ENGLISH SBA

CANDIDATE NAME: TOVAH AMBROSE

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 9532119390

CENTER NAME: PROVIDENCE GIRLS’ CATHOLIC SCHOOL

ENTER NUMBER: 953211

YEAR OF EXAMINATION: 2024

TEACHER: MRS. DENISA THOMPSON-OBLINGTON

SUBJECT: ENGLISH A/B

THEME: WOMEN IN SOCIETY

TOPIC: THE DISCRIMINATION OF COLORED WOMEN IN SOCIETY

TERRITORY: TRINIDAD, WEST INDIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Plan of Investigation………………………………………………... 1

 1st Artifact – Article ………………………………………………... 2

 2nd Artifact – YouTube video ………………………………………. 3

 3rd Artifact – A book …………………………………………….… 4

 Reflection 1 ………………………………………………………... 5

 Reflection 2 ………………………………………………………... 6

 Reflection 3 ………………………………………………………... 7

 Oral Presentation Plan ……………………………………………... 8

 Written Group Report ……………………………………………… 9

 References …………………………………………………………. 10
 PLAN OF INVESTIGATION

The theme of my English SBA is “Women in Society,”and the subtopic about which I am
writing is “The Discrimination of Colored Women in Society.” I selected this topic
because it gives an insight into the discrimination faced by colored women on a daily
basis. (seven out of ten colored women) Many people at not aware about or choose to
ignore the discrimination experienced by colored women. This research will help me
improve my writing skills, enhance my vocabulary and further educate myself on the
discriminatory problems colored women like myself face.

This research skills help me to improve my wringing skills, enhance my vocabulary and
gather quality, relevant and accurate information which would assist in developing future
papers. Further too this it helps me to educate myself on the discriminatory problems like
myself face. The three source of information I am going to use are an article, a YouTube
video of a workshop with an advocacy group and as well as a quote from a book written
by a prominent activist.
1st ARTIFACT
2nd ARTIFACT
3rd ARTIFACT
 REFLECTION 1

The article entitled Brookings Institution website entitled “Women are advancing in the
workplace, but women of color still lag behind” by Aida Harvey Wingfield dated October 2020
spoke about how a century after the 19th Amendment ratified by the US Congress, colored
women continue to experience occupational and economic disadvantages in society. A similar
theme was seen in the film entitled “Hidden Figures” which highlighted the untold story of
African American women who were mathematic geniuses and played a crucial role in NASA
during the Space Race. Before reading the article and looking at the movie I would not have
recognized the privilege some persons receive due to their race or gender and had a lack of
understanding for their struggles. I now have a clear insight of the struggles faced by women of
color and in so doing it highlights their strength and resilience.
 REFLECTION 2

In my search for information I would have come across a YouTube video by Black Women’s
Blueprint an organization dedicated to fighting for the rights and empowerment of black women
and girls where Dr. Krystal Rodman gave the keynote address on gender based violence in the
healthcare and its impact on black maternal health which took me further in my research to view
a documentary on YouTube as well entitled “The Naked Truth: Death by Delivery” dated April
2021 which explores the statistics as it relates to maternal mortality rate among black women in
the United States. These pieces proved to be very insightful as it shed some light on the health
issues which plague women of color to which previously, I had great disbelief as I questioned the
accuracy of the information seen, to which has now sparked deep emotions and a concern to
drive change for in the system aimed at reversing the statistics.
 REFLECTION 3

Angela Davis a prominent activist, writer and scholar known for her work on civil rights who
wrote a book entitled “Women, Race and Class” explores the historical (eg slavery) and social
issues (eg education) and liberation that have shaped the experience of colored women. Ms
Davis further explains the intersection of race, gender and class which creates challenges and
forms discrimination for colored women. One of her pieces quoted “In a widely publicized event
that year, a young white woman emerged as a dramatic model of female courage and anti-racist
militancy. Prudence Crandall was a teacher who defied her white townspeople in Canterbury,
Connecticut, by accepting a Black girl into her school.13 Her principled and unyielding stand
throughout the entire controversy symbolized the possibility of forging a powerful alliance
between the established struggle for Black Liberation and the embryonic battle for women’s
rights.” My previous perception on this before doing any in depth research was one of
misconception whereby, I believed that one’s success or failure in life was solely dependent on
their efforts while ignoring any barriers one might face due to their race or color. My new
perspective now recognizes the struggles faced by women of color as it relates to discrimination
with the understanding of the issues faced and the need for collaboration to bring about the
required change in society.
 ORAL PRESENTATION PLAN

My Oral Presentation entitled “A Colored Woman’s Journey” will be in the form of a poem. I
chose a free verse poem because it allows me to express my emotions and thoughts to which
what’s makes the poem more meaningful and memorable to inspire change. The subject that
caught my eye was “The Discrimination of Colored Women in Society” because in this oral
presentation am listing what black women face and how they feel being treated by their peers
and being excluded. I researched different types of discrimination so I can get a feel of how I
would approach this topic, to see the impact they make in society. The language register I chose
to go with is the formal register as it can be used as an informative approach which extends the
message of the presentation. My Oral Presentation would be based on the different forms of
discrimination.

