Elaine Richardson's "To Protect and Serve" takes us inside of the African American female perspective. She gives us the inside scoop on how we perceive ourselves as well as how people of both our own and different races view us. As we take a closer look at how black females have been oppressed over the years, it is crucial that we study our own lives and apply them to the context of the discussion. Richardson touches on a plethora of topics that most black females can relate to as she tackles social, cultural, and political literacies. She assists us in making the connection between the struggles of the females who came before us and the conditions we endure today.
As black women, we are not only hindered by our race, but by our gender. We must fight our way through the crowd in order for our opinions to be heard. And when we do finally make it to the podium, the front of the class, the stage of life, we better say something worth listening to. "I've had several undergraduate educational experiences and several graduate ones, where because I articulated my opinion through storytelling, influenced by my Black and female sociocultural orientation, my thoughts were not acknowledged or even seriously engaged. (Richardson p. 696)" We have something to prove. In order to even think about being included in situations of higher learning, we must do an exemplary job of conveying ourselves to the population. In order to earn the respect of others we must show that we are worthy. We must be confident in the fact that we are worthy of learning and deserve the knowledge and the fruits of the world.
I often find myself searching far and wide for places where I can exercise and share my knowledge in a context where it will be appreciated and taken into account. It is important that I be selective when choosing a place as a safe haven. A place where my words and ideas can be respected and responded to truthfully and equally. While it is necessary to have a place where you feel comfortable, it is always crucial to take risks and step out and challenge yourself. There is nothing worse than becoming your own oppressor. Our lives are so precious and there is no time to waste pitying ourselves. Richardson opens our eyes to the struggles of African American females in society. Now we must take what we've learned and apply it to our own lives so that we as an oppressed people may rise.
