to take care of the household and children. Being black however, made it so that very few people wanted to hire you and they did not pay fair. Florence had dreams of being more than that. She wanted an education and to move North and mostly to no longer work for these same people as a servant. Her mother didn't understand her though and that was the problem. Her mother tried so hard to give her son the life that her daughter wanted and he didn't to the point where everyone's life was negatively affected. Florence did not want to live in a world where she was unappreciated and taking care of her mother and brother when she could be better herself.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because as a woman more specifically a black woman during her time she was not able to do the things she desired to and very much so expected to conform to society. Florence as many of women of her time was forced to take a back seat and put all the men in her life before her. She is never allowed to live for Florence but instead in servitude of men. The fears of Black women in this society are staying complacent as housewives. Their hopes and dreams are to educate themselves and to be better than the Black women before them in order to make things different for the women to come in generations after them. Their lives are predetermined by sex and race because during this time being born black and female meant that you weren't allowed the privileges of black men or more specifically white men. They are not able to dictate the lives they desire because they are born into a society in which their path is already chosen.
Florence's story is a representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because around that time women were set to just be a house wife with no education. Women in that society fear that they could never be anyone in life. They can only be what everyone says they have to be. They aren't able to fullfill their dreams and goals because of how society put women in a category of things they have to do. Florence wants to go a different path. She doesn't want to be the average woman who is uneducated and have a lot of kids who most likely are going to get sold. She wants to have her own independence to become a successful women and not have to live with the stereotypes. Men are predetermined to work to eat. They are able to become educated and live their lives with no problems. Living as black women and black men, they have to work harder because of how society views them.
Florence's story reassures my previous beliefs regarding black women's precarious situation during that day and age. Not only were these women affected by their race, but they were also affected by their sex. As harsh as this may sound, it didn't matter what they hoped or dreamed about. The spotlight would have never gave these women a chance anyway. One of the only dreams that ever mattered to Florence was for her to move to the North and when that dream was finally accomplished, it did not do Florence any better as a result by her being a black woman anyway. As a result of this societal spotlight that rarely shined upon Florence and many other black women, she grew an ever-growing hatred for her brother Gabriel. Their mother always focused her energy toward Gabriel, even though he gave the impression that he wasn't interested and didn't even want it. This is a prime example of the source of many black women's fear in that day in age, which was to not have accomplished anything as a result of not having an education. Florence was denied the very thing she wanted the most, an education. Without an education, one can barely accomplish anything in life.
Florence's life is the epitome of black female empowerment. Black women are underestimated in society. Because Florence is a woman she has to take care of everyone, and have no sense of independence. The hopes of black women are to make it out their mother's house and become successful. Florence wanted something new that is why she wanted to go to New York. She wants to leave the dread of her family, and she is trying to find herself. She does not want to stay and live in poverty, she wants the finer things. In society, people do not expect minorities to amount to anything. They expect the poor minorities to stay poor; Florence wants to beat adversity especially in the racist times where she grew up. She is the figure icon for black women today; black woman today are dominating in the workforce and college. They are defying stereotypes and becoming successful.
Florence's story is much like many African American women today we, are dreaming to one day find some base of equality. We as women want to be able to go out in to the world independently and gain just as much from society as a man would. Growing up in Florence's time was a bit hard being that education was hard to come by, these woman had to be 10x more courageous than many of us are to day. The struggles these woman entailed brings me to say that Florence was the type of woman with courageous bones in her body influence all her decision.
I believe Florence’s story represents the situation of black women in society because her prayer reflects the struggles for African Americans in the South during slavery. In the story Florence mentions her grandmother being in slavery for 30 plus years and how her father abandoned their family after Gabriel’s birth to escape North away from slavery. As a result of all the struggles and pain, fear played a common role. Florence mentioned Deborah’s rape by a white man, to depict black women’s fear of race as a whole. Even though this situation expresses great fear for black women in this society, hope stills seems to be at the end of the tunnel. Now at this point, escape becomes Florence’s dream. Baldwin describes the expected future for Florence’s family based on race and sex. He says, “There was only one future in that house, and it was Gabriel’s- to which, Gabriel was a man- child, all else must be sacrificed. Her mother did not, indeed, think of it as a sacrifice, but as logic: Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married and have children of her own, and all the duties of women; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life” (67). In this situation, women are forced in a situation to where they only hope for an escape. Their lives are predetermined by gender and race stereotypes. Typically the women serve, and the men provide, but of course race only allows a certain level of success.
Florence's story is indicative of women in socities today. This is because women are held to lower standard than many males. Florence's grandmother lived in a time when her life was not laid out by her decision but by the decisions of others. this can sometimes take a heavy affect on the advancement of the child and their thinking capabilities. i believe this wqaws brought out to show how far people have come in the rights they so enjoy today.
Unfortunately Florence is living in a domestic society where men are highly valued and looked to as born leaders. For example, as soon as Gaberial was born, her mother made him her biggest priority instead of trying to raise both of her children. During that time women were only for taking care of their homes and families. Florence has two characteristic that are held against her; she's an African American woman. Florence's hatred for her brother shows her deepest desire for the chance to prove herself to her mother that she is capable of doing greats they expect her brother to do. Florence wanted her independence and a better life compared to living in her brother's shadow. Women, like Florence, dreamed of being something more than a wife and mother. They yearned for the chance to be independent but feared of failure from not living a fulfilling life.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because since before time, women in general has been looked down on compared to men, especially African American women. Even in this century, women are still looked down on and underestimated compared to a person of the male gender. Their hopes and wishes is to hopefully have equality between races and gender instead of having double standards.
Most Women in that time were trained to wait on men and they were subjected to take care of all of the house work that came with wife-hood. The biggest fear that they have is death because death is the great equalizer that finishes all of the deeds on Earth. The dreams that they long for are be successes in there lives. They Hope that they will see the error in their ways . Since they are of African descent they are oppressed and can only take the few opportunities open to them. Then by them being different sexes the male is giving more opportunities than the female because the male is suppose to be the provider he will need all of the support he can get.
Florence's story is also the story of many African - American woman. It was a dark time filled with wonder and despair. Florence's issue was her trust in The Lord and why she was still so unhappy if he is supposed to fix all. The fear was of the white man. On page 74 a horrific story about what white men did to blacks was described. This day, Deborah was taken from her home and harshly abused. There was a fear of survival. People asked the question, ' will we be next' as they "prayed and waited" while the horse hoofs passed by (74). All that life endured was to be a "common nigger" at the time. Lives were predetermined in Florence's family by sex. The birth of Gabriel was the end of Florence creating a future. She explained" since Gabriel was a manchild, all else must be sacrificed" (78). Her mother believed that she should stay on the plantation instead of leaving so she could tech Florence the " duties of a woman". Florence, like many African- American woman at the time, were constantly denied an education and were left with the job of a mother and wife. Gabriel on the other hand could go to school, work and do manly things. The main thing that Florence never wanted to be was uneducated. She envied her brother for going to school and claimed that he learned "almost nothing at all. ". Her anger about Gabriel's wickedness grew and so did her hatred for men. From then on she wanted nothing more than to become something more.
Flrence's story represented the precarious situations of African American women of her time. She tells the story of her life as a women who had to go through sexism and racism. The woman of her time were afraid that they would end up as uneducated, black woman who were forced to be housewives. Also in her story, she talks about the way she was treated compared to her brother. This is what raises the argument about women in society not being treated equally. We still face this conflict in todays society. Her story simply shows that through all the discrimination she went through, she only wanted to become something important in society instead of being the average woman working for a man.
Florence's story is representative of the situation black women are presented with in today's society because it shows the struggles of women in the past and how these same struggles have become a hindrance to the progress of the present and the future. African American woman have many incorrect stereotypes placed against them: they are African American, which presumably makes them the inferior race, and they are women which automatically puts them into comparison and shadows of men, making them a type of 3rd class citizen. Like Florence, the dream of the African American woman was to be something other than a housewife whose only acknowledgement comes from cooking the meals and keeping the house clean.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society because most black women during the earlier years went through the same hardships as she did. African American women had to struggle in order to get their name out in the world. African American men were acknowledge by the simplest thing unlike African American women; "Gabriel ain't never going to leave you. Is you, boy?"..."But me," she said, “I got to go." (73-74). Florence is already giving her brother the benefit of the doubt he is stronger than her, and that’s how many African American women think, that majority of the men are stronger. African American women fear that they will end up as an average uneducated housewife with no real future. Their hopes and dreams, like Florence, were to go out and make a future for themselves and get an education. Being African Americans meant that you were going to be treated bad by the whites, but being an African american female just made it even worse. African American women were seen as only being housewives and laborers. “Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of a women; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life.” So there was no need for African American women to go out and get an education. Unlike the African American women, men needed to get educated because they were the bread winners for the house. “Gabriel was a man; he would go out one day into the world to do a man's work, and needed, therefore, meat, when there was any in the house, and clothes could be bought, and the strong indulgence of his womenfolk, so that he would know how to be with women when he had a wife. And he needed the education that Florence desired far more than he, and that she might have got if he had not been born"(67).
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society because women in early years and still in these years do not get treated with the same respect as men do in America. Most women's success in those days depended on a Man's success. The dreams that they have is the success in their lives.
Being a black woman in Florence’s time was somewhat a double disadvantaged since having politically restraining laws against you because you are black, and being a woman meant you were not a vital part of the work force. Florence had a difficult life in the south since she saw her mother and friend Deborah stuck in their difficult situations. She was also over looked in her family since her mother saw better opportunities would come from Florence’s brother Gabriel. In a way her life was predetermined if she stayed in the Southern states, but she saw a new opportunity by moving to the north. Her chances of being socially and economically independent were less if she stayed in the south, but she saw such possibilities in the north. She tries to get away from her difficult social and political situations, but no matter what she attempts to do; Florence cannot escape her difficult circumstances during the time period.
