Malcolm X once stated, "The most disrespected person in America is the black woman, the most unprotected person in America is the black woman, the most neglected person in America is the black woman.” Black women in the United States can’t just can’t seem to catch a break these days.

Every day, we have to go through all ends of the Earth to prove that we aren’t any of those negative stereotypes and no matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to impress anyone. As a black girl, you will face a lot of established preconceptions which are fundamentally flawed. I am here to help you prepare to hear the worst.

1. “You’re pretty for a black girl.”

Seriously?! I’m pretty for a black girl?! You basically just told me that out of the entire black female population, I’m the only pretty one. I appreciate that you think I look pretty, but next time, use a different choice of words.

2. “Can I feel your hair?”

Unless you have been living under a rock, you should know by now to never ask a black girl if you can feel their hair and never touch her hair without her permission. We’re not animals so please stop asking to pet us as if we were.

3. “What are you?” or "You don't look completely black. What exactly are you?"

I’m black. No seriously, I am black. Sadly, these questions point to an unfortunate trend of colorism in American society, where minorities are more "acceptable" if they're closer to looking to that of a white person. Often when black women first meet people, the first thing we are asked is what race and ethnicity we belong to, as if that's what really matters the most to them about us.

4. “Can you show me how to dance?”

Sorry, no. I am absolutely a terrible dancer.

5. “Are ever jealous of white girls?”

What? Why would you assume that I was ever jealous of white girls? I don’t wish I were white. Why would I be jealous? Is it a problem that I like myself just the way I am?

6. “I’ve got a thing for black girls.”

Check your wording on this one. Saying you have "a thing" for black girls is like saying you have "a thing" for action movies or Chinese food. It implies a blatant objectification of black women, which denies them their worth as people.

7. “I prefer white girls.”

We hear this all the time, especially from black men. It is okay to have your dating preferences, but why do you feel the need to tell black women directly to their faces your racial dating preferences? Are you trying to make us feel like absolute garbage? And by the way, I didn’t ask.

8. “Why are you so angry?” and “You’re so sassy.”

Because people like you are constantly trying to dehumanize black women. I’m human and I have feelings too. Least of all, it's because black women are continually berated with hurtful and offensive questions and stereotypes. Telling a black woman to "lighten up," or be "less angry," demonstrates a complete lack of understanding or empathy surrounding her experiences.

And like any other woman, black women have a range of human emotions and expressions that should be respected and affirmed, not stigmatized by an ugly combination of sexism and racism.

9. “You’re so aggressive.”

Um, only the weak resort to violence when anger strikes. I’m not violent, I’ve never been in a fight, and I don’t yell when I’m upset. The stereotype that black women are loud and aggressive is one of the most pathetic things I have ever heard.

10. “You look exotic.”

NO! DO NOT EVER SAY THIS TO A BLACK GIRL! Or anyone for that matter. It's like you're comparing someone to an exotic animal in a forest.

11. “How much of your hair is real?”

100% of the hair on my head is my mine. Since I have long hair, people assume that it’s fake. Believe it or not, black girls can grow their hair long. Even though I’m not mixed race, I actually can have long, natural hair. And no, I do not have sew-ins.

12. “You have good hair.”

By “good”, what exactly do you mean?

13. “You aren’t like other black girls.”

Wow. Just wow. It is so upsetting to see that it is 2018 and people automatically associate my race and gender with negative stereotypes. The stereotypical sassy, fried-chicken loving, mummy character you see on sitcoms is not every black woman to exist. Just like you, we are normal people with all different characteristics.