This quote reveals the internal conflict and internalized racism experienced by some women of color under colonial rule. It starkly illustrates the desire for perceived upward mobility and acceptance through racial assimilation, shaped by societal pressures.
Quote by Mayotte Capécia: “I desired a white man. It was the only way to escape my blackness.”
I desired a white man. It was the only way to escape my blackness.
Insight
Historical Context
Mayotte Capécia's controversial novel, 'Je suis Martiniquaise,' was published in post-WWII France, reflecting the complex racial and colonial dynamics in Martinique. The quote highlights the pervasive influence of colorism.
About the Author
Martinican novelist whose 1948 autobiography Je suis martiniquaise was one of the first autobiographical works by a woman from Martinique to receive international attention. Frantz Fanon's critical engagement with her work in Black Skin, White Masks made her a significant figure in the Négritude-era debate about identity.
View all quotes by Mayotte Capécia