l a l n a e n m e o m N o N e m e m m e e n FFem ag i e n z i a z g a MMa
2020 l i r p A | Issue 1
FOR BLACK WOMEN, BY BLACK WOMEN
CONTENTS THE STRONG BALCK WOMAN
COLORISM IN MEDIA
LET GO. IT’S OKAY I’M TIRED TOO.
COLORISM IN THE MEDIA TODAY
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR SHOWING UP
IS BAD GAL RIRI… BAD?
THE ANGRY BLACK WOMAN
HEALTH AND BEAUTY ALL ABOUT THE NAPS
BLACK WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE
SHOW UP FOR BLACK WOMEN! INTERNALIZATIONS OF STEREOTYPES
MEDIA LITERACY
BLACK WOMEN IN MUSIC
MEDIA LITERACY IN THE US - WHAT IS IT & WHY DOES IT MATTER?
YOU CAN’T ERASE US:
HOW DOES SOCIETY MARGINALIZE BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD?
Let go. It's Okay I'm Tired Too
BY ALISHA VERNET
2019 was a different atmosphere. I was a first-year college student studying computer science. Actually, let me rephrase, I was a first-generation Black Haitian woman studying computer science. Being in this position, I already knew what to expect. All throughout my senior year in high school, I was told the same narrative hundreds of times; I was strong enough to tackle this career path, that people in this industry are looking for people like me, and that as a strong Black woman, I can do anything I set my mind to. When I got to Northeastern University, barely anyone understood what it was like being in my shoes. I felt alone. Competing against my white male counterparts was not an issue that I was facing for the first time. The issue here was that my support team back home didn’t know the best way to support me. I was prepared for this, at least that’s what I kept telling myself. The myth of the strong Black woman runs deep in my family, and so of course, I had to put my cape on and survive in a place that wasn’t built for me, taking on the role of superwoman. This was my crooked room. I was emotionally drained and through it all, I got the same response, “You’re a strong Black woman, you can do anything”. When we hear of the monolithic stereotype of the strong Black woman, we often think of our mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and mentors. We define them as resilient human beings living in a society that demands them to hide.
They suffer in silence, carry around issues that are not necessarily their own, complete missions that we wouldn’t dare to challenge, and most importantly, they celebrate their accomplishments with everyone without signaling to the obstacles and challenges that were present along the way. In the book Sister Citizen, author Melissa V. Harris-Perry describes both the positive and the negative aspects of the strong Black woman. In the chapter titled Myth, she states “To protect against always being seen as inferior, they declare themselves uniquely capable, but this strength is a shield full of holes; it sets up new possibilities for being misrecognized” (Harris-Perry 185) When I used to take CS courses, there were lots of issues I wasn’t prepared for. I remember that we used to do pair programming, which means that students were partnered up to work on coding projects. My partners were all white males who had at least three to five solid years of prior coding experience. I didn’t let that phase me; I knew I was a fast learner and was passionate about this study. However, I felt uncomfortable, defeated, and out of control. Each of my partners excluded me from team projects, talked down on me as if I was not capable of doing the same work they were doing, and oftentimes would go behind my back and finish whole assignments with other peers.
“To protect against always being seen as inferior, they declare themselves uniquely capable, but this strength is a shield full of holes; it sets up new possibilities for being misrecognized”
HARRISPERRY (185)
I felt belittled. Due to my internalized strong Black woman role, I couldn’t express this feeling. According to the article Mammy, Sapphire, and Jezebel by Carolyn West, she states that “societal expectations discourage displays of anger, and often appropriately assertive behavior, by underrepresented minorities” (West 461). So, the strong Black woman in me worked ten times harder instead of complaining. I pushed myself beyond what I was able to handle because God forbid, I look incapable to compete with these students. I turned to my mother, a strong Black woman for advice. Being a Haitian immigrant, she could not relate to my experiences as a Black woman here in America, especially when it came to biting off more than you could possibly chew. I told her that I was not
"I was supposed to just deal with it and quite frankly, I was tired of
eating, that I had consistent headaches that were affecting my sleep and even the types of dreams I was having. I told her that I cried every night because I felt praying was not enough. I was on the verge of giving up. However, because my mother was raised in a different location where the strong Black woman was excessively praised, giving up was not a phrase in her book, so automatically I felt ashamed when using it. The strong Black woman myth was actually affecting our relationship. I was mad at her for telling me to keep pushing after being so vulnerable about my
adjusting myself in this crooked room while making it look effortless."
