Where We Stand

Where We Stand

Djamila Ribeiro, Padma Viswanathan, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

4.33(1901 readers)
The instant bestseller from Djamila Ribeiro that sparked a major Black feminist movement in Brazil

In a society shaped by the legacies of enslavement, white supremacy, and sexism, who has the right to a voice? In this elegant essay, Djamila Ribeiro offers a compelling intervention into contemporary discussions of power and identity: the concept of "speaking place."

A crucial component of conversations on race and gender in Brazil, speaking place is the idea that everyone has a social position in the world, and what we are able to say, and how it is received by others, depends on it. Ribeiro highlights the precarious position of the Black woman as “the other of the other”—located on the margins of conversations about race, which often focus on men, and on the fringes of feminism, which centers white women. Tracing the history of Black feminist thought through several centuries, she examines the ways that Black women have been silenced, ignored, and punished for speaking.

Building on feminist standpoint theory, and in conversation with the works of Sojourner Truth, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and others, Ribeiro invites all of us to recognize where we stand, to imagine geographies different from those we’ve inherited, and to speak a more humane world into being.

Publisher

Yale University Press

Publication Date

8/27/2024

ISBN

9780300269642

Pages

104

Categories

Social SciencesLiteraturePolitics

About the Author

Djamila Ribeiro

Djamila Ribeiro

Djamila Taís Ribeiro dos Santos is a Brazilian feminist and academic. She graduated in Philosophy from the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), in 2012, and became a Master in Political Philosophy at the same institution in 2015, with an emphasis on Feminist Theory.

In 2005, she interrupted a degree in Journalism. His main activities are in the themes: Race and Gender Relations and Feminism. He is an online columnist for CartaCapital, Blogueiras Negras and Revista Azmina and has a strong presence in the digital environment, confirmed by his belief in the importance of appropriating the internet as a tool in the militancy of black women, and, according to Djamila, the "hegemonic media "tends to make them invisible.

In May 2016, she was appointed Assistant Secretary for Human Rights and Citizenship in the city of São Paulo during the term of Mayor Fernando Haddad.

He wrote the preface to the book "Women, Race & Class" by the black and feminist philosopher Angela Davis, which until then was an unprecedented work in Brazil and which was translated and released in September 2015. She constantly participates in events, documentaries and other actions involving race and gender debates.

She is the author of works that are a reference in the feminist and anti-racist struggle, such as "Who's Afraid of Black Feminism?" and "Small Anti-Racist Handbook", and "What is a Place of Speech?" and published, together with the author and Phd in Philosophy and Law Silvio Almeida, "What is Structural Racism?". All works originally published in Portuguese.

Questions & Answers

The concept of "speaking place" is crucial for empowering marginalized groups, especially Black women, by addressing discourse and power dynamics. It highlights the social locations that shape experiences and perspectives, acknowledging that individuals within these groups share common experiences due to their position in power relations. By focusing on the "speaking place," we challenge the dominant discourse that claims universality, revealing the silencing of marginalized voices. This concept underscores the need to recognize diverse knowledges and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. It empowers Black women by providing a platform to express their unique perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to a discourse that acknowledges their experiences and contributions. By doing so, the "speaking place" concept helps dismantle systemic oppression and fosters a more just and representative society.

Historically, Black women in Brazil have faced profound challenges rooted in race, gender, and class. Slavery, which ended in 1888, left a lasting legacy of discrimination and marginalization. Today, they face intersecting issues:

  1. Race: Despite being the largest racial group in Brazil, Black women are disproportionately affected by poverty, violence, and lack of access to education and healthcare. They are overrepresented in low-wage, informal jobs and face higher rates of violence and murder.

  2. Gender: As women, they experience gender-based discrimination, including lower wages and limited opportunities for advancement. This is compounded by their race, leading to even greater inequality.

  3. Class: Black women often occupy the lowest rungs of the economic ladder, with limited access to social services and support systems. This exacerbates their vulnerability to exploitation and violence.

These challenges intersect in various ways, such as in the high rates of forced sterilization among Black women,

The book argues against simplifying identity and the universalized understanding of "woman" by highlighting the complexities of being a Black woman. It emphasizes the unique experiences and struggles of Black women, who are often marginalized and misunderstood. The author, Djamila Ribeiro, uses the concept of "speaking place" to illustrate how Black women's voices are often silenced and their perspectives ignored. By focusing on the intersecting identities of race, gender, and class, the book challenges the notion of a singular, universal "woman" and advocates for a more nuanced understanding of identity that acknowledges the diverse experiences and perspectives of all individuals.

Education and access to knowledge are pivotal in empowering Black women and advancing racial and gender justice in Brazil. They provide the tools for critical thinking, self-awareness, and collective action. By accessing education, Black women can challenge stereotypes and dismantle systemic racism and sexism. Knowledge empowers them to understand their history, strengths, and the interconnectedness of their struggles with other marginalized groups. This understanding fosters solidarity and strengthens movements for change. Furthermore, education allows Black women to produce and disseminate their own narratives, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences recognized. This contributes to a more inclusive society that values diversity and promotes justice.

The book advocates for a "different starting point" by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups, particularly Black women. It argues that discussions of identity and social justice should not be universalized, but instead should consider the intersecting identities and experiences of individuals within a diverse society. This approach has several implications for Brazilian society:

  1. Increased Representation: It encourages the inclusion of diverse voices in decision-making processes, ensuring that policies and initiatives reflect the needs and experiences of all citizens.
  2. Social Change: By acknowledging and addressing systemic inequalities, the book promotes social change and contributes to a more equitable society.
  3. Cultural Richness: It celebrates the diversity of Brazilian culture, recognizing the contributions of marginalized groups to the nation's identity and history.
  4. Empowerment: It empowers individuals from marginalized groups by validating their experiences and providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
  5. Global Impact: The book's internationalization and translation into multiple languages contribute to a global discourse on social justice and identity, fostering a more interconnected world.

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