The first and most devastating blow came with the birth of Gabriel. Instantly, from Florence's view, Gabriel, their mother's favorite, was given everything that their mother could afford at the expense of Florence. When new clothes and good food were available, they went to Gabriel. The opportunity for an education went to Gabriel even though he did not want to go to school, and Florence did. Florence — powerless to make any change in her situation — watched in silent rage as Gabriel squandered away the opportunities that Florence so desperately wanted for herself. Even as an old and dying woman, Florence is unable to overcome her dislike for her brother. She does not believe that he has changed at all, even though he claims that he was saved and has become a respected preacher. Her belief is not unfounded. She knows about his affair with Ester and the child who was a result of the liaison. Other than Gabriel, she is the only living character aware of his indiscretion, and she keeps that knowledge and Deborah's letter to herself, waiting for an opportunity to make her brother suffer for his hypocrisy. Florence presents how woman in black society are not to behave like an independent and knowledgeable person.
The last sentence of your first paragraph is very powerful. I think it captures Florence's emotions beautifully. I agree that most of Florence's suffering came at the hand of Gabriel. And because of this the letter from Deborah brings her great satisfaction.
A common fear of Black women during these times is encounters with white men. There was the possibility of being raped or killed by them. Florence's best friend, Deborah, was raped by white men. Florence becomes paralyzed with fear one night when she hears the horse hoofs outside of her family's cabin. What Florence really wants is to live a comfortable lifestyle. Not having to live paycheck to paycheck. She resents Frank for not being able to provide her with this, as we see on page 86 in the novel. "I thought I married a man with some get up and go to him, who didn't want to stay in the bottom his whole life".
Being a black woman during those times of periods were quite completely different from being a black male of those times. A male would be the most important person on the social pyramid. First would be white men, white women, black men, and finally black women. Unfortunately, florence falls into the bottom of this pyramid. It also shows how florence did have a duty in the family until gabriel was born into the family, and when gabriel was born she was forced to do more labor than gabriel was forced to. She also lost her priviledge to recieve and education unlike gabriel who did not appreciate it much.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society because she talks about how she was raised and all of the situations and unfairness that she had to deal with because she was a black woman. Their fears are that they end up as your average uneducated housewife with no real future. Their hopes and dreams, like Florence, were to go out and make a future for themselves and get an education. Their lives are predetermined not only by their race but also by their sex. African Americans were already treated worse than the whites, and being female just made it even worse. African American women's futures only summed up to them being housewives and laborers, so there was no need for them to go and get an education. On the other hand, African American men were set to be the workers so they needed to be the ones in the family to get an education. For example, this is explained in the book, "Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all duties of a woman; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life. But Gabriel was a man; he would go out one day into the world to do a man's work, and needed, therefore, meat, when there was any in the house, and clothes could be bought, and the strong indulgence of his womenfolk, so that he would know how to be with women when he had a wife. And he needed the education that Florence desired far more than he, and that she might have got if he had not been born"(67).
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that Florence desires a life for herself as an educated lady rather than a housewife. I question whether Florence would have gotten the education she desired if Gabriel wasn't born. She was still a girl , which still leaves the gender stereotype of the housewife to be trained for. I think Florence has wishful thinking, which is another reference to Florence's hopes and dreams.
DeleteI absolutely agree with you two. Also, that's also a very good question because would things changed if Gabriel wasn't born? I doubt it because females only had one role in the society back then and that was to be a housewife. I think people are more appreciative of the things they don't have rather than those who has it. In this case, Florence seems more appreciative about the idea of education rather than Gabriel, when he clearly was presented with education. But who would want to be forced to do something that they don't want? What if Gabriel wasn't forced to learn and be educated? Would he appreciate it more if it was presented to him in a non-forceful manner?
DeleteI agree with everything you said 100 percent. I like how you incorporated almost every factor of her life into your post and reflected on it. Good job.
Deletei completely agree with you, i think that she had to make a choice for herself , which was to go out and explore the world, and give life a chance and do what was best for her. I like how she stood up for herself and did not let her mother's opinion stop her form doing what she wanted with her life. I think society alone was enough to discourage any women to get an education, and obtain a career other than being a housewife or laborer, but to have her own mother choose sides an show her that it was more important for a man to obtain an education than it was for a woman was even more of a to go out on her own and prove that she could do what she wanted regardless of what society might have said.
DeleteI really like your reply, you went with every aspect of the question and included everything that is needed to be included. I like how you started from the very beginning of where things started and went down the list. To be honest, things such as gender or race need to be put into the past. Being such a race and a gender doesnt grant you to be having the upper hand in a job or any sort of thing, anyone can be just as talented and there are many jobs that a certain gender can do better than the other.
DeleteI totally agree with you like 100% percent. I think that Florence was determined and had a plan. For that reason, she set out to change her fate. She did not want to become the stereotypical housewife and she felt that she shouldn't let her race and gender hinder her from doing what she wanted to do.
DeleteI agree 100 % with this statement. I respect and agree with the fact that florence desires a better life for herself and understands that an education is the best way to achieve that. I admire her for not wanting to settle for being just a housewife but strove to break the norm of her time. However, I dont think she understood that it was going to take more than just her. Even though there were probably a multitude of women who inspired to be more it was going to take somebody to inspire them to want better for themselves.
DeleteBeing the first person to respond to this blog must mean that you are very dedicated and really understand this topic pertaining to the book. I agree with ever statement the you have made. I like how you incorporated education as a key factor towards black womens' dreams and aspirations in this society. That was black women's number one goal while they were looking into the future. My only wish was for you to give more on gender and race for black women, because to me that is the main purpose of this topic on Black women in this society. I also like how you gave respect to a man as well. This is mainly a female topic, but you showed respect towards us men.
DeleteThis is 100% correct.
DeleteI agree with you completely. As a black women, she was expected to stay and perform her household duties, but she wanted much more for her life.
DeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because Florence's prayer reflects on struggles for African Americans in the South during slavery times. Florence mentions the 30 plus years her mother was enslaved and how her father abandoned the family after Gabriel's birth to escape to the North. In consequence of the struggles and pain, fear was a common result. Florence makes notice of Deborah's rape by white men, which indicated black women's fear of the race as a whole. The situation for the black women in this society seems to equal great fear, yet their is hope for an escape. Escape becomes her dream. The African American women rely on these factors because they often could not be themselves due to their situation. Baldwin explains the expected future for Florence's family based on race and sex by stating, "There was only one future in that house, and it was Gabriel's- to which, since Gabriel was a man- child, all else must be sacrificed. Her mother did not, indeed, think of it as a sacrifice, but as logic: Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of women; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life" (67). In this society, women were set in a situation which only left hope for an escape. Their lives are predetermined by gender stereotypes; the women serve and the men provide, but race only allows a certain level of success. African Americans were considered the lesser race, and as Florence mentioned, slavery was prominent.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your response based on Florence's thoughts and also the way it represents society as a whole. In the text Florence does mention how Deborah was raped, I do agree on the basis that this not only what African- American women fear but what all women fear. She also mentions how her brother was sent to school, that was one of the things that she always wanted to do. She valued education and yet he had it but didn't appreciate it. Concerning their lives, I do agree that their lives are predetermined. Women are destined to do household work and stay at home, where as men are treated differently.I do find your statement about success having a certain level based on race, because that is absolutely true.
DeleteReplying back to both, I believe Florence not representing African Americans but women overall. She was worried about rape since Deborah did mention it. I believe every women is worried about a guy mistreating them and doing harmful things to her. A question comes to mind is, Is Florence jealous of Gabriel's life style he is handling because he is in school and she wasn't.
DeleteI agree. I also thought of the question about if Florence was jealous of Gabriel. I think she is jealous but it’s also deeper than jealousy. Here is a young girl who wants to go to school but cant while her brother gets to go to school but don’t want to. I think she feels hatred towards her mom for it. It’s like her mom completely forgot about her just so that she can attend to the needs of her brother who don’t even want to be educated.
Delete(Amanda Lloyd)
DeleteI agree along with everyone elses responses about the situation that Florence was in. Women had no means of free choice as men did and this limited them to the house-whether it was their own or not. Florence may have said she hated her brother and men, but really she felt-like other women did-the unfairness that came with just being a women. Florence may regret leaving her mother as she did nw but to women today, she would be looked upon as being a strong, independent woman. Though for her time period she was looked upon as woman that cared for nothing but herself and not for her famiy. There is a lot of feminism that is being said within this section of the novel.
I agree with your response because black women are automatically predestined to be stay at home mom's and cook for their husbands. Florence embodies the drive and empowerment that strong black woman have progressed in society. I love the way you correlated Baldwin's thoughts on societal values in women.
DeleteI totally agree with you. I think that Florence was determined and had a plan. For that reason, she set out to change her fate. She did not want to become the stereotypical housewife and she felt that she shouldn't let her race and gender hinder her from doing what she wanted to do.
DeleteFlorence's life is a representation in society because most black women during the earlier years did go through hardships just as she did. It was normal for black women to not go to school. Black women were only meant to perform household work and take care of the children, and men are meant to be the ones to fend outside for the family. Their living depended on the men. For this reason, I believe that is where some of her anger was built. She could not do anything that she wanted to accomplish in life because she depended on her husband who used the money irresponsibly. Black women posses hopes and dreams of living the "stereotypical life," that they are meant to live by. They dream that one day the do not have to be dependent on anyone or anything. Black women have a fear of being abused, just as Deborah was. In the text it states "... after Deborah's accident, hated all me. When they looked at Deborah they saw no further than her unlovely and violated body." (page 68) Because after that you are looked upon with disappointment and embarrassment. That can also lead to the hindering of black women, because the might feel that they are not good enough to do anything because of the issues that they wet through. his allows the to stay in that stereotypical life because they do not have the courage to do other things. They are lives are predetermined by sex because women are under the men. Men are the human beings that take on the role as the head of everyone in the family, while women listen and obey. In addition, their lives are predetermine by race because there is only so much they can achieve because they are certain race. Everyone wanted a good-paying job back the, but because of the skin color they could not be granted that job. This also impedes the uprising of back families at the time because of the little money they earned they could not really achieve anything that they really wanted to do.
