Toni Morrison and Motherhood : A Politics of the Heart

Traces Morrisons theory of African American mothering as it is articulated in her novels, essays, speeches, and interviews.

Mothering is a central issue for feminist theory, and motherhood is also a persistent presence in the work of Toni Morrison. Examining Morrisons novels, essays, speeches, and interviews, Andrea OReilly illustrates how Morrison builds upon black womens experiences of and perspectives on motherhood to develop a view of black motherhood that is, in terms of both maternal identity and role, radically different from motherhood as practiced and prescribed in the dominant culture. Motherhood, in Morrisons view, is fundamentally and profoundly an act of resistance, essential and integral to black womens fight against racism (and sexism) and their ability to achieve well-being for themselves and their culture. The power of motherhood and the empowerment of mothering are what make possible the better world we seek for ourselves and for our children. This, argues OReilly, is Morrisons maternal theory-a politics of the heart.