MAIN IDEA 1
 Silence - Highlighting the unseen struggles and strength of colored women facing bias
and inequality.

MAIN IDEA 2
 Breaking Chains - Celebrating the resilience and determination of colored women to
challenge discrimination and make positive change.

MAIN IDEA 3
 Resilient Blooms – Emphasizing the resilience and empowerment of colored women who
continue to thrive and bloom despite adversity and challenges.

Sources
"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
“Beloved" by Toni Morrison

Literary Devices
Onomatopoeia – “ I am a colored woman”.
Simile – “I am a colored women who rises like the flowers in the night.”
Personification – “I am a colored woman in the garden of adversity I bloom”.
Metaphor –“ I am a colored woman where each challenge faced in a petal in my tune”.
 WRITTEN GROUP REPORT

Our Group’s theme was Women in Society. The subtopics chosen were: “Beauty
Standards”, “Abortion, “Sexual Harassmen”, The Discrimination of Colored Women
in Society”, and “Feminism- In Today’s Society”. To determine the three pieces that
would be used, a voting scheme was constructed, the three pieces chosen were:
“Beauty Standards” (Kelechi Kalu, 2003), “Gender Equality Is Your Issue Too”
(Emma Watson, 2014) and “Sexual (Abuse) Healing” (Mike Mason, 2017)

Following our three pieces, we crossed strong barriers of multiple issues women face
on a daily basis, those being violence against women, the insane immeasureable
beauty standards and the way how women are able to overcome it and stand up for
themselves by owning one voice. As this topic is widely known, there were various
sites and articles for us to find the information needed.

The poem “Beauty Standards” (Kelechi Kalu,2003) was a great representation of the
struggle's women put themselves through just to be accepted by a society in which
they would never fit in to, the way how they constantly strive for perfection where it
cannot be found is a perfect illustration of the topic. The article “Gender Equality Is
Your Issue Too” (Emma Watson, 2014) looks at how people have so clearly detached
themselves from the true meaning of feminism, stating clearly that men and women
should have equal rights and opportunities, not just resentment towards men. Lastly
the poem “Sexual (abuse) Healing” (Mike Mason, 2017) takes a deeper look into the
lasting memories of sexual abuse and how within healing you can find your childish
being and with it find peace.

As a group we were able to function effectively together and partake in each of the
pieces covered in the report. Although we encountered some obstacles, we were able
to overcome and settle the missing pieces needed to finish. We were able to grasp the
necessary information required for us to understand how greatly woman are supported
by other women and the knowledge needed for us to share how they are greatly
misunderstood and underlooked in this society.

PIECES FROM WRITTEN GROUP REPORT

1st Piece (Poem) – Beauty Standards by Kelechi Kalu

One should not be looked upon with scorn

Because he of she violates the norm
We all have different ways of expression
Different ways of answering our own questions.
Life is but a short span soon to pass
Make the most of it while it lasts
Always be yourself.

Some might question your fashion,

But I ask you to just imagine
What it would be like if we were all the same
In life's unpredictable game
Wouldn't it be somewhat lame?
You have a right to freedom of expression
So when they ask, give them this suggestion;
Always be yourself.

