Not only being a woman is hard enough, but being a BLACK woman is even harder. Imagine having to work ten times harder than any other race and STILL being shut down and judged.
I am here to point out the issues when it comes to being a black woman and why these stereotypes about us need to stop. It's important for others to see the struggles...in OUR point of view.
1. Being labeled as an “angry black woman” or when you’re really just standing up for yourself when being mistreated.
To others, we’re always labeled as ghetto or angry when we’re really just standing up for ourselves. What’s wrong with that? If women from other races can have a voice, why can’t we? We're always labeled as "angry black women" or "black b****."
2. Our styles are constantly appropriated.
Yes, this one was definitely going to be on the list. Ever heard of cultural appropriation? From our hairstyles to our fashion, the styles we were once judged upon in the past are now being stolen and renamed as something else. We were once called "ghetto" for wearing hoop earrings, but now white women are praised for it. Same with wearing protective styles such as braids and twists, but now the name was "suddenly changed" to boxer braids...WHAT IS THAT?
3. Being told, “you are so pretty for a black girl.”
Because for those who have said this to black women, it is important to understand that this is absolutely offensive. Yes, I'm sure you think that you didn't mean to be rude...but say that to yourself again and then THINK. What do you mean when you say "for a black girl?" Does that mean that black women aren't pretty in general? Sounds harsh, doesn't it?
4. Finding love with another race.
And nope this isn't for all. Many black women have success dating outside of their race and I applaud them! However sadly, most black women always get pre-judged and are labeled as "loud" women with "attitude." We get put into this negative category before getting the chance. It's important for others to not have that negative mindset about black women, or for ANY race for that matter. Let's stop pre-judging someone who is black, white, Latina, Asian, etc., and actually get to know the person. You will learn a thing or two about someone of another culture!
5. Being made fun of as a kid for your hair type, and now all of a sudden everyone wants to touch it.
Because when I was younger, my hair was always considered nappy or dirty because it was a different hair texture than others. Now I simply lean to love my hair, and you should too!
6. Everyone assumes that you and another black person are related.
Yes, I can’t count how many times in middle school everyone assumed that all of the black students were related to one another. But that was middle school. It still happens today in work environments or schools.
7. Constantly being followed around in stores even when you know you are going to purchase something.
FOR THE LAST TIME, I CAME INTO THIS STORE WITH THE INTENT TO PURCHASE! PLEASE STOP FOLLOWING ME! This really turns off black customers, like I can't even tell you how many times I've been followed or stared at in a beauty supply store. We are judged for the way we are dressed and we are generalized into these stereotypes. Apparently, it doesn't matter if you are walking around with 1 million dollars in your pocket, just by being black you will have an extra eye on you at all times.
8. Being made fun of for your features and now everyone is paying to have the same features as you in 2018.
There was a time Black Women were made fun of their full lips and curves, however, the tables have turned and now everyone is paying for lip injections.
9. Always having to work 10x harder
My mother always told me that I would have to work 10x harder, not because everyone else around me was skilled, it was because of the color of my skin AND being a woman. No matter what you do, people will not like you because of your skin color. When my mother told me that, I proved all of those people wrong. I had a classmate in 8th grade tell me to shut up because I always answered the questions correctly in class. Yet, I made honor society, deans list, and accomplished more than what he could ever do.
10. Despite being put down by every other race, you still walk the streets with your heads high because you know you are strong, independent, and beautiful!
Please, ladies, don’t let these stereotypes bring you down because you know that you are above them! And for those trying to understand, it is important to know these issues us black women face.
