Forgiveness: A Healing Response

Abstract

In this project, I have designated certain negative aspects of the social construct of the African American matriarchy as an antagonist to the mother/daughter relationship. Actions stemming from those aspects often lead back to the source of the breach in their relationship. Some of these aspects transcend race and culture. They occur because of the unique dynamics present in the mother/daughter relationship. These include difficulty in the separation-individuation process and the emotional jeopardy placed upon the daughter (i.e., her exclusive responsibility for keeping the family intact). Culturally specific to the African American female is the mother’s request or conditioning that requires the daughter to ignore and/or accept her oppressive plight in order to survive in a racist, sexist, and classist society. Regardless of how this breach occurs, it is usually the result of some type of infraction. The infraction must be acknowledged for healing to take place. The acknowledgment comes in the form of forgiveness—whether seeking or granting—whether unilateral or mutual.