The Womanist Struggle for Self-Recognition in Alice Walker'sThe Color Purple

Abstract

Violence against people of other races in general and Black people in specific has a long history in America and its roots date back to the colonial era. Within this racist society of America, the relationship between the Whites and the Blacks was based on two principles: hegemony of the Whites and subjugation of the Blacks. For this reason, the Blacks struggled throughout ages in order to get their freedom in all fields. This has prompted black writers to adapt their pens to defend black issues and keep their ancestors' identity. Among these writers is Alice Walker. The aim of this study is to illuminate the impact of racism on the black community and how it caused a rift between black males and females resulting in what is known as Sexism and how the black woman, represented by Alice Walker, responded through what is called Womanism. In addition, through this study, the difference between principles of Feminism and Womanism was explained. The study then applied such womanist approach on one of Walker's outstanding novels, The Color Purple, tracing the journey of Walker's female characters to self-recognition.