feelings and she was mad at me because I told her I was tired. From the reading I Had to Be Strong by Natalie Watson and Carla Hunter it states, “crying under pressure can jeopardize one’s status as a strong Black woman” (2015). This goes to show how the shield of the strong Black woman had many holes. I was supposed to just deal with it and quite frankly, I was tired of adjusting myself in this crooked room while making it look effortless.
Black women… hear me out, according to a Mental Health article written by Shawn Ricks it states, “we had
I know my mother still to this day takes on more than
taken the chaos in our lives and normalized
she can possibly handle, both physically and
it.Normalizing chaos is a coping mechanism” (Ricks
emotionally. However, I knew my experience couldn’t even compare to hers back in Haiti. I wonder how many times she broke down and wanted to just vent to her mother. I wonder how many times she was told to keep pushing when she couldn’t anymore. Last year, I finally felt in touch with all of the bottled up emotions about my college decisions and I wonder when or if my mother has had similar experiences.
2018). This is important to understand because when you fall into this loophole and normalize your pain, constant disrespect from others and feeling unpleasant in situations you’re in can cause you to lose control over yourself, especially over your feelings. There's strength in this strong Black woman myth, but being able to let go and make yourself vulnerable is okay too! At the end of the day, you’re still human.
the ultimate guide for showing up By Michelle Faulkner
Being a Black woman is tough. For
The “Strong Black Woman'' trope has
centuries, Black women have been
made society believe that we can
impacted by various negatives
handle any task or challenge that we
stereotypes that have been continuously face… that we’re invincible and don’t perpetuated against them. From the
need help. But it’s quite the contrary.
hypersexualized “Jezebel”, to the
Though there are many images of Black
complacent and self-sacrificing
women displaying resilience as a result
“Mammy” to the feisty and spicy
of life experiences we may be exposed
“Sapphire”, the crooked worldview of
to, that does not mean that we’re
Black women can cause visible and
innately capable of sustaining hardships
invisible consequences for the health
without any support from our loved
and confidence of Black women.
ones. Research shows that social
Stereotypes not only affect how Black
support is positively associated with
Women see themselves, but also how
overall well-being and quality of health.
they pursue personal relationships and
Social support is valuable in the lives of
how they comport themselves at work.
Black women as a protective factor
Even while adopting strategies to
against stressors. We’rehuman, we all
function in a society that has viewed us
have our (different) breaking points.
in an unfavorable light, constructed
Don’t wait until the last moment, when
ideals still damage us. High
we're on our last limb, before taking
internalization of the “Strong Black
steps to show up for us. With all facts
Woman” may be linked directly
considered, here are some suggestions
orindirectly to depression, overeating,
on how to show up for Black women.
self-silencing and reduced help-seeking
While you can draw inspiration from the
and self-care. Black college women, in
list, it is always a good idea to speak
particular, were found to suffer from
with us individually to identify which
anxiety symptoms in the face of
suggestions would be most helpful to
adversity.
avoid generalizations and assumptions.
All the items listed below were provided in part by anonymous self-identifying Black women and non-binary femmes.
Avoid and challenge assumptions and stereotypes about us, e.g., Mammy, Sapphire, Strong Black Woman, Jezebel. Media is saturated with depictions that perpetuate negative monolithic views of Black women. An array of popular Rap music videos are notorious for portraying Black women as sexual commodities. Movies set during the Civil Rights era can also expose you to the Mammy trope. Develop media literacy skills in order to decode and resist such messages.
