In today’s social media, more people are becoming aware of social issues such as oppression amongst people of color (PoC) and women. Recently, ELLE magazine published an article concerning the trending phrase “black girl magic.” The author claims the name is nothing more than an overly used phase that is spreading in our youth. Many have had problems understanding why, ironically, the black author took a negative stance on such a positive movement.
In the article, the author mentions she had been battling with multiple sclerosis for nearly 10 years, which is something very unfortunate to hear. She says due to that, she doesn’t feel that there is a “magical black girl” living inside of her; only bones and a nervous system. Her perspective also states that the term gives black girls and women the undertone of being more that human. Supernatural, so have you. This is where we have a misunderstanding.
The term is a figure of speech. We live in a society that honors and claims that the European beauty standards are how you should represent yourself. In reality, every woman comes in different varieties and because of that, it doesn’t make you any less or more the woman you are. “Black girl magic” is a movement that gives rise to black girls and women, honoring their intelligence, beauty and other achievements they’ve made. It is closely related to the trending topic, #BlackLivesMatter. First Lady Michellle Obama, actress Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson are some of the many black women that advocate the term. Saying that women of color are beautiful, regardless of their skin tone, body shape, hair texture and much more. With this being said, it is hard to see how it is giving supernatural connotations.
Another disturbing key mentioned is the incident concerning the death of Sandra Bland, the black woman who earlier this year was arrested for a minor traffic violation, and was later found murdered in her jail cell. How, if Bland had been more “magical,” had she have died? On the contrary, Bland didn’t die because she wasn’t magical enough, she died due to systematic abuse and racial profiling. The term “black girl magic” isn’t to be taken too literally. It doesn’t mean that there are sprinkles and rainbows living beneath us. It doesn’t mean we can grow wings and fly. It is appreciating black excellence.
The author gave great points to back up her thesis. It’s unfortunate her illness has made her think this movement wades away from reality. Something I’d like to let this author know is that, minus all the pain she is suffering, she is a strong woman for making it this far and I hope she conquerors much more to come.