ReplyDeleteI agree, her life was planned out for her before it even started. Her life was given to her. As a black women, she was expected to stay and perform her household duties, but she wanted much more for her life.
DeleteThis is a very good blog. I agree with you on the fact that Florence life was predetermined fir her. I don't blame her for having wishful thinking and wanting to break away from the life society destined her to live. Even in this society some may think women are too weak to work in the world and make a difference but we prove them wrong everyday because women are constantly stepping up to the plate handling the business that no man could do.
DeleteI agree with this well put blog. She had no control over what she could do in life. She had to be told what to do.
DeleteI agree, especially when you were talking about Florences thoughts.
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ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is represented the precarious situation of Black women in society because she experience what black women in history also experienced. Her fear was to end up just as black women who were before her. She desired to do and be better than the world around her. Their lives are predetermined by both sex and race because their lives had limitations that they could not change.
ReplyDeleteif her current circumstances were not like this where do you think she would have been?
DeleteTo respond to your question, I believe if Florence didn’t go through the thing she went through she wouldn’t be there or able to share such an experience. Because at the beginning she was talking about how much she wanted to go North to make her life better since women couldn’t determine their own future. When she realized that her mother was just concern about Gabriel receiving an education she would have taken that opportunity to leave. However, I think her experience still in a way would’ve been the same because during that time women all over were being treated and looked at as only a house wife.
DeleteI agree, she only know what she see which makes her want to do and be better.
DeleteI do agree with you, however I don't believe Florence was so much afraid of being like the women that were before her. I think she just longed to have a better chance than they did but, knowing their situations made it harder for her to get the courage to move North. She knew that where she was would hinder her to the current standards of women (uneducated and working as servants &housekeeps). She wasn't really afraid because it was the norm then. She just refused to settle for that as her fate.
DeleteI agree with you as a African American woman you have to battle with a little bit more that just equality sex wise by race wise as well. These women are being depicted as homemakers with no chance at a future, disabling them to become courageous and self determined.
DeleteFlorence's represent a black women in society, on how life is not easy at all. She goes through many different obstacles just like any other black women in society. They have to struggle in order to get their name out in the world. Black men are acknowledge by the simplest thing unlike african american women; "Gabriel ain't never going to leave you. Is you, boy?"..."But me," she said, " I got to go." (73-74). Florence is already giving her brother the benefit of the doubt he is stronger than her, and thats how many african american women think, that majority of the men are stronger. A black women's fear would be staying uneducated and not able to support her family finically. A hope and dream can be the same in some situations when coming down to a black women because some hope for a better future and some actually try to change that "hope" into a reality that they always dreamed of. When Florence was walking out of the house, she felt as if her dream was in New York and that she was hoping she would not be in rags anymore like her brother Gabriel; "I won't be wearings rags like yours" (74). Florence and other black women in society lives are predetermined by both sex and race by their background. Many already have had a struggling background by slavery, father's leaving, and not able to continue school. Black women have it harder in many different situations which makes many break loose and try to do something on their own like Florence and move away.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this post, because women can only dream and hope. They do not have the opportunity to go out into the world and be successful, and make lives for themselves and the family like men. Their only duties are to stay in the house as said on page 67. All blacks are treated unjustly, but at least black men have the opportunity to be educated, and look out for the family. It was looked down upon that women be educated and be on the same level as men, so women were of course at the bottom of the chain. It is sad that it took so long for blacks, and especially black women to take a stand and be able to create a life for themselves. Luckily, we have come so far since then, so it really makes one appreciate life, which Baldwin is trying to portray.
DeleteI totally agree with you because life is harder on black women. We have to fight and struggle and we strive off of our hopes and dreams to try and beat the odds.
DeleteI agree with your post African American Women do have it the worst, one because they are black and also female. Yet that is another reason why so many women have stepped up and tried to fight for equal rights because they understand the struggle. Men are always glorified as being the "breadwinners" and leader of the household and they get the fullest acknowledgement. Women didn't want to be viewed as "ladies of the household" and that's why many of them began to leave the household just like Florence as it's mentioned on pages 71-74. They just wanted to be treated like an equal counterpart in society.
DeleteI completely agree with this post because I feel that Black women are mistreated the most in society. Black women have to strive harder for things that others get handed to them. I agree with the fact that Black women are born with hopes and dreams but their lives are full of struggle that they eventually give up on their dreams.
DeleteI do agree with somethings you said, but I don't agree that Florence thinks Gabriel is stronger than her in a mentally sense. I think she feels that she is just as capable to do everything that he can, that's why I think she dislikes him so much because she feels that no one gives her or women for a that matter a chance to show their strength and stand on their own but they are automatically seen as weaker individuals and forced into marriage to be supported by a man.
DeleteGrowing up in a time of slavery and hardship, Florence faced many challenging situations. The fact that she was young, black, and a woman made the situation all the worse. Being black during this time period meant that you could only go so far, but being a black woman meant you were at the absolute bottom of the chain. Black women duties were to "by and by be married, and have children of [their] own" (67) and stay inside to mend the house, as opposed to black men who got an education, brought home food and clothes for the family. Gender predetermines the future, because life for women is much more limited then men. Women do not have the power or opportunity to do what they want to do. When Gabriel was born Florence's whole life changed. "If he had never been born, Florence might have looked forward to a day when she would be released from her unrewarding round of labor, she might think of her own future and go out to make it". (67) This proves that because Florence is a woman, she can longer carry out certain duties because a male is born and will take over. Her life is now put on hold due to these certain circumstances. Black women were beneath men, and black men were beneath whites. White men and women had the power and control to do whatever they pleased, and could ultimately destroy the life of any African American person that might come across wrong. Blacks will never be on the same level as whites, due to slavery and the power of history. No matter how hard they tried, the circumstances always predetermined their future.
ReplyDeleteI agree with exactly what you said. I wounder where she would have been if Gabriel was not born. would she have been able to go there and maybe one day get her education.
DeleteI also strongly agree with you. However, I think I would truly wonder of her life if she would have moved to the North earlier in her life. Would she be happier? Would she be less bitter?
DeleteI completely agree where you are going with Florence possible life, sex, and obligation.
DeleteI agree with your blog about how women of that time are beneath men because it shows in so many ways. For example, when garbiel would come home drunk and the mother would not make him do anything, but instead make florence help him out.
DeleteFlorence’s story in the book is represented of the precarious situation that most black women in that times society went through. It was common that African American women would not get their education, and just settle to later becoming a regular old house mother. For example she was taught at a young age of exactly how she would be living when the text says. “Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of a women; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life.” However even though Florence did not agree with this and expected a lot more for her life, there was not much that she could do because of the circumstances of time period she live in. Florence’s had two main factors that held her back from reaching her hopes in dream in life and that was being that she was not only an African American but also a women. There was not much difference when it came to African American males in this time period as well. Males were expected to go out there and try to get the little education they could but if not to go work hard and try to support their families.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how the world be if women back than stood up for themselves and didn't settled for just been a housewife and no education.
DeleteI agree. During the 1900's being black and a woman decreased opportunities of success drastically. I feel Florence had no choice but to be expected to have kids, be married, and carry duties of a woman.
DeleteI agree, i believe that her being african american and a woman held her back from having a real future for herself, and i believe that this adds to the jealousy and resentment that she has toward Gabriel.
DeleteI agree about your statement on her expectations. I also like to point out how her expectation were lowered when she got married.
DeleteFlorence story is representative of the precarious situation of the black woman in this society because She is a young black female that has dreams to go places in life but can't fully them dreams because of life stiuitanes.Also most black girls are foucsed to follow their mother footsteps,so if their didnt have an education than your not going to have one either.Their fears are becoming an uneducated and having to depend on an men.their hopes and dreams are to become more what people expect them to be ,which is, eudcated and to be independent.Their lives are predetermined by both sex and race because this society people are stereotyped by gender were the women is depends on the man and the men is independent and take care of the woman .Has for their race most black women are seen has less educated than most race.
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ReplyDeleteFlorence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of the Black women in society because she talks about the hardships they encounter in their early years that really affect them later. Florence also makes it known that the things that were going on with the women during that time wasn’t fair to the women and only favored the men. Throughout her time in the book you can feel this sort of hate she had towards her brother and all men she came across due to the fact that they were not always treat equally. From what was discussed in the story I can tell that most of the women feared being just a housewife without any types of education. When Florence was upset with her mother for just over looking her when it came to education made her furious since Gabriel was sent to school but he wasn’t taking it serious. Women during this time just wanted to be independent and get things on their own. It was frustrating to them to have to get everything they needed from their husbands and not be able to make their own decisions without their husbands telling them no or yes. The women dreamed about being educated and having their own things without having to depend on someone else. Their lives are already predetermined by their sex for instance if you were a female your job was to be able to take care of the children, husband and house duties; whereas the men were to go out and get a job make money for the family, take care if the finances and they were the once that were given the opportunity to get an education because they needed a job.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Florence having an angry tone whenever her brother or any male is mentioned. I couldn't imagine the fear of being uneducated since is the number one stressed thing in the household I was raised in. It's unfortunate that many women during slavery had very little to no access to educational material. Its also interesting how society still focuses on "womanly" and "manly" duties and how men have higher wages than women. Society will hopefully change one day.
DeleteI agree with you there is definitely a resenting tone used with Florence. I believe she feels that men have not only kept her down and put her through many struggles, but also influenced the women in her life to believe this is acceptable. FLorence wants to be independent like modern women. The discrimination in views towards men and women is very obvious and has changed somewhat overtime but still needs to be revolutionized.