Connect us with resources & people who can further support us. Resources may include therapists, places of worship, community centers or networking opportunities for professional matters.
Invest in and amplify Black women-led organizations, companies and initiatives. Attend conferences and events to learn about anti-racism and sexism work.
2
Speak and stand up for us, including when we are not around. Do not be a bystander. If you are engaged in or overhear a conversation that includes derogatory language against us, intervene. Advocate for us in media, policy, education and all other spheres in life.
Acknowledge misogynoir[1] (anti-Black racist misogyny that Black women experience[1]) and actively work to eliminate it within your interactions and dealings with Black women. Also actively engage in dismantling systemic and interpersonal oppression including patriarchy, anti-blackness, islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, capitalization, and more.
Recognize and honor our intersectional identities and how they impact us (including religion, gender, race, socioeconomic status, ability level and more).
Educate yourself about the history of Black women through leaders & activists. In the words of Iyanla Vanzant, do the work! The internet is your best friend. Thousands of scholarly articles, think-pieces, and research has been conducted to study our lives and our experiences. Equip yourself with the knowledge to better support us.
Learn the signs of when we need help handling various ventures (school, work, relationships). Everyone expresses stress differently. Talk to us to learn about our different needs. Whether we’re looking for new jobs or struggling with college assignments, or coping with a heartbreak, know when and how to step in to encourage us.
Listen to us without judgment or unsolicited advice when we speak about our experiences. Make space for healing, love, and joy. You can create safe spaces over a home-cooked meal or a visit to a nearby cafe! The point is to make us feel comfortable enough to trust that we can be vulnerable around you.
Check in with us about our personal self-care routines, hold us accountable in regard to taking care of ourselves.
We need you more than ever. Consider taking these meaningful steps as a way to offer social support and to advocate for humanity. So what, now what is very nicely done hereagreed!
Don’t hurt us, hold us accountable, and be kind. Create and maintain a safe space for us to be vulnerable and feel comfortable about expressing ourselves.
2
Be mindful of the Savior complex. This is when you believe that you can solve everyone else’s problems. [1]The Savior Complex can be detrimental to both parties if boundaries are not communicated or maintained. [1]Always Trying to ‘Save’ People? You Might Have a Savior Complex, Healthline
Black women in the workplace By Hannah Meredith
Black women have been
The Sapphire stereotype is a social
overwhelmed with negative
control mechanism to punish Black
stereotypes in America for many
women for deviating from the
years. All of these stereotypes are
norm. This stereotype was often
based on a history of racism and
applied to abolitionists, civil rights
slavery. These stereotypes are
activists, Black feminists, and
embedded in many of our systems
politicians. Some examples of these
today and affect Black women in
women are Sojourner Truth, Ida Bell
their everyday lives. I will be
Wells-Barnett, Anita Hill, and Rita
discussing how Black women are
Dove. Women considered Sapphires
castigated at work for expressing
in the 21st century include Maxine
themselves and their opinions and
Waters, the liberal democrat in the
can be racially labeled after “the
House of Representatives for
Sapphire” stereotype in these
California and Cynthia McKinney,
instances. Oftentimes, we are
former democratic House
pressured and encouraged to
Representative for Georgia, who are
suppress our anger when there is so
often portrayed as angry every time
much to be angry about. If we are to
they are on television.
express this frustration outwardly, it comes at a cost.
