Feminism and ____'s Black Nanny

Gil Scott Heron insisted the revolution would not be televised. Of course, he didn’t anticipate the birth and global take-over of social media.

While scrolling through Instagram, I came across a meme about a well-known white actress’ baby infiltrating one of The Real Housewives tapings. The meme consisted of her baby’s carriage in the background of a still photo. It wasn’t the baby’s carriage or the topic of the photo that triggered my emotional response and, in turn, this piece. It was the black woman pushing the carriage. Within seconds, the historical context of women of color caring for white children flashed across my cerebrum. Both the photo and the thought made my forehead furrow and nose crinkle. This particular actress intentionally promotes feminine empowerment, so for her to employ a Black woman to raise her children created a few questions. I haven’t discussed my reaction with anyone. I’ve spent many hours contemplating the subject. I’m incredibly sensitive about it. After all, it is the time for sensitivity—Standing Rock, Black Lives Matter and the folks who beg to differ, the Artist Formally Known as the United States Government, human disposability. My world provides reasons by the second for why I’m quite…sensitive. Rich White women’s personal lives, and the people they hire to keep those lives going, are irrelevant subjects on a massive scale. Well, at least until there’s a Black woman pushing the stroller of a White baby, I suppose.

There is a nasty, murky history with women of color as invisible entities to White women. Female Black enslaved nursed White children at their breasts who eventually grew to despise, disrespect, and ignore people of color. White suffragists fought for Feminism, accepted racism, and disregarded Black women. During the Women’s Movement, when the personal and political collided, Black women spoke on non-intersectionality in the movement. Still, White women stepped over the Black female face cleaning the floors and telling White babies how smart, kind, and important they were. Racism’s complicated roots run much deeper than a paragraph can express.

The celebrity on the chopping block is a strong proponent for women’s issues. She’s created an organization specifically for the empowerment of girls. I browse the website and see a sprinkle of color. I instantly wonder if said actress’ support for the feminine trickles to the other woman raising her children. Do they converse about women’s issues? Does said actress inquire about Ms. ___’s history—her roots, her experiences. Does she ask, “What does it mean to be a Black woman in this country? How can I better assist Black girls and young women of color to know their worth?” Does she call Ms. ___ by her first name?

My own daughter is partially raised by an amazing group of women of all colors. They fill in as care providers while I hold my professional position. Yes, I’m aware that I may have very little space to produce a social tangent on this subject. However, I am fully aware of these women. I don’t disregard their humanity to promote my own interests. As “the other” in this country, I wear my knowledge of disregard like old worn shoes. I come from a lineage of women who conceded to, compromised with, and survived beyond. So I not only thank the women who dedicated their lives to my daughter, I also recognize their personhood.

The topic of this piece is an incredibly talented individual for whom I don't know personally. My intention is not to attack her character or the way she chooses to live. However, both she and I live in a time where it's imperative to question what feminine comradery looks like in the 21st century.