Campus Engagement Events Assignment

16 March 2012
Re-defining THE Woman

The event started by the showing of an animated video of pre-civil war era and the bidding of a black female slave. Most of the topics of this event related to the issues in our society concerning the image of women of color. The first video was very appropriate in addressing the history of black women in American society. In the discussion of the image of women of color it is important to understand that terms like "bad bitch" or "barbie" as they relate to the black woman's body are prevalent now, but they exist due to the past experiences of black women in America.
Although the event started of with a great clip to open conversation, I found it to take a less educational and informal turn. Issues brought up after this was the definition of a "bad bitch", ride or die vs fool, and the definition of "barbie". The intentions of these separate topics was to redefine how the terms are viewed and as women redefine each of these terms to be more positive. My problem with this is that the term "bad bitch" should not be accepted. It is limited to mostly negative connotations. The topic of ride or die vs fool was a bit disappointing to me as well. During this part of the event different pictures of famous couples were projected on a screen. At this point the audience would term the female a ride or die or a fool. This opened up a bit of conversation of what the audience thought a woman's role is in a relationship and what the deal breakers should be. Along with this selected audience members coupled up to do skits of different scenarios that represented women that were ride or die or fools. Again I'm not too sure how this helps redefine the woman of color in a positive light. The last topic of barbie represents the doll in a positive light and how she was created to inspire little girls to be all they can be.This would be in opposition to the "barbie" model that Nicki Minaj has created. What stood out to me is that they failed to address the problems of body image that effect many young girls and women and how barbie may not be the best role model.
The intentions behind this event were to re-define the woman, which I believe is very necessary. I believe what was missing is a more thorough understanding of women's issues and how it effects various aspects of our social world. Women of color are more than just "bad bitches" "ride or die" "barbies" no matter how many times these terms are redefined.