DeleteFlorence’s story represents the precarious struggles of women in today’s societies as she went into detail about the struggles that herself and other women have overcome and are currently facing. Florence’s deep ambition, like most women, was to “walk out the cabin and never return” (77). This ambition is closely linked to the ambitions of most women. Their hopes consisted of leaving the plantation they lived on and never returning while their fear was leaving the plantation and getting caught by the masters and being forced back into a life that they are trying to escape from. Women experienced a variety of events that forced them into fear. Having children that had been taken away from them or even having children that were fathered by the master forced them into shame and despair. Most women who have a child want the opportunity to nurture and care for their children but during slavery, they were most often taken away and sold at an auction. Their hopes were to be able to become educated and independent one day and to be seen equally to the men. Men are the most dominant gene. They are seen to be the breadwinners while women are already thought to be the housewife and caretaker. The thought process of Florence’s mother is as follows “Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of a woman…” (78). To an extent being a housewife and caretaker is detrimental to the female gender. The opportunity to learn and enhance the common life skills such as learning more about yourself and knowing your capabilities are extremely limited. Daphanie Bibbs: Week 5
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DeleteI agree with your response women of this time period were very ambitious. They wanted a better life that they sometimes unfortunately never received. Black women had all the odds against them; their main job was to be a good housewife, instead of getting a proper education that many craved. This paved the way for many Black women being unhappy about their lives.
DeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because she longs for a life where she can be an educated women that is treated equally with disregard to her race and sex. However, because she is a female, she was forced to take on the role of a housewife rather than an educated woman in the society. Her dream was to leave to the North like her father did because perhaps, she might have a better future rather than staying in the South. The fears that she has seems like perhaps one day, if she dies, she'll still be nothing more than an african american woman. I know she wants to be more than that because she explains descriptively that vivid details about her mother favoring Gabriel more because he was the male of the family. Through all the opportunities that Gabriel had to become educated, he opposed them while Florence desired it more than ever. Just because of black women's race and sex, their life are already predetermined. Actually, it's women in general. Society is so stuck up on the fact that females should stay at home and take care of the kids rather than going out to work. The lives of people can be changed everyday because every single day is an opportunity for a change. Society boosts male's confidence way too much, that's exactly why they are so many stereotypes that women are not better than men. I think they're equal, it just depends on what they plan on doing with their lives that determines whether they're stronger or not.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, but is it truly society boosting men's confidence or rather their power over women? I believe Florence had a truly hard life, but rather than being bitter could she have been happier if she grew and became a stronger woman from it?
DeleteI agree with this post 100% because in today's society, both women and men have opportunity, but I don't agree with the equal part. If a man walked into an office for a job and was interviewed and the next day a woman walked in that job would be most guaranteed to the man. Even now, men get paid more than women. So, I agree with the opportunity, but not so much on the equal opportunity
DeleteFlorence story represent precarious situations of Black women in this society because of the inequality of education forced upon her and the fact that she was being raised to be a housekeeper and cook. She represents women, especially Black women who were deprived of an education that they wanted. They didn’t make the choice to not attend school, it was determined for them. Therefore, the only job that was being available to them was house work. This is the only skilled that they acquired. Most Black women, like Florence, hate themselves. This is why they used skin whiteners and pay so much to change. They see themselves as being the problem, not the system they are being raised in and live in. These women feared being raped, beaten and taken advantage of. They fear the situation Deborah and her family were placed in. They fear not being able to take care of their family and keeping them safe. They hope and dream of living without worrying. They dream of freedom. Of being able to go as they please without worry. They dream of better days were they won’t have to worrying about food and clothes for their family. They dream of an education that will help them to succeed and no longer be a “common nigger”. They dream of uprising against the “White Man” who has them in bondage. They know that being a woman and being Black is holding them back. It was predetermined that blacks should not be educated and that women were not meant to be able to think for themselves, let alone be educated and work aside a man. They know it and can’t change their situations.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opinion. The way their lives were determined for them was totally unfair and it hindered their development as self-confident people as well because they could never live up to their full potential. And having to worry all the times of the danger of what Deborah went through was also a blow to all women because they would become devalued in a way and further more make then undesirable.
DeleteFlorence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because she explains her story and the trials and tribulations she went through all because of the color of her skin. Me being a black woman in America I know how it feels to be put down and underestimated in my everyday life. One of black women’s greatest fears is to live up to the stereotypes that are engraved into us because of who we are. Another fear is to be an inexperienced, stay-at-home wife and/or mother with no real sense of life or purpose. Black women hopes and dreams are to go against the grain and prosper in life. They want to be educated and skilled in something so that we may have more in life than being someone’s wife and mom. Black women have no reason to go to school and get an education because the man of the household would take care of all the financial needs and wants of the family. All the woman has to do is take care of the family physically and mentally. (I personally do not believe that at all!) Both sex and race because of the stereotypes that have been given to our race and sex predetermine black women lives. Being black has its own set of stereotypes but being a black woman has another separate set of stereotypes that are nothing less than degrading to us. Olivia Sherman: Week 5
ReplyDeleteFlorence’s story is the prime example of the fate that Black women in this society look to avoid but often can’t. Although a big part of your life is determined by what you make of it, the opportunities you receive also play a big part. She was predetermined to live a life of serving others and fulfilling “all the duties of a woman” (67). The way she was raised by her mother and lack of a father caused her dreams, in a sense, to never come true. With Florence being a female as well as being Black, her life was more challenging than a Caucasian’s life would be. She faces the added pressure of her mom who forces her to stay home because living “in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life” (Baldwin 67). This is the point of view of many sexist people in this society and was unfortunately the way her mother thought as well. As Florence grew older and became married she feared for her future. She saw that her dead-end marriage with Frank was not going anywhere, and she began to have doubts if moving away from home. It puts doubt in her head that what her mother said was true and that living in the cabin was her best way out. But women like Florence also hope to be successful and independent. If she had gone to school instead of Gabriel she would have made something with her life. The story also suggests that women also dream of having a family with a stable home. Unfortunately Florence did not experience these, and it is representative of the way a women’s past and lack of opportunities haunts her future.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is very insightful that you mentioned Florence's mother was also apart of the sexist people in society. The mom did pressure Florence to be just a caretaker rather than an independent woman.
DeleteI also like the point that Florence's mother was a part of the people enforcing the sexist ideas of society. Like many other oppressed people her mother had also been conditioned to the idea that men should be cherished while women should stay home and do housework.
DeleteI didn't realize how sexist Florence's mother was with her view of how Florence should live her life; I thought she just wanted to keep her at home to protect her. But, how can Florence feel secure in the South when her friend was violated without justice for the perpetrators and her employer wished to do the same? I agree with you, Florence was right to leave, but she lacked the education necessary for her to make something of herself after she came to her destination.
DeleteFlorence's story shows that being a black woman in the 1900s was hard and very dependent on family and men because of her sex and race. Florence never wanted the life of being and uneducated and dependent black woman. But since there were no opportunities for black women to succeed she could only do for her family or a "common nigger" and as a result be nothing but a housewife. During Florence's story you can conclude that the black woman's fear was of white men. When Florence's friend Deborah got snatched up by white men, Florence had realized that this situation had frightened her when she heard the sounds of horses at night (p.69). The black woman's dream was to leave home and start a new life. After Florence heard about her mother's departure from the plantation she worked on, Florence's deep ambition was to walk out one morning through the cabin door and never return (p.72). Florence's dream luckily comes true when she moves to New York and starts and new life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Florence didn't want a life that was uneducated. You can see how she ridiculed Gabriel when he went to school by saying that he didn't learn anything at all. I believe this was common among the African American female population. Longing for education but constantly being denied the opportunity. Also, her longing desire to move also expressed that of other women during this time period. The fact that she was willing to leave her mother, while dying, and go to New York shows how much she cared to fulfill this goal.
DeleteI completely agree with you that Florence's story give a great example of depicts the struggle for black women in society. Also the fear that was instilled in them by different situations that occurred.
DeleteIn this section the reader is able to view a broad image of the life of women in this society through Florence’s story. She speaks of the ridiculous tasks that she was required to do in order to ensure the success of Gabriel. Florence was expected to complete household chores, and tend to Gabriel. By doing so Florence shows that many women of this time period were subject to endure harsh treatment just to make sure their male counterparts would excel. A negative connotation was placed on women. It was one that stated that they were inferior to men, and were only suited for housework and raising children. Florence feared remaining stagnant in this lifestyle. This can be viewed when Baldwin states, “Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of a woman…” (66). Simply because she was a girl her life was predetermined. Likewise, many women of this time period feared the same. Many chose to break through the boundaries that society confined them within, and venture out on the own. Florence also feared and hated men. This fear and malice not only developed from the devoted attention that her brother received, but also the tragic event that happened to Deborah. This caused Florence to possess a deep disgust for men. This part of Florence’s story shows the vulgar behavior of men during this time period, and also the dangerous events that women experienced. Florence’s story also shows that women of this time also expressed longing desires and hope. Florence long for the education that her brother, Gabriel, took for granted. Seeing that women were only fit to complete household tasks, many were not allowed the chance to obtain an adequate education. Florence’s desire to leave behind the duties of a housewife led her to finally relinquish her tasks and head north. This can reflect the will of many women in this era that chose to cast aside social norms, and create a life of their own.
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ReplyDeleteFlorence’s story is a representation of the precarious situation of black women in this society. Florence was denied education as a girl due to sexist values of her mother who placed all her faith in Gabriel. She was forced to play the role as a “woman in the kitchen” so to speak. Due to her mother’s consistent push for Gabriel’s schooling and his constant rebellion against it, I believe Florence grew jealous and bitter of her mother’s constant doting on Gabriel. After the departure of her father, Florence viewed the North as her escape from her mother and Gabriel. Because of her misfortune, I believe Florence put her blame on her skin color most of all. Florence has had to grow up in racism and sexism. This is like our society today. The thought of a woman is supposed to hand the everyday care of life.
