Autoethnography of African American Motherhood: Things I Tell My Daughter

This book explores the experiences of Black motherhood, navigating race, gender, and class. It combines the author's experience with that of her mother, grandmother, and daughter to discuss African American/Black mother/womanhood. Grounded in Black Feminist Theory, it highlights strategies used to combat discrimination and oppression, such as teaching children about the n-word and choosing positive representations of Black identity. It also examines the impact of stereotypical manifestations of Black femininity on motherhood and the understanding of Black women and girls.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 148 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking work is the first full-length explicitly identified autoethnographic text on African American motherhood, delving into the lived experiences of Black mothers as they navigate the complex intersections of race, gender, and class. It sheds light on the challenges and complexities that shape their motherhood journey, requiring them to navigate not only their own positions in society but also those of their children. Through a decade-long exploration (from 2007 to 2017), the author intimately examines her mothering strategies, preparing her daughter for a society that perpetuates racism and sexism. This multi-generational text seamlessly blends the author's personal experiences with those of her mother, grandmother, and daughter, fostering a broader discussion of African American/Black mother/womanhood. Grounded in Black Feminist Theory, which centers the experiences of Black women within the realms of intersecting oppressions, the book offers a deeply personal perspective on the intricacies of motherhood. It unveils the everyday nuances that reveal the unique experiences of Black women as mothers, highlighting specific strategies they employ to combat discrimination and oppression. From teaching their children about the n-word to selecting positive representations of Black identity in movies, books, dolls, daycare centers, elementary schools, and even extracurricular activities, the author showcases the proactive measures Black mothers take to promote inclusivity and empowerment. Furthermore, the book explores the impact of stereotypical manifestations of Black femininity on Black women's motherhood experiences, shedding light on how these perceptions shape Black women and girls' self-perceptions, particularly regarding their skin color, body shape, and hair texture. As an interdisciplinary text, this book appeals to academics and students across various fields, including Education, African American Studies, Communication Studies, Women Studies, Psychology, and Health Studies. It serves as a valuable handbook of lived experience for Black mothers, grandmothers, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities and nuances of Black motherhood.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367422318