2nd Piece (Article) – Gender Equality is your issue too by Emma Watson

Date: Saturday, 20 September 2014

Speech by UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson at a special event for the HeForShe
campaign, United Nations Headquarters, New York, 20 September 2014
[Check against delivery.]
Today we are launching a campaign called “HeForShe.”
I am reaching out to you because I need your help. We want to end gender inequality—and to do that
we need everyone to be involved.
This is the first campaign of its kind at the UN: we want to try and galvanize as many men and boys
as possible to be advocates for gender equality. And we don’t just want to talk about it, but make sure
it is tangible.
I was appointed six months ago and the more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized
that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one
thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop.
For the record, feminism by definition is: “The belief that men and women should have equal rights
and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.”
I started questioning gender-based assumptions when at eight I was confused at being called “bossy,”
because I wanted to direct the plays we would put on for our parents—but the boys were not.
When at 14 I started being sexualized by certain elements of the press.
When at 15 my girlfriends started dropping out of their sports teams because they didn’t want to
appear “muscly.”
When at 18 my male friends were unable to express their feelings.
I decided I was a feminist, and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown
me that feminism has become an unpopular word.
Apparently, I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too
aggressive, isolating, anti-men and, unattractive.
Why is the word such an uncomfortable one?
I am from Britain and think it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I
think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that
women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is
right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly, I can say that there is no one
country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights.
No country in the world can yet say they have achieved gender equality.
These rights I consider to be human rights, but I am one of the lucky ones. My life is a sheer
privilege because my parents didn’t love me less because I was born a daughter. My school did not
limit me because I was a girl. My mentors didn’t assume I would go less far because I might give
birth to a child one day. These influencers were the gender equality ambassadors that made me who I
am today. They may not know it, but they are the inadvertent feminists who are changing the world
today. And we need more of those.
And if you still hate the word—it is not the word that is important but the idea and the ambition
behind it. Because not all women have been afforded the same rights that I have. In fact, statistically,
very few have been.
In 1995, Hilary Clinton made a famous speech in Beijing about women’s rights. Sadly, many of the
things she wanted to change are still a reality today.
But what stood out for me the most was that only 30 per cent of her audience were male. How can
we affect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the
conversation?
Men—I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your
issue too.
Because to date, I’ve seen my father’s role as a parent being valued less by society despite my
needing his presence as a child as much as my mother’s.
I’ve seen young men suffering from mental illness unable to ask for help for fear it would make them
look less “macho”—in fact in the UK suicide is the biggest killer of men between 20-49 years of age;
eclipsing road accidents, cancer and coronary heart disease. I’ve seen men made fragile and insecure
by a distorted sense of what constitutes male success. Men don’t have the benefits of equality either.
We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes, but I can see that that they
are and that when they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence.
If men don’t have to be aggressive in order to be accepted women won’t feel compelled to be
submissive. If men don’t have to control, women won’t have to be controlled.
Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be
strong… It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum not as two opposing sets of ideals.
If we stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by what we are—we
can all be freer, and this is what HeForShe is about. It’s about freedom.
I want men to take up this mantle. So, their daughters, sisters and mothers can be free from prejudice
but also so that their sons have permission to be vulnerable and human too—reclaim those parts of
themselves they abandoned and in doing so be a more true and complete version of themselves.
You might be thinking who is this Harry Potter girl? And what is she doing up on stage at the UN.
It’s a good question and trust me, I have been asking myself the same thing. I don’t know if I am
qualified to be here. All I know is that I care about this problem. And I want to make it better.
And having seen what I’ve seen—and given the chance—I feel it is my duty to say something.
English Statesman Edmund Burke said: “All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for
enough good men and women to do nothing.”
In my nervousness for this speech and in my moments of doubt I’ve told myself firmly—if not me,
who, if not now, when. If you have similar doubts when opportunities are presented to you I hope
those words might be helpful.
Because the reality is that if we do nothing it will take 75 years, or for me to be nearly a hundred
before women can expect to be paid the same as men for the same work. 15.5 million girls will be
married in the next 16 years as children. And at current rates it won’t be until 2086 before all rural
African girls will be able to receive a secondary education.
If you believe in equality, you might be one of those inadvertent feminists I spoke of earlier.
And for this I applaud you.
We are struggling for a uniting word, but the good news is we have a uniting movement. It is called
HeForShe. I am inviting you to step forward, to be seen to speak up, to be the "he" for "she". And to
ask yourself if not me, who? If not now, when?
Thank you.

3rd Piece (Poem) – Sexual (abuse) Healing by Mike Mason

Memories you keep

buried deep inside
hurtful thoughts
of virtues lost
still guilt you to hide
The stigma that surrounds
your sex shall acquiesce
find ways to cope
unearth the hope
entombed in shamefulness

The wound within your soul

you can assuage
the child within
can thrive again
release the fear and rage

A warmth within your heart

is what you'll feel
when once you face
and then embrace
the love, you'll start to heal.

REFERENCE

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/women-are-advancing-in-the-workplace-but-women-of-
color-still-lag-behind/

https://youtu.be/YvGu_4YU6ZI?si=n4gvOKE-B7aHsPpv
https://youtu.be/GiyzSsA9AzQ?si=VCqR8h6qisSA3jXC

https://youtu.be/RYNhnlrPH48?si=ufTFoGLD2G42uojH

https://legalform.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/davis-women-race-class.pdf

https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/beauty-standards/

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-
too

https://allpoetry.com/poem/13237656-Sexual--abuse--Healing--by-WhiteTiger