I like how you started to relate this reading passage to today's terms. Black women do carry both of the bad ends of the spectrum... being a woman and and being black. It's amazing how it's nearly a century later and black women are still being treated as if they do not deserve an education. However, I do think in today's terms, Black women have it a little more easier compared to black men due to stereotypes and such.
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ReplyDeleteFlorence’s story is good representation of the precarious situation that many black women faced in society during this time period. Black women longed to get an education and make a life for themselves. Many Black women moved up North thinking they would find the perfect life with their perfect Black husband. But in actuality it was the total opposite, like Florence women had married drunks who eventually left them for other women. Life in the North was no better, Florence lived in a two-room apartment in a city she did not like with the most childish man she ever knew (79). This was the case of many women who decided that it was good decision to move so far away from home to find a better life. Women’s lives are predetermined because they were expected to stay at home to be the housewife and mother. It was extremely difficult for the Black women to escape their misery, because the men possess all the money and power. Also there is still discrimination in the North towards Blacks, so most of the jobs for Black women are to just clean houses without a proper education.
I like how you showed that there was no real place for black women to escape from all the hardships. It gives it a much more realistic view of the situation that these women were put in.
DeleteI somewhat agree with your answer. I feel that you gave a very realistic outlook on the fears, hopes, and dreams of black women back then. You were very blunt and honest. But i also feel that you did not have much faith or hope for change. Which later in the novel hopefully will occure. But for now your response caught my attention the most due to the fact of how realistic it was. Most deffiantly was an eye cathcer and opener.
DeleteFlorence’s future like black women in society was predetermined. Her story is about the struggle that black women face. Florence was supposed to live a life where she got married and was mainly dependent on her husband to take care of her. Florence’s story also recalls when she tells Frank that he wastes all of the money that he earns (80). This is an example of a black woman’s fears. She is afraid that she will be forced to cook and clean while her husband wastes all of their money on gambling and alcohol. The scene where Florence tells off Frank portrays how society views all Black women as mad, angry or bitter. In society, Black women have a double disadvantage because they are black and they are female therefore black women are more susceptible to unjust treatment and discrimination. In the story I feel that Florence wanted to be free from the chains that bounded her while she was at home. Additionally, I feel that Florence unsuccessfully tried to use Frank to fill a void in her life. She just wanted to be financially comfortable but with Frank’s spending tendencies that was impossible. Florence just wanted to be successful, own her own home and have a happy family of her own. Florence’s yearnings correlate with the yearning s of Black women as a whole because they want to be treated equally and they want to be able to follow whatever their dreams may be. Black women just want to work and be able to provide for their families. They do not want to always depend on their husband for money.
ReplyDeleteI think that the things that Florence faced in the south in her time period many African American women today still face.I know as a black women it is important for me to have my own independence and take care of myself and i know many African American who feel the same. Everything that Florence wanted women still want today the only difference is we have a little more room to make these thing possible.
DeleteI completely agree. Florence had a predetermined fate because she was born a girl. the fate of a girl was to "by and by" be married and go off to do the things expected of a woman to do. Black women most definitely have it etra bad, because they are not only women, but they are black as well. Women will sadly always suffer the horrid unjust treatment and discrimination.
DeleteFlorence's story represents the precarious situation of African American women by the many injustices and inequalities she faced in the south. Although Florence wished, craved, and showed interested in going to school, being educated, and being able to go out into society and be a independent women she was never allowed this opportunity because she was a black women. In this time Black women were not allowed those type of opportunities. " Gabriel was the apple of her mother's eye. If he had never been born, Florence might have looked forward to a day when she would be released from her unrewarding round of labor, when she might think of her own future and go make it. With the birth of Gabriel...her future was swallowed up. There was only one future in that house and it was a Gabriel's...Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all duties of a women." Pg. 72 Although in today's society African American women are free to seek and obtain a education leading them to a career African American women still today face injustices and inequalities like in the time of Florence. The only difference is that these injustices are not as apparent.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think that Florence's story is a story many women in the South could relate to. It shows that no matter how much she might have wanted to receive an education, she couldn't. It is also true that in today's society women may be able to receive an education but they will always face discrimination.
DeleteFlorence's story is a good representation of the difficulties black women faced in society. Florence wanted to follow after her fathers footsteps and move to the north. Like Florence many women wanted a better life outside of the house. In a way the way Gabriel raises his children reflects the way their mother raised them. This part of Florence’s story shows the violent behavior of men during this time period, and also the dangerous events that women experienced. Florence is an example of what young girls hoped for but didn't get.Florence long for the education that her brother, Gabriel, took for granted. During that time period women were only fit to complete household task. Florence viewed the North as an escaped from her mother and Gabriel. Now she is finding a relationship with god and still hoping that her brother will come to his senses.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is a good representation of the difficulties black women faced in society. Florence wanted to follow after her fathers footsteps and move to the north. Like Florence many women wanted a better life outside of the house. In a way the way Gabriel raises his children reflects the way their mother raised them. This part of Florence’s story shows the violent behavior of men during this time period, and also the dangerous events that women experienced. Florence is an example of what young girls hoped for but didn't get.Florence long for the education that her brother, Gabriel, took for granted. During that time period women were only fit to complete household task. Florence viewed the North as an escaped from her mother and Gabriel. Now she is finding a relationship with god and still hoping that her brother will come to his senses.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Her brother took many things for granted that she could have used towards her advantage. The domestic society she lived in gave men more power to do foolish things like being violent towards women and blacks. Florence represents the average black woman during her time.
DeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society. In her home life Florence feels trapped and just wants to get out and be free, "The master and mistress , and their kin, and one child she had borne were in that house- which she did not enter. Soon it occurred to her that there was no longer any reason to tarry here. She tied her things in a cloth that she put on her head, and walked out through the big gate, never to see that country any more. And this became Florence's deep ambition: to walk out one morning through the cabin door, never to return. Her father, whom she scarcely remembered, ha departed that way one morning not many months after the birth of Gabriel"(66). The disbelief in educating women has Florence learning by example. She feels that in order to reach her freedom she needs to leave and she knows how to do this. This is something that she must do for herself, so that she might grow in character and persona.
ReplyDeleteFlorence is a good representation of black women in a White man's society because like many women in her time they had dreams to become somebody, black women were never the type to just be a reflection of their husband, be at home with the kids all day, and be satisfied. She wanted to be successful. Florence had hopes and dreams to go and get an education and better herself, but because she is a black women in a white man's society that is preventing her from doing so. Being a black man in a white man's society is hard enough but a black women is like a double negative. By her race and gender and time of living her life is predetermined to be nothing more then a housewife at the most.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that like many other women, Florence had to give up many of her hopes and dreams, which included going away and becoming educated. Like many of our mothers and fathers they have to put that new dress or new car tires aside so they can get the necessities that you require. A prime example being my cousin wanted to go away to college to get her degree, but she had to put it aside because her son needed a very expensive dental procedure. In the end, she did graduate with her bachelor's degree in business in the pass year.
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ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because it shows the struggles of the past and how they can become a hindrance to the progress of the present and the future. African American woman automatically have two unalterable strikes against them. 1.) They are African American which presumably makes them the inferior race. 2.) They are women which automatically puts them into comparison and shadows of men. I believe that like Florence, the dream of the African American woman would be to be something other than a typical housewife who's only acknowledgement comes from the man who comes home to her at the end of the day. I believe that successes are attainable for any race, and if as an African American woman you have to work ten times harder then so be it. It's all about the desire to not want to be average or less than average all of your life, as well as not being satisfied with fitting the stereotypes of African Americans.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you all the way. It is hard enough being a black in society back in those days, but to be a WOMAN of color back then is even harder. Florence struggle to gain independence from her brother before she decides to move up North. Her father's escape to the North became her ultimate goal as well.
DeleteThis section of the novel reveals Florence’s troubled past, and her experiences cover a broad spectrum of situations that Black women have been subjected to and still encounter at present. As a young girl, the reader learns, Florence is a servant to a white family, alongside her mother. Florence’s mother is described to be content with their situation, a feeling that many Blacks during that time period forced themselves to bear in effort to not cause any more trouble than what was already present. She then explains how her brother, Gabriel, even in spite of his wrongdoings, was deemed superior in the eyes of society and even their very own mom. As a male, Gabriel was expected to become educated and live to be somebody important. In contrast, females were to be married off and live to please her man, care for the children, and keep a tidy household. When Florence decides that she wants a better life for herself, Gabriel and their dying mother essentially tell her that she will not lead a fulfilling life attributable to being a Black female. Black women are born into challenging lives. On one tier, the female sex is depicted to be weak and not able to do anything better than a man besides the tasks of a traditional housewife. Secondly, Blacks holistically have experienced discrimination for centuries. Black women often fear that these two conditions will be the demise to their aspirations of breaking down circumstantial barriers. Florence’s story captures the struggle Black women continue to undergo because of their sex and race.
ReplyDeleteI liked your explanation on this topic. You provided information about Florence and the contrasts between Gabriel and Florence. It's true, Gabriel is expected to become someone in life like you said, yet he did many bad things. This is why Florence and many Black women had very difficult lives because of their race and gender. Also I liked how you included what Gabriel and Florence's mother opinions of Florence's sudden departure. Florence really wants a better life for herself. Great interpretation!
DeleteThis response was the most on topic because she was correct on how Florence's struggles can be relatable to many other women and many women can relate to how she feels. Being a women during that time period it was expected of you to be submissive to your husband and be the housekeeper. Black women already have two strikes against them being black and being women.
DeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in the society because Florence goes through many challenges as a young black woman society. Since black women during that time encountered many hardships and struggled to become more than just housewives, they feared to become one rather than get an education to provide a better future for oneself. Black women hoped to live one day without fear of living the life of a slave or maid. They dreamed to receive a higher education and to become equal with white men. Unfortunately, being a black women in a white man's society meant your future was at home doing the normal duties of a black woman in society. Their lives are predetermined by both sex and race because a black woman cannot do anything with her life except be a housewife while men were known for having an education and making a future for their families.
