Shahrazad Ali single-handedly provoked a huge war between Black women and Black men in the early 90s. Her work was so popular, and controversial, that it was even parodied on TV.
What did she write that was so distressing?
Ali’s book, The Blackman’s Guide to Understanding the Blackwoman, portrayed Black women extremely negatively and blamed them for major issues the Black community faced.
She also argued that it was the Black man’s natural right to DOMINATE the Black woman, even if that meant utilizing physical violence to gain control! And that wasn’t all.
Ali marketed the book through a Pro-Black, Afrocentric package that appeared groundbreaking, and she actually made great points within the book about white supremacy. But at the end of the day she was selling regular old white supremacist sexism.
The book was obviously very popular with Black men, by tapping into a very specific wound. White supremacy consistently crushes positive, productive ways for Black masculinity to be expressed, and teaches Black men power comes through violence.
But Black men will find no power in violating Black women, ever.
Black women saw the book for what it was and denounced it. Black women then and now continue challenging patriarchy – and Black people of all genders continue to benefit from their wisdom!