D'Etre

I’m trying to figure out why Cooper chose the title of the excerpt from A Voice from the South entitled “Our Raison D’Etre” (Our Reason for Existence). I’m assuming that “our” is referring to Black Women.  Cooper’s article clearly states that there is “no word from the Black Woman” (379).  There is a void left open in literature that comes from an absence of an authentic take on the Black Woman.  Instead there is a representation of the Black Woman based on others’ experiences with Black Women.  I suppose the Reason for Existence could be to be sure that their true voice is put out there and heard. Cooper notes that she wants not only “a black man honestly and appreciatively portraying both the Negro as he is, and the white man, occasionally, as seen from the Negro’s standpoint” (383).    Now that I’m thinking more about it, I think that the “our” is referring to everyone.  Everyone needs to make sure that there are accurate portrayals instead of representations of many based on small encounters.   Cooper also sees nobility in the soul.  She quotes Shakespeare “Tis not only safer, but nobler, grander, diviner, to be that which we destroy than, by destruction, dwell in doubtful joy” (384).  The existence of Black Women seems to be based on choosing to be the object of criticism instead of trying to find happiness through breaking down others.  Our Reason for Existence seems to have multiple levels.  Perhaps Black Women would rather stay silent over using words to inaccurately portray others.  In the end Cooper wants the voice of the Black Woman to be heard, so I think Black Women exist therefore they should be heard.