Shona Rhimes

[WhyTheCagedBirdTweets]

I loved this and just wanted to share it with people that might like it too.

"Yes, it is hard out there. But hard is relative. I come from a middle-class family, my parents are academics. I was born after the Civil Rights movement, I was a toddler during the women's movement, I live in the United States of America, all of which means I am allowed to own my freedom, my rights, my voice and my uterus.

Im a black woman every day, and Im not confused about that. Im not worried about that. I dont need to have a discussion with you about how I feel as a black woman, because I dont feel disempowered as a black woman."

It's so strong and positive. I wish we could see more of this.

I read her statement as 'I'm fine, gender inequality and racism do not exist.'

That clearly isn't true though. Statements like that paint an incomplete picture.

Absolutely Fence, her experience is one experience of only one individual, and cannot be translated to the many, many African American women who are experiencing both gender and race discrimination. The experience of one, cannot be thought of as an indication for the group as a whole.

No, that's not how I see it. I think she's acknowledging that prior to the civil rights and women's movements her success may not have been possible. Yes, she does not represent anyone but herself, but she is representing herself and celebrating both what she's achieved and that she lives in a time when she's been able to achieve it. I don't that as being at odds with those that present themselves as victims of oppression, she's just saying that's not her experience. I think it's good to see positive message and I'd like to see more strong female achievers pushing what can be done - not instead of what stands in the way, but in addition to. This is not a zero sum game.

Those that "present themselves as victims of oppression"?

i agree with cailin

and what seven said - can you explain that phrase a bit more?