| "Womanist
is to feminist as purple is to lavender."
---- Alice
Walker (1983)
 | 1. From womanish (opposite of
girlish, i.e., frivolous, irresponsible, not serious). A black
feminist or feminist of color. From the black folk expression of
mothers to female children, "You acting womanish," i.e.,
like a woman. Usually referring to outrageous, audacious,
courageous, or willful behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater
depth than is considered "good" for one. Interested in
grown-up doing. Acting grown-up. Being grown-up. Interchangeable
with another black folk expression: "You trying to be
grown." Responsible. In charge. Serious. |
| 2. Also: A woman who appreciates
and prefers women's culture, women's emotional flexibility (values
tears as natural counterbalance of laughter), and women's strength.
Committed to survival and wholeness of entire people, male and
female. Not a separatist, except periodically for health.
Traditionally universalist, as in: "Mama, why are we brown,
pink, and yellow, and black?" As: "Well, you know the
colored race is just like a flower garden, with every color flower
represented." Traditionally capable. |
| 3. Loves music. Loves dance. Loves
the moon. Loves the Spirit. Loves love and food and roundness. Loves
struggle. Loves the Folk. Loves herself. Regardless.
|
Feminist Dictionary
1985 |