ReplyDeleteFlorence’s story in the book is represented of the precarious situation that most black women during that time. Women didn’t have a say in what goes on, their opinion didn’t matter. Black women were supposed to take care of household work where as men are meant to be the ones provide for the family. Just like Florence, black women had dreams that they wanted to fulfill, not just know the ends and outs of their home. Both black males and females had the disadvantage of being uneducated, but who really had it worse off? Although blacks were left uneducated, men were able to go out and get a job to support their household, so there really was no need for black men to be educated. The only type of knowledge women had was to cook, clean, and fend for their kids. Black women feared that this would be the only life they would ever know.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you because many African Americans during the late 1800s and early 1900s were uneducated due to the color of their skin and whites being their superior. Also, many black women wanted to go provide for their family just like black men did. but since no one would do house duties or take care of the children black women had no choice but to do just that.
DeleteFrance's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society because like many other women she has to drop her dreams and wishes for her son's, Gabriel. Florence says," Florence might have looked forward to a day when she would be released from her unrewarding round of labor, when she might think of her own future and go out to make it " (Baldwin 67). Florence's duties had changed from going out into world and enjoying her life where she could possibly make something of herself to becoming a housewife where she kept the house clean along with going other chores with the main one being teaching him how to be a man.
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DeleteI agree somewhat with your statement. I feel it is not only the son most women have to drop their wants for, but for men in general. Men held the power in those times and she had to obey and sit and watch the man do and say as he pleased without any say. Florence mainly wanted the power to control her own destiny, but was still denied that.
DeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because throughout her life she has been mistreated by men and never really given an opportunity to do what she really wanted. In Florence leaving home to go to New York she wanted to live a better life than she did in the south being forced to take care of her mother because Gabriel was never around and out doing things he wanted to do because he was a boy. Her being a women she had a role to play as a caretaker, and later to be a wife to take on the full duties of cleaning, cooking, and being submissive to men. Her dream probably common to many other women's during this time was to live a lavish life in a home they love wearing diamonds and pearls and being able to live the life she never had but after meeting Frank she wasn't able to live that way and was only forced into the "womanly" role even more. In Florence being a women her future was already painted for her she would live as her mother did doing housework as women did in those times. Men were known as the bread winners and were responsible for taking care of the expenses and getting any education while women where to tend to the home and the children so it was predetermined for Florence to be one such as all the other women.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in that particular society. Florence wishes for more in life than just washing and cleaning for white people and having a man dictate what she can and can't do along with setting a limitation on her life.Florence feared having her life dictated for the rest of her days and tried her best to prevent that from happening. Florence also wanted what many women want, she wanted control over her life and to have some sort of power over her life and in her relationships, but not only being born a woman, but being born a black women, deeply hindered her from having what she truly desired. During those times women were considered not as important as men, but black women were the lowest on the chain and this predetermined her fate no matter how hard she tried to change it.
ReplyDeleteFlorence story is a representation of a Black women's dreams, their hopes and fears. her story explains the unfairness and inequality she experienced as a child and a young women. I believe her pain is even more deeper because she had to endure this pain and unfairness from her mother, which opens the door to a greater reason as to why she treats Gabriel the way she does. Florence's, like many other African american women in this day an age, are afraid to lose them selves. She is afraid to to fall into the common category of every other black women and become a housewife, or someone's maid. her story reflected how she was afraid to lose sight of her dreams, she was afraid of living her life she the way she was expecting to do so and letting everything that the world had to offer pass her by. Florence was a African american for one, but her being a women took away her dreams of seeing the world, most of gaining an education and building a career that she could be proud of, in soiety's eye. because of her race, she knew that having the option of "unlimited opportunities", were no more, but her sex only gave her her two optons, housewive, of a common laborer. her hopes and dreams were to live past that, to goo and find exactly what it was that this world had to offer. her dreams was that the importance of a man's future, became as equally important to a woman's also.
ReplyDeleteI believe Florence is symbolic of some black women but is also mainly representing the stereotype many give to black women. Black women are seen as those who defy the typical american woman stenotype due to their desires to have a man who will provide for them and live a different lifestyle than that they were given such as Florence states on page 74 with "if you ever see me again....i won't be wearing rags" for in todays society it is a stereotype that black women are concerned with appearance and wanting to be seen as living the luxurious life through our clothing, hair and nails even if it is only the appearance. However, this stereotype is not representative of all black women because there are many who are naturalists and those who are willing to work for their own well being. Black women often feel inferiority and failure because we are not only discriminated by race, but also by sex. Black women have a lot to prove to all of society such as Florence had to prove to herself and mother that she is more than a housewife and will not have her life predetermined as a male. Many see black women as sexual figures in todays society and usually conclude that we are of the world and lack the spirit of Jesus. Likewise Florence's mother believed her moving to New York was to follow a man in the devil's spirit. Black women often have to work harder to prove our intelligence and our own goals and that we are more than the sexual figures that media had tried to turn us into. I think Florence's story is very representative of the lives of many black women however i do not believe the approach to her problems such as leaving her mother on her deathbed is a bad representation of black women because it is already a stereotype that black women will do anything for success, but this is a whole new level. I think Florence is representing the stereotype of a black women, not necessarily the majority of black women in society.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because like many black women, and women all over the world, she was not as cherished as her male counterpart. Thus she did not get all the opportunites as her brother Gabriel and because of this she felt great jealously and anger towards him. Also like many other black women she did not have any education nor did she have many things of her own meaning she did not have many opportunies. Like many black women she fears that she will be stuck in the same place and will work untils she dies much like her mother and that is why she decides to leave her mother and sister after her boss made sexual advances on her. That also ties into her hopes and dreams because she leaves hoping to gain a better life than she had before. Black women's lives are almost predeterminded because because they are black and also women they have almost no opportunities or are given any respect.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because it shows what most of the women went through during this time and wished they could have been doing instead. Florence was eager to become an educated woman and be looked at fairly much like most women. However, during this time it was rare for women in general to be very educated, especially as a black woman. Florence was raised to become a housekeeper, which didn’t allow her to get the opportunity receive a proper education. She was expected to grow up and do “all the duties of a woman” and take care of her son so he could go out and do a man’s job. She had a predestined life of that of the average black housewife not the life she desired. Florence even longed to have the opportunity Gabriel had. He despised going to school and learned “almost nothing at all”. Just like Florence other women would have given anything to have the chance to go to school but couldn’t unless the broke out of conformity. They were afraid to try and make change for themselves because everything was already set in stone for them. They were the women and this was a sacrifice they had to make.
ReplyDeleteAs stated in the text, women remain uneducated and are there for men to do with what they see fit, Florence did not want her present to be her future, she wishes to leave, just as her father did. James Baldwin wrote, “And this became Florence’s deep ambition: to walk out one morning through the cabin door, never to return” (66). Florence was resentful and bitter because her brother received all the opportunities she never would but did not appreciate them as she thought she would, “Florence might have looked forward to a day when she would be released from her unrewarding round of labor, when she might think of her own future and go make of it… But Gabriel was a man; he would go out one day into the world to do a man’s work” (67). Florence would never have an education, work as anything other than a cook, nanny, or housekeeper because she is a Black woman in the South. Florence feared she would end up working like her mother for the rest of her life and once she saw that becoming a possibility she decided it was time to go and realize her “deep ambition”: “but suddenly she could wait no longer, the time had come” (70).
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because she tells and explains her obstacles she faced growing up and the hardships she encountered and how she overcame them. The black women job or role back then was to be of assistance and do the house work and one would call it as well as to raise the children. While describing the tasks of the black women, she makes it a point to mention her mother and how she was enslaved for several years to justify how hard, cruel, and unfair the treatment of black women was in society. The fears that black women had was that of any, that they would end up being the uneducated house wife by will or not, and having no say so in their life choices or any ambitions to pursue what they want to in life. Their hopes were also similar to that of any women not just black. They hoped that one day she’d escape from the enslavement and that hope eventually turned into her dreams and aspirations. For the longest time, the women were under the men. Men always had the upper hand over the black women, and Florence explains the story about the rape, that alone serving as their fears, the hope for that to change, and the dreams of that one day no longer being their fears.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point on black women's fears of being uneducated house wives.
DeleteFlorence's story is a representation of black women's dreams, their hopes, dreams, and fears. Her story shows the inequality of black women in the society that we live in. She had big very big ambitions as she wanted to study and rely on herself, but the life she had to live was the life of a typical housewife that had to stay home and take care of children. She had two disadvantages that she had to deal with, first she had to deal with the disadvantage that she is a black which was inferior to the others in the society but she was also a women which deepened the inferiority. She had big dreams as she wanted to break the rule of women being limited in life and wanted to build a life that she could rely on herself rather than others. Despite all her ambitions and dreams, she could not break the rule of race and gender. She tried hard to make something of her life but the only opportunities given to her or really available to her were to be a housewife who takes care of the children and cook.
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DeleteI agree, Florence wanted more for herself and for her future. She wanted to live above the ordinary or what was known as expected, but by her being an African American and a female her chances were slight.
DeleteAmanda Lloyd: Week 5
ReplyDeleteFlorence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of black women of that time period because it demonstrates how males were looked upon at succeeding in the society more than women would who’s only job was to be a care taker. Florence’s story shows how women were only looked at as housekeepers and as she had stated that men saw them as “only to gratify on the bodies of women their brutal and humiliating needs” (p. 68). Florence wanted to do something that was meaningful her life other than to take care of the needs of men and children, but this was at the time was taboo as women’s’ places were at the home and the home only. However, if she was a male, then she could do all the things she wanted, follow her dreams, and succeed in the society she lived in. This story demonstrates how there was no choice in what someone would be doing or wanted to do for themselves just because they were a female or male….there were certain roles each sex had to play to survive in the society they lived in.
