Discussion Questions for Statements of Feminism:
“The Awakening of the Afro-American Woman”
“A New Politics of Sexuality”
“the f-word”
The Color Purple
1. Trace the evolution of black feminism from Matthews to Jordan to Morgan. How
did it evolve? What aspects of it stayed the same? What has changed?
2. The editors tell us that The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker’s novel,
“engendered the staunchest criticism [because of its] representation men” (1144).
Why was the film/novel criticized? Do you think the criticism is fair or not?
Explain.
3. What issues raised by Matthews, Jordan and/or Morgan are dramatized in the
film? Be specific.
For next week, choose one of these discussion questions and develop it more fully in a
one- to two-page written response. Try to use MLA style as you quote and cite passages
from the texts. Make sure to also post your response to the turnitin.com discussion board.