Combating this stereotype in the workplace is nearly impossible, due
To begin, “the Sapphire caricature
to the simple fact that your work is
portrays Black women as rude, loud,
judged among other things.
malicious, stubborn, and
Beginning at job applications,
overbearing” (Pilgrim 2008). The
researchers found that expressing
Sapphire is also known as the Angry
anger benefited men who were
Black Woman. According to West,
applying for a job -- by increasing
Sapphire's primary role was to
their perceived influence. If they
emasculate Black men with frequent
were hired, the researchers said,
verbal assaults. This is a template
those men were subsequently given
often used in portraying all Black
more power and autonomy in their
women. This portrayal of the Black
jobs. The opposite is true for
woman emerged because we started
women.
to critique our lives and treatment. Oftentimes, the passion and justified
Many women code switch to try
frustration are misread and labeled
and immerse themselves among
as aggression and anger. In turn,
certain groups at work and switch
they are shamed and silenced when
to a more genuine self when
they try to speak up about social
surrounded by family and friends
inequalities, the state of affairs in
(Salam, 2018).
their lives, and fair treatment.
“the sapphire caricature portrays black women as rude, loud, malicious, stubborn, and overbearing”
PILGRIM
Code-switching is the modifying of
This usually results in stress and
one's behavior, appearance, etc., to
having difficulty coping with racism,
adapt to different sociocultural
sexism, and discrimination. It is
norms. According to Cheeks, women
sometimes difficult to express these
acknowledge that there is a mental
hardships to my superiors because
strain associated with trying to live
most of them are also white
up to a professional ideal created to
individuals and might not
stifle, rather than support, diversity.Â
understand how much those
It is common for Black women to
comments affect me. There is also a
feel as if it is our responsibility to
fear that I will hurt my chances of
make other people feel comfortable
professional advancement and
when they are in a setting. Generally,
development if I speak up about it.
Black women tend to dampen
Unfortunately, society has
certain parts of themselves to fit into
conditioned me to think that in
the culture of their workplace.
predominantly white institutions,
Ultimately, this is not a pipeline issue,
the Black woman will come across
which is a myth to disguise real
as too aggressive when simply
issues that are taking place. Once we
voicing her opinion that is similar or
are in these positions in the
the same to my white counterparts.
workplace, we should feel a sense of support in certain ways that are
Once Black women are in the door,
distinguished to women of color, and
we need to feel supported in ways
particularly inclusive to Black
distinguished to being a woman of
women..
color. This is the goal so that even if we are alone on our specific team,
I am currently a Geriatric Nursing
we can realize we are not alone at
Assistant at Northampton Nursing
all.
and Rehabilitation Center. I work among many different age groups and races. Working and helping a population of people who are 55 years or older, and predominantly Caucasian, I find myself codeswitching fairly often. I always try to watch what I say and in some regards, dim my light to not make others feel uncomfortable around me. In some instances, it is hard to keep my head down and carry along with my work and be completely objective in how I deliver care to the residents. I have experienced residents making racial comments towards me, and I am expected to react reasonably and brush it off.
MEDIA LITERACY IN THE USWHAT IS IT? & WHY DOES IT MATTER? BY: DORI CHAPUT There is a general awareness about
Going from those, we recognize that the
misinformation in the US, but not so many are
information we regularly receive from the
aware of the pervasiveness of this
media was crafted with a purpose. Whether we
misinformation. Without a framework to sift
wish to engage with it or not, media is a part of
through the content posted online daily, the
our daily lives and if we aren’t actively
task of informing yourself and unlearning bias
deconstructing the purpose and motivation of
becomes overwhelming. It is often far easier to
what we’re seeing, we are incredibly likely to
let it all pass, rather than keeping up with the
accept it as truth.Despite the exponentiating
constant flow of information and
prevalence of media in our modern world,
deconstructing everything that crosses your
media literacy education is somehow not
path. You may wish to stay informed, but how
viewed as a mandatory pursuit by our current
can you ever seek to find trustworthy content
dominant education systems in the US, even
online and how can you manage the
though “it is highly irresponsible in the face of
unintentional bias that forms from such
saturation by the Internet and media culture to
bombardment of biased content? Why is it so
ignore these forms of socialization and
important to unpack the content you’re
education.” Generations are growing up getting
engaging with? The answers to these questions
most, if not all, of their information online and
and more begin with media literacy
are not always taught how to critically analyze
Media literacy is defined as “the critical analysis
it, resulting in them either educating
and deconstruction of media messages” and is
themselves on analytical methods or simply
the central point in the journey of unpacking
accepting the messages they are provided. As it
the media content we engage with,
stands, media literacy education is extremely
intentionally or unintentionally, on a daily basis.