Florence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in society because like many other women in this society wanted to get an education but could was not given the opportunity because her little brother Gabriel got the opportunity instead. Also, for a long time Florence had a strong dislike for men due to the events of men mistreating her in her life time such as her father leaving her shortly after her brother’s birth and the torturing that was endured to her friend Deborah by white men. These African American women fear that they will always work for white people cleaning their homes and fixing their dinner. Also, they hoped to live their own life and have the freedom to do what ever it is their hearts desired. Some of their dreams are similar to Florence's, were they wanted to go and get an education and have a better life in the future than the one they already have. By these individuals being African Americans and females they life is pretty much set in stone. The reasoning behind this is because for years African American women were not treated equally as white women such as them being house slaves and field workers. While African American men were granted the opportunity to get an education because they needed to be the ones to go out and get a chance to provide for their family.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this claim; however, I feel Florence was more envious and jealous than dislike for men in general. Florence saw the opportunities her mother gave her brother because he was male. She also saw the injustices a man are allowed that a woman was suppose to turn a blind eye to. She wanted to live similar to a man. She wanted an education, to leave her mother's home, and go North to become someone. She wanted to experience life without the burden of race and sex.
DeleteFlorence’s story represents the precarious conditions of Black women or even women in general in this society. Even though she did not achieve her goals does not mean she did not set any for herself. Florence as well as women in today’s world would like to be something other than a housewife, which is why some women become independent and have careers of their own. In my opinion, the fear of women as well as Florence’s are not being successful and not being able to live up to their goals. Instead people will only characterize them as being only worthy to be a housewife. Their hopes and dreams are to achieve anything they set for themselves. The lives of females are predetermined by sex as well as race because by being a woman and also African American it lowers their chances. “There was only one future in that house, and it was Gabriel’s- to which, since Gabriel was a man- child, all else was sacrificed (67).”Men were expected to be the “bread winners” and to have a promising career and for women it was seen as unordinary.
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ReplyDeleteFlorence’s story illuminates the devastating situation of the Black woman in society during this time. She speaks on the hardships that women encounter in their early years and how it affected them later down the road. Florence also makes readers aware that men dominated the society and there seem to be no hope for women to change that. Throughout the book one can feel an attitude of hatred from Florence as it came to her brother and men in general soley based off the fact that men and women weren’t treated equally. After analyzing the story one can see how women wanted to be more than housewives but couldn’t find a way to achieve that. They understood education was important but understood they also had a family to take care of. One saw how upset Florence was with her mother for just over looking her when it came to education. Her mother allowed Gabriel to go to school and he didn’t even appreciate the education he was receiving. Many women, such as Florence, just wanted to gain a sense of independence and obtain things on their own. It was frustrating to them to have to get everything they needed from their husbands and not be able to make their own decisions without their husbands giving them the okay. The women dreamed about being educated and having their own things without having to depend on someone else. Its sad to say but their lives were already predetermined by their sex. If you were a female your job was to be able to take care of the children, husband and house duties; whereas the men were to go out and get a job make money for the family, take care if the finances and they were the once that were given the opportunity to get an education because they needed a job.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Winston. This is the same point I was making that men and women are not treated equally and Florence wanted more out of her life than simply being a caretaker of children and a household. It is an unfair world and Florence was simply trying to do what she could for herself because she felt like her brother took that chance from her when she was younger.
DeleteI really agree with Winston's idea of who Florence was and what men were really like during this time in society. We both made similar points in what we thought about what her life was and how women were not treated with the same rights as men were during this time.
DeleteFlorence's story drives home the difficulty in which an African American woman survives the segregated world. She is filled will bitterness and sadness because society is male-dominated and black women are placed lower in value than a street animal. Black women were used in slavery times as concubines, broodmares, and house servants. Also, women came second to men. Men were prioritized to attend school, build a rake reputation, and marry with a concubine. Women are suppose to care only for their husbands, turn a blind eye to their unfaithfulness, and raise his concubine's and her children. Women who wanted to become educated prayed their father or husband pitied them enough to allow them that freedom. Florence wants an education to become independent of any man, to become more than another housekeeper, and doesn't want to be hated anymore because of her race or sex. Florence desires equality for women and her race as a whole. She carries this burden daily and wishes for the lynching and death to end. Florence wants to live in Utopia, but realizes even if she receives an education, graduate at the top of her class, and complete her daily job well her position in society will shadow her actions until her death.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because it parallels her life. As a child growing up, it was already predetermined by her sex that her role as a woman was defined as waiting on men and that her role as a woman wasn't nearly as important as her brother's role a being a man was.Her mom raised her the way society "raised" women. Women back then were seen as being succumbent to men. Not only that but being a black woman automatically made you a slave to men. Her mother allowed Gabriel to go to school, and it seemed that she cared a whole lot more about Gabriel than she did Florence. Florence carries a lot of bitterness with her because of the pedestal men are put on. It seemed like no matter what Gabriel did, he was still the "apple of her eye". It isn't enough of a challenge that Florence is a woman, but she's a black woman. Black women are at the bottom of value in society. Since the day she was born, Florence wanted to get away. Her hopes and dreams of getting away are similar to the hopes and dreams of other black women in society back in those days. Florence and other black women of that time just want to stand alone and be able to obtain their dreams without the help of a man.
ReplyDeleteFlorence’s story is representative of the precarious situation of the Black women in this society by explaining how life was for black women everywhere. Florence could not stand the fact that society was mostly dominated by men, while the women are told stay stay home and do wife duties; black women were treated even lower than the white women. Black women feared that they could not make it in a society that is ran by men. For one, it is hard enough for black men to become successful, and for black women in society it would be even more harder to succeed. Black women feared being abused by their male counterpart; like Deborah in the story was. In the story Deborah had an accident, and afterward she hated all men. Florence and black women in general have hopes and dreams of wanting to life for their own self(s), and to succeed in this society, but the time they are living made them be only wife's that had to remain at home and take care of children, chores, and husband. Florence’s story explains how women were only viewed as housewifes' and stating in the story, “only to gratify on the bodies of women their brutal and humiliating needs” (p. 68). Black women's lives are predetermined fail because the are women, and black women at that. Women back then did not control or have authority in society, but when the day came that they could have some authority, then white women would control before black women. Therefore black women were considered as the sex and race at the bottom of the food chain.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of black women in society because her story shows that everything focuses on the man, no matter his age. Even as the younger brother, Gabriel was seen as important and the man of the house. Their mother wanted the best for him because he was a man and would one day be the head of the household, whereas nothing about Florence matter because she was a woman and would one day have a man to take care of her. It is also shows how women are suppose to portray this "wife" persona of cooking, cleaning, having kids and standing by her husband's side. She represents the hope of independence and freedom, be able to choose her own destiny and nothing having it pre decided. this was shown when she randomly bought a ticket to New York without the permission and demand from anyone but herself. Her fears represent living in a man dominated world, a world where woman are merely objects not people.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is very similar to that of many black women at that time. There was an expectation of them that they should do certain things and life certain lives because they were not only women, they were black women. Once slavery was over, there wasn't a lot that a black woman could really do in society besides being a cook or a maid or some type of servant. Because they were women they only had a variety of options to begin with since it was more so the man's job to work in society and a woman's job to take care of the household and children. Being black however, made it so that very few people wanted to hire you and they did not pay fair.
ReplyDeleteFlorence had dreams of being more than that. She wanted an education and to move North and mostly to no longer work for these same people as a servant. Her mother didn't understand her though and that was the problem. Her mother tried so hard to give her son the life that her daughter wanted and he didn't to the point where everyone's life was negatively affected. Florence did not want to live in a world where she was unappreciated and taking care of her mother and brother when she could be better herself.
Florence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because as a woman more specifically a black woman during her time she was not able to do the things she desired to and very much so expected to conform to society. Florence as many of women of her time was forced to take a back seat and put all the men in her life before her. She is never allowed to live for Florence but instead in servitude of men. The fears of Black women in this society are staying complacent as housewives. Their hopes and dreams are to educate themselves and to be better than the Black women before them in order to make things different for the women to come in generations after them. Their lives are predetermined by sex and race because during this time being born black and female meant that you weren't allowed the privileges of black men or more specifically white men. They are not able to dictate the lives they desire because they are born into a society in which their path is already chosen.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is a representative of the precarious situation of black women in this society because around that time women were set to just be a house wife with no education. Women in that society fear that they could never be anyone in life. They can only be what everyone says they have to be. They aren't able to fullfill their dreams and goals because of how society put women in a category of things they have to do. Florence wants to go a different path. She doesn't want to be the average woman who is uneducated and have a lot of kids who most likely are going to get sold. She wants to have her own independence to become a successful women and not have to live with the stereotypes. Men are predetermined to work to eat. They are able to become educated and live their lives with no problems. Living as black women and black men, they have to work harder because of how society views them.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story reassures my previous beliefs regarding black women's precarious situation during that day and age. Not only were these women affected by their race, but they were also affected by their sex. As harsh as this may sound, it didn't matter what they hoped or dreamed about. The spotlight would have never gave these women a chance anyway. One of the only dreams that ever mattered to Florence was for her to move to the North and when that dream was finally accomplished, it did not do Florence any better as a result by her being a black woman anyway. As a result of this societal spotlight that rarely shined upon Florence and many other black women, she grew an ever-growing hatred for her brother Gabriel. Their mother always focused her energy toward Gabriel, even though he gave the impression that he wasn't interested and didn't even want it. This is a prime example of the source of many black women's fear in that day in age, which was to not have accomplished anything as a result of not having an education. Florence was denied the very thing she wanted the most, an education. Without an education, one can barely accomplish anything in life.
