Comment to '"Black Girl Magic" '
Comment to "Black Girl Magic"

  • Erinn Earth - devaPriya Yogini  Thanks for the question. 

    As practitioners of inSelf yoga, we should understand that prejudice is inherent in Nature on all levels from microbes all the way up to human beings.  Even though we have this grand idea that we all should get along, the environment doesn't necessarily support our views on this point. This is why the lions' instinct is to rule over all the other animals on the plains and humans' instinct is to rule over all other animals on the planet. 

    To address your question regarding "Black Girl Magic" since I am not a black woman. I have asked my wife Angela to write a response. Hope this is helpful. 

    Angela's response:

    The term Black Girl Magic is not intended to be racist, but rather a phrase that was coined to uplift a group that has been marginalized for centuries. During the time of slavery, Black women were ripped from their own families and exploited for their ability to produce more labor for their masters, often forced into sexual relationships with their masters. 

    Even today, Black women continue to be exploited for their contributions. According to the National Women’s Law Center’s analysis of 2018 Census Bureau data, women are paid 81 cents for each dollar their white male counterparts earn. For Black women, the wage gap is even wider, as they are paid 61 cents for every $1 that their white male counterparts earn. The disparity exists regardless of education level and experience. 
     
    Regardless of what you think about Sen. Harris' record or position on the issues, it cannot be denied that she overcame extreme obstacles to become the first woman of color to receive the VP nomination on a major party's ticket. The "Magic" is in the fact that she is an example to young women of color who have very few examples of people who look like them in leadership positions. 
     
    I take exception with your argument that the term is racist. Merriam-Webster defines racism as - a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. Although there are some Black people who are prejudiced or who do bad things in the name of race, Black people do not hold a position of power, and therefore cannot be racist. I believe I can speak for most Black women when I say we don't want to tear other groups down, but rather want to have a fair shot at achieving the same American dream we're all striving for. I actually believe that Sen. Harris' nomination is exciting for all women, and frankly a welcome alternative to Trump/Pence.