Womanism in Mumbo Jumbo: Where Is It??

The article I presented for my panel presentation created a very interesting discussion. Kameelah Martin Samuel had argued that Reed had created a womanist text without even meaning to. However, this view has many flaws as pointed out by our discussion. The main question was: How can this be a Womanist text if every black woman in Mumbo Jumbo is oversexualized, playing into the pre-existing stereotype? (For reference, "Womanist" is a term referring to feminism as based on women of color, particularly Black women).

As I thought more about this question, I began to think about both sides of the argument. I can see where Samuel is coming from, but at the same time, there's a lot she misses in her argument. Though I know very little about Christianity and Catholocism, the way Samuel frames the Atonist view of the woman showcases the incredible misogynist set of ideals for women to live up to. In her argument she highlights the traits of the Virgin Mary praised by Atonists as the "ideal woman". Highly submissive and soft-spoken in nature, the image Samuel creates mirrors the idea of women in the "cult of domesticity". Moreover, the lack of sexuality Samuel argues Mary portrays along with the vilified nature of any sexual acts in Atonist view further this heavily misogynistic view of women that tells them to be dainty, soft, subservient people. Moreover, the way Samuel argues Erzulie contrasts this image seems to be empowering. By nature, Erzulie uses her sexuality as a power while still remaining heavily "feminine" by Atonist standards. Often seen expressing strong emotions such as crying along with her sexual nature, Erzulie is a free-flowing being. She encompasses both ends of the spectrum, both virgin, and whore, allowing there to be a fluid notion of feminity completely challenging the strict view of the woman Atonists hold.

In her sexual pride and power, Erzulie is argued to redefine the idea of the woman. Though I agree there is immense power in women reclaiming their sexuality from men and decriminalizing it, this argument doesn't account for Reed's portrayal of women as a whole. There is a lot more to the woman, especially the black woman, than her sexuality. However, every woman in Mumbo Jumbo is oversexualized to the point where she is devalued. As mentioned in class, targeting the "woman question" was never Reed's intent which becomes blatantly clear as he perpetuates the existing stereotype of oversexualizing Black Women in particular. Furthermore, though Erzulie may create a stronger, more freeing, view of the woman, Reed only uses her in a sexualized way. The only time we are introduced to Erzulie is when she possesses Earline and uses her to lure the bus driver. Not only is Earline turned into this "crazy sexual being" when possessed, Papa LeBas and the group of men are so intent on removing the spirit from her body, what comes off to readers is not a positive view of this Loa.

Though only a singular example of this trend, the moment challenges Samuel's argument. How can Mumbo Jumbo possibly be a Womanist text with characters like this?? Though part of me wants to agree with what Samuel is saying, I have to agree more with the various other authors who see Reed as misogynistic. I truly wish Mumbo Jumbo was in some was a Womanist novel, however, it is clear Reed never intended it for that purpose.

In searching for the Womanism I have come up empty-handed.