Dialectical Journal #1

Passage:
“I remember wondering, within a year or two of taking my first steps, why only men sat to drink tea and converse, and why women were always busy. I reasoned that men were weak and needed rest.” (p.13)
 
Background:
In Aminata's village, at a young age small children were to be carried around by their mothers while the mothers work. While on her mom's back, Aminata would usually notice women doing hard work while the men relaxed.

Commentary:
Throughout the entire story, a common idea of women being thought of less then men was evident. Although Aminata lived in this type of society, she believed that woman should be thought of the same as men despite living in a time where sexism was predominant. Aminata based her opinions of others on how they treat her and not on what sex they were. Aminata was "pained"(p.160) by even just the sight of Mr. Applebee after he had "humiliated"(p.172) her and raped the "African whore"(p.161). However her feelings towards John Clarkson were much different as he treated her equally and that his "promises were real"(p.359). Although both white men, Clarkson and Applebee were both very different resulting in Aminata to have very different opinions on the two men. It wasn't just white men that Aminata judged adversely but also white woman. When Aminata arrived at her new home with the Lindo's, Mrs. Lindo immediately invited Aminata to join them for dinner and explained to her that in her household, "blacks and jews"(p.212) are equal and are to be treated graciously. On the other hand, Mr. Lindo's sister wouldn't "waste time or money"(p.217) on Aminata forcing Aminata to find work for herself which was a near impossible task at the time for a black woman. Aminata loved Mrs.Lindo and she "trusted her more than any other white person"(p.215) but she despised Mr. Lindo's sister. During the 1700's, woman were often abused and raped. They were judged on their ability to have children and they were thought of as property for men. Aminata was able to avoid the troubles of men by using her intelligence and courage. In 2017, although great advancements in womans rights have been regarded, many aspects of women today are still thought of sex objects and attendants to men. Playboy magazines have been greatly disregarded by feminists and many others as they are thought to be degrading and sexist towards women. Although these woman are not being treated as poorly as Aminata was, one could wonder what Aminata would say if she flipped through a playboy magazine and saw pages of practically naked women models. The demotion of woman is perceptible in the story and still in our world today.

Aminata and Mrs.Lindo laughing and enjoying their time together.