limited to those who have the resources to
We cannot seek to have the answers to every
receive higher levels of education. This should
single question or instantly know how to
not be the case.
respond to every piece of media, but a framework like media literacy helps us to begin unpacking the content that surrounds us. According to Elizabeth Thoman (in addition to many other media literacy educators), the core concepts of media literacy are that:. 1. All media messages are “constructed.” 2. Media messages are constructed using a creative language with its own rules. 3. Different people experience the same media message differently. 4. Media have embedded values and points of view. 5. Media are organized to gain profit and/or power.
critical analysis and deconstruction “the
of media messages” Joseph Erba
Keeping the core concepts of media literacy listed above in mind, it is important to shift from a general skepticism about the quality or honesty of the information you’re receiving to a general inquiry on why a message would be misconstrued in the first place. Who benefits from misleading the reader? Paul Carr discusses how extensively media is controlled from beginning to end by “Western corporate leaders” and how their control from content creation through distribution resulted in the creation of a “media oligarchy”, which was formed solely for the purpose of furthering their own agendas and excluding or trivializing anything that doesn’t fall within the realm of their interests.[4] The consolidation of media outlets means that most of the media we are receiving, ranging from news to movies to music videos, is carefully controlled by the same few people and corporations. Each piece of media selected for public consumption by these corporations is selected for its ability to serve their interests, none of which particularly lie with truth or justice. Knowing this, we can also conclude that there is a benefit derived from portraying people in a biased manner and maintaining stereotypes, as media outlets establish their lucrative business models around carefully curating the images of others. Through the growth and spread of media content, stereotypes and false portrayals of Black women have been commonplace. Pervasive, structural racism has set the stage for biased media portrayals to exist plentifully and without question. Viewers often don’t think twice when it comes to engaging with stereotypes of Black women in media - whether it’s the Jezebel, Sapphire, Mammy or the Strong Black Woman stereotype - as these are such deeply ingrained stereotypes that are abundantly present in the few media representations of Black women available. Media literacy applies to every facet of media consumption, and the stereotypes of Black women are no exception. Make no mistake, supporting Black women directly requires an engagement with media literacy. Ranging from studies like the Moynihan report, seeking out every possible way to report on the ills of society as though they are directly the fault of Black women alone and not the result of policy decisions aimed to negatively impact Black women, to “harmless” news articles discussing the actions and behaviors of Black women as “aggressive” or “hypersexual”, further perpetuating whichever stereotype the author so chooses to lean into. Knowing how to identify coded language and analyze the intentions of an author, whether they are writing for academics or pleasure, is an essential step toward recognizing and calling out bias, as it truly exists in all levels of media we engage with.
