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Black Girl Vs Black Woman

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Throughout history there have been pushes for equality, more importantly gender inequality. From disputes such as equal pay to workplace segregation. Men and women have been given stereotypes that have branded the genders. Women commonly are the passive gender when it comes to the work field and behavior toward men however, in some cases we see that it is just a matter of self courage. In Under African Skies, B.L. Honwana’s “Papa, Snake, and I” and Ousmane Sembene’s “Black Girl” exemplifies the abhorrent relationship between the families, including children, who provide their female maids with disillusion and conditions parallel to slavery, in some cases leading to their demise. Within “Papa, Snake, and I” the daily tasks around the house …show more content…

Going to France, “She dreamed of the freedom to go where she wished without having to work like a beast of burden” (46 Sembene). Diouana gave up her life to what she thought was an opportunity of a lifetime. She was easily fooled by the boat ride and sweet talk of the Dupont family; she should have listened to those that gave her advice not to go so she wouldn't end up in despair from harsh treatment. The male cook, “Samba gave Diouana a slap. She hit him back angrily” (48 Sembene) The relationship between men and women in this situation is apparent; the male felt more dominant but she didn't accept it. Although Diouana was able protect herself in this situation, when it comes to her job she is timid and isolated. The children persecuted her, “Without the knowledge of his parents, they would turn up, chanting. “Black Girl, Black girl, Shes as black as midnight””(51 Sembene) The children have been exposed to their parents lack of respect for the maid so they follow suit and degrade Diouana. After 4 months, “She bit her lip sorry to come...It was there they found her, dead. “Suicide””(53, 54 Sembene). Diouana felt out of place which lead to her demise. As well as feeling out of place she couldn't bear the pain that she was enduring while being treated inhumanely. She was degraded by male and

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