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ReplyDeleteFlorence's life is the epitome of black female empowerment. Black women are underestimated in society. Because Florence is a woman she has to take care of everyone, and have no sense of independence. The hopes of black women are to make it out their mother's house and become successful. Florence wanted something new that is why she wanted to go to New York. She wants to leave the dread of her family, and she is trying to find herself. She does not want to stay and live in poverty, she wants the finer things. In society, people do not expect minorities to amount to anything. They expect the poor minorities to stay poor; Florence wants to beat adversity especially in the racist times where she grew up. She is the figure icon for black women today; black woman today are dominating in the workforce and college. They are defying stereotypes and becoming successful.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is much like many African American women today we, are dreaming to one day find some base of equality. We as women want to be able to go out in to the world independently and gain just as much from society as a man would. Growing up in Florence's time was a bit hard being that education was hard to come by, these woman had to be 10x more courageous than many of us are to day. The struggles these woman entailed brings me to say that Florence was the type of woman with courageous bones in her body influence all her decision.
ReplyDeleteI believe Florence’s story represents the situation of black women in society because her prayer reflects the struggles for African Americans in the South during slavery. In the story Florence mentions her grandmother being in slavery for 30 plus years and how her father abandoned their family after Gabriel’s birth to escape North away from slavery. As a result of all the struggles and pain, fear played a common role. Florence mentioned Deborah’s rape by a white man, to depict black women’s fear of race as a whole. Even though this situation expresses great fear for black women in this society, hope stills seems to be at the end of the tunnel. Now at this point, escape becomes Florence’s dream. Baldwin describes the expected future for Florence’s family based on race and sex. He says, “There was only one future in that house, and it was Gabriel’s- to which, Gabriel was a man- child, all else must be sacrificed. Her mother did not, indeed, think of it as a sacrifice, but as logic: Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married and have children of her own, and all the duties of women; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life” (67). In this situation, women are forced in a situation to where they only hope for an escape. Their lives are predetermined by gender and race stereotypes. Typically the women serve, and the men provide, but of course race only allows a certain level of success.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is indicative of women in socities today. This is because women are held to lower standard than many males. Florence's grandmother lived in a time when her life was not laid out by her decision but by the decisions of others. this can sometimes take a heavy affect on the advancement of the child and their thinking capabilities. i believe this wqaws brought out to show how far people have come in the rights they so enjoy today.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that Florence's story is on point with women in society today. Men are still treated as superiors to women.
DeleteUnfortunately Florence is living in a domestic society where men are highly valued and looked to as born leaders. For example, as soon as Gaberial was born, her mother made him her biggest priority instead of trying to raise both of her children. During that time women were only for taking care of their homes and families. Florence has two characteristic that are held against her; she's an African American woman. Florence's hatred for her brother shows her deepest desire for the chance to prove herself to her mother that she is capable of doing greats they expect her brother to do. Florence wanted her independence and a better life compared to living in her brother's shadow. Women, like Florence, dreamed of being something more than a wife and mother. They yearned for the chance to be independent but feared of failure from not living a fulfilling life.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of Black women in this society because since before time, women in general has been looked down on compared to men, especially African American women. Even in this century, women are still looked down on and underestimated compared to a person of the male gender. Their hopes and wishes is to hopefully have equality between races and gender instead of having double standards.
ReplyDeleteMost Women in that time were trained to wait on men and they were subjected to take care of all of the house work that came with wife-hood. The biggest fear that they have is death because death is the great equalizer that finishes all of the deeds on Earth. The dreams that they long for are be successes in there lives. They Hope that they will see the error in their ways . Since they are of African descent they are oppressed and can only take the few opportunities open to them. Then by them being different sexes the male is giving more opportunities than the female because the male is suppose to be the provider he will need all of the support he can get.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is also the story of many African - American woman. It was a dark time filled with wonder and despair. Florence's issue was her trust in The Lord and why she was still so unhappy if he is supposed to fix all. The fear was of the white man. On page 74 a horrific story about what white men did to blacks was described. This day, Deborah was taken from her home and harshly abused. There was a fear of survival. People asked the question, ' will we be next' as they "prayed and waited" while the horse hoofs passed by (74).
ReplyDeleteAll that life endured was to be a "common nigger" at the time. Lives were predetermined in Florence's family by sex. The birth of Gabriel was the end of Florence creating a future. She explained" since Gabriel was a manchild, all else must be sacrificed" (78). Her mother believed that she should stay on the plantation instead of leaving so she could tech Florence the " duties of a woman". Florence, like many African- American woman at the time, were constantly denied an education and were left with the job of a mother and wife. Gabriel on the other hand could go to school, work and do manly things. The main thing that Florence never wanted to be was uneducated. She envied her brother for going to school and claimed that he learned "almost nothing at all. ". Her anger about Gabriel's wickedness grew and so did her hatred for men. From then on she wanted nothing more than to become something more.
Flrence's story represented the precarious situations of African American women of her time. She tells the story of her life as a women who had to go through sexism and racism. The woman of her time were afraid that they would end up as uneducated, black woman who were forced to be housewives. Also in her story, she talks about the way she was treated compared to her brother. This is what raises the argument about women in society not being treated equally. We still face this conflict in todays society. Her story simply shows that through all the discrimination she went through, she only wanted to become something important in society instead of being the average woman working for a man.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the situation black women are presented with in today's society because it shows the struggles of women in the past and how these same struggles have become a hindrance to the progress of the present and the future. African American woman have many incorrect stereotypes placed against them: they are African American, which presumably makes them the inferior race, and they are women which automatically puts them into comparison and shadows of men, making them a type of 3rd class citizen. Like Florence, the dream of the African American woman was to be something other than a housewife whose only acknowledgement comes from cooking the meals and keeping the house clean.
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society because most black women during the earlier years went through the same hardships as she did. African American women had to struggle in order to get their name out in the world. African American men were acknowledge by the simplest thing unlike African American women; "Gabriel ain't never going to leave you. Is you, boy?"..."But me," she said, “I got to go." (73-74). Florence is already giving her brother the benefit of the doubt he is stronger than her, and that’s how many African American women think, that majority of the men are stronger. African American women fear that they will end up as an average uneducated housewife with no real future. Their hopes and dreams, like Florence, were to go out and make a future for themselves and get an education. Being African Americans meant that you were going to be treated bad by the whites, but being an African american female just made it even worse. African American women were seen as only being housewives and laborers. “Florence was a girl, and would by and by be married, and have children of her own, and all the duties of a women; and this being so, her life in the cabin was the best possible preparation for her future life.” So there was no need for African American women to go out and get an education. Unlike the African American women, men needed to get educated because they were the bread winners for the house. “Gabriel was a man; he would go out one day into the world to do a man's work, and needed, therefore, meat, when there was any in the house, and clothes could be bought, and the strong indulgence of his womenfolk, so that he would know how to be with women when he had a wife. And he needed the education that Florence desired far more than he, and that she might have got if he had not been born"(67).
ReplyDeleteFlorence's story is representative of the precarious situation of black women in society because women in early years and still in these years do not get treated with the same respect as men do in America. Most women's success in those days depended on a Man's success. The dreams that they have is the success in their lives.
ReplyDeleteBeing a black woman in Florence’s time was somewhat a double disadvantaged since having politically restraining laws against you because you are black, and being a woman meant you were not a vital part of the work force. Florence had a difficult life in the south since she saw her mother and friend Deborah stuck in their difficult situations. She was also over looked in her family since her mother saw better opportunities would come from Florence’s brother Gabriel. In a way her life was predetermined if she stayed in the Southern states, but she saw a new opportunity by moving to the north. Her chances of being socially and economically independent were less if she stayed in the south, but she saw such possibilities in the north. She tries to get away from her difficult social and political situations, but no matter what she attempts to do; Florence cannot escape her difficult circumstances during the time period.
ReplyDeleteThe first and most devastating blow came with the birth of Gabriel. Instantly, from Florence's view, Gabriel, their mother's favorite, was given everything that their mother could afford at the expense of Florence. When new clothes and good food were available, they went to Gabriel. The opportunity for an education went to Gabriel even though he did not want to go to school, and Florence did. Florence — powerless to make any change in her situation — watched in silent rage as Gabriel squandered away the opportunities that Florence so desperately wanted for herself.
ReplyDeleteEven as an old and dying woman, Florence is unable to overcome her dislike for her brother. She does not believe that he has changed at all, even though he claims that he was saved and has become a respected preacher. Her belief is not unfounded. She knows about his affair with Ester and the child who was a result of the liaison. Other than Gabriel, she is the only living character aware of his indiscretion, and she keeps that knowledge and Deborah's letter to herself, waiting for an opportunity to make her brother suffer for his hypocrisy. Florence presents how woman in black society are not to behave like an independent and knowledgeable person.
The last sentence of your first paragraph is very powerful. I think it captures Florence's emotions beautifully. I agree that most of Florence's suffering came at the hand of Gabriel. And because of this the letter from Deborah brings her great satisfaction.
DeleteA common fear of Black women during these times is encounters with white men. There was the possibility of being raped or killed by them. Florence's best friend, Deborah, was raped by white men. Florence becomes paralyzed with fear one night when she hears the horse hoofs outside of her family's cabin. What Florence really wants is to live a comfortable lifestyle. Not having to live paycheck to paycheck. She resents Frank for not being able to provide her with this, as we see on page 86 in the novel. "I thought I married a man with some get up and go to him, who didn't want to stay in the bottom his whole life".
ReplyDeleteBeing a black woman during those times of periods were quite completely different from being a black male of those times. A male would be the most important person on the social pyramid. First would be white men, white women, black men, and finally black women. Unfortunately, florence falls into the bottom of this pyramid. It also shows how florence did have a duty in the family until gabriel was born into the family, and when gabriel was born she was forced to do more labor than gabriel was forced to. She also lost her priviledge to recieve and education unlike gabriel who did not appreciate it much.
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