Historically and currently, black women have always had to do so much more than their peers, just to achieve the same accomplishments. Black women, to me, are a symbol of courage and strength, and I aspire to be as resilient as they are. While I realize that the environment they grow up in and the choices they make affect their outcomes, regardless, I recognize that they have been dealt a crappy hand by society. There are many more than seven obstacles they must overcome, but here are some that I get most frustrated with.
1. Employers will tell them that their natural hair is "unprofessional."
In fact, everyone judges them on their hair. But no other group really deals with that. They might feel pressured to pay hundreds of dollars on chemical treatment, a weave or braids. Why can't we just embrace the 'fro? Scratch that, embrace whatever she wants to do with her tresses.
2. There's basically one body type that is socially acceptable for them.
Black women are criticized more so than any other group, because they are either "too curvy" or "not curvy enough." Because some women have natural curves, they all are expected to. Except that they also live in a white society where being stick thin is idealized. Basically, if you aren't a Beyonce (size 6-8) then you're not winning this battle. (Don't even get me started on Eurocentric beauty standards).
3. Worrying about their loved ones, every time they step out of the house.
Either they live somewhere where they have to be afraid of what some stranger might do, or they live somewhere where they have to be afraid of what the cops might do (or both). Whether the issue is high crime rates or racist cops, I'm not aware of a single state that has neither. And black people are more likely to be harmed by both situations.
4. Everyone dismisses them as being angry when really they are just the most discriminated against group.
If you're being misogynistic and they get mad, they're the angry black woman. If you're being racist and they get mad, they're the angry black woman. Pretty much no matter what they're mad about, you're gonna label the as the angry black woman, but you should be thinking about why they are mad in the first place.
5. Mainstream feminism ignores the rights of black women.
Though feminism has come a long way, mainstream feminism is not yet fully intersectional. White women are still driving the cause and shaping the message of feminism around themselves.
6. Mainstream civil rights activists ignore the rights of black women.
Civil rights movements have come a long way, but mainstream "Black Lives Matter" movements are not yet intersectional. Black men remain to be the center of attention and the center of change.
7. Not getting enough credit for all that they do.
Thank you.
