Cluck, cluck

Finished readingWhen Chickenheads Come Home to Roost by Joan Morgan about a week ago and I can honestly say, it is one of the best books I've read. Morgan wrote the book in 1999 and considered herself a feminist, her words are timeless and I only wish I'd read it when it was first published. I know, many are asking what is a chickenhead? Until I was enlightened by Morgan, my definition was a woman who will do anything to get and keep a man, often degrading herself with her "ghettoness." Morgan's definition also included women who sole purpose in life is to live off of a man (hers and/or someone else's). We all know a chickenhead, her life revolves around her and her appearance, IF she works, it's a retail store and then, only two or three hours a day. She doesn't have much going on inside her head and is basically an airhead. It seems it is what many Black men want...a trophy.

My reasons for loving this book go way beyond learning the definition of chickenhead, this book defines what it means to be an African American feminist. We all know race is a major factor in America, so it should be no surprise that the feminist movement did nothing to help promote Black women's cause. We have to deal with issues unique to our culture. Morgan writes about not wanting to be the "strong Black woman" anymore. It is this that has and continues to kill the spirit and existence of Black women. Black women have always had to hold it together...ourselves, our families, our communities, our churches and our men. As a race, it is a form of betrayal to speak negatively about another. I mean look at how we defend the OJs, R. Kellys and Mike Tysons. We wear the SBW badge as an honor when the truth is that we need to give it up and let the men take the responsibility that they spoke of during the Million Man March. We don't have to be strong to be strong!

Morgan also adresses the EBM (endangered Black men)theory. She has wondered why so many Black women lower their standards and even think they can change a man, oh yeah, it's because we've bought into the theory that most Black men are either on drugs, selling drugs, locked up or have too many baby mamas. I, along with Morgan, refuse to believe the hype. I think that comes from life experiences and maturity. When I was younger, I did lower my expectations and it caused much heartbreak and heartache. As I've gotten older, I've realized the "Secret", the law of attrativeness and the aura we put out is what we get back. Morgan also interviewed men who said that although chickenheads are what they currently have, they are NOT who they would marry. They claim they want a wife who is not shallow and have objectives and goals in life. So, I guess we have to wait for them to grow up and get rid of the chickenheads.