4 chapters across the catalog
Naomi Wolf argues that the pressure on men and women regarding beauty and status comes from male-dominated institutions safeguarding political power, rather than individual desires. The conversation also explores a perceived social hierarchy among women, where mothers are viewed with more "supremacy" than non-mothers. It is noted that many female world leaders do not have children, reflecting a historical trade-off between career and family.
The discussion centers on the character Peola's demand that her mother, Delilah, disown her so she can live as a white woman. The hosts view this as the ultimate tragedy of assimilation, where children reject their heritage to escape the "contemporary race problem." They link this to the "double-edged sword" of formal education, where new ideas can lead to a loss of appreciation for one's origins.
The hosts discuss the "binary choice" presented to women: either climb the corporate ladder or be a stay-at-home mother. They argue that this choice is a false one perpetuated by mainstream feminism. Mo Facts emphasizes that being a mother is the most important job in society and that men should provide the security for women to do what they want, whether that is raising children or starting a business, without being shamed by the "empty O" of societal judgment.
A 2018 panel discussion from Madame Noir features professional black women discussing their views on motherhood. The speakers express concern that the panelists unanimously agreed that "no one plans" to have children. This lack of intentionality is viewed as a contributing factor to the high rate of single-parent households in the black community.