As referenced in the Erba, Chen, and Kang publication, it is true that positive media representations are proven to impact the internal biases of a reader and there is a lot of power held within the subliminal messages of digital content. Breaking down stereotypes in our own work and calling it out when we see it elsewhere perpetuates a cycle of awareness and encourages a conversation about bias in media to take place. Coded language may seem minor or harmless, and it may seem like one article here or there won’t strongly impact people’s perspectives, but discriminatory content contributes to a much larger picture of mistreatment of Black women that has real influence on the care and treatment of Black women in society. The levels of medical, social and professional abuse and mistreatment are so high for Black women because of how deeply bias informs social and political decision making from other demographic groups. For nonBlack people, not unpacking internal bias and racism when it is encountered is ultimately lethal for Black people, especially Black women. Engaging with frameworks like media literacy that help to begin unpacking discriminatory messages are a moral imperative for non-Black folks. For those who don’t live this experience, informing yourself on the existing biases widely spread in digital content and helping others who don’t experience this discrimination directly to inform themselves as well is the beginning step. Simply searching online or in a local library for media literacy tools and sharing those resources widely helps to demystify how biased messagery operates. It may not feel like much, but starting anywhere possible is still better than doing nothing. Once you’re able to identify which content you should not be engaging with, you’re more able to engage with the content that uplifts and shares the non-stereotypical experiences of Black women. Promoting content and storytelling that allows for a complex, multidimensional human experience to be widely dispersed around the world (as digital content is poised to do) combats the singularity of the stereotypical perspectives we are offered now. Taking on societal structures and a media oligarchy can be a daunting concept, but in the meantime, listen to Black women when they share their experience with you, include Black women in policy conversations if you’re in a position to do so, call out bias as you learn about it and experience it, and never stop challenging yourself to learn more about how you can support Black women. The work does not end.
Marginlization of Black Women
H
d o o w y l l o
By Kennedee Cox In the year of 1865, the practice of slavery officially ended after the adoption of the 13th amendment. Although the gruesome and inhumane practice ended, America found other ways to keep Africans and African Americans oppressed and inferior. By 1877, many southern and border states established a racial caste system of anti-Black laws that segregated African Americans from white Americans. This racial caste system bred various beliefs of African Americans being unintelligent, immoral, uncivilized, and often hypersexualized. From these beliefs and biased attitudes, society created various stereotypes that have marginalized African Americans today. Many of these stereotypes not only affect Black people as a whole, but specifically Black women. Three relevant stereotypes that are still prevalent today are known as The Mammy, The Jezebel, and The Sapphire. For quite some time now, Black women have been known to be neglected by American culture. Unfortunately, their presence continues to be disregarded and disrespected politically, economically, and socially. Despite Black women breaking barriers, not only in politics and education, but in the film industry, many are still poked and prodded to work for white America. This is often seen in the television, film, and music industries, or as many may call it, Hollywood. Unfortunately, such outlets perpetuate these generalizations and insinuate that the majority of Black women are to be categorized into these three stereotypes. In 2012, writer Shonda Rhimes produced the ABC hit television show Scandal starring Kerry Washington. Washington plays the main character, Olivia Pope, who is a crisis manager. In the series, the President of the United States has a continuous affair with Pope.
Over the seasons, no matter the circumstances that may have occurred, Pope always seems to find herself back into his arms. In some ways, Pope resembles “The Jezebel” stereotype. In her writing entitled Stereotypes of. African American Women in US Television, Eveline Versluys defines “The Jezebel” stereotype. Versluys writes that “Many black women were forced to work half-naked laboring in cotton fields with their skirts hiked up. In order for white slave-owners to reconcile with the fact that they forced these women to nudity, The Jezebel image was created to justify their cruel behavior and reaffirm white superiority” (Versluys 2014: 11). A parallel can be drawn between Pope’s affair with the U.S president and white slave owners having an affair with their Black female slaves (Versluys 2014: 19). The series portrays Pope to be promiscuous, as her co-stars often refer to her as a slut for sleeping with a married man. Additionally, Pope’s physical portrayal is closer to “a mixed-race woman with more European features, such as thin lips, straight hair, and a slender nose... closer to the white standard of beauty” (West 1996:462). All in all, Olivia Pope resembles the inappropriate or insatiable sexual appetite of The Jezebel. In 2015, Director Lee Daniels launched the hit television show Empire. Actress Taraji P Henson stars as Cookie Lyon, one of the main Black female characters in the series. Throughout the show, Cookie is often “loud, abrasive and ruffles feathers with an in your face attitude” (Lagrow 2015). Henson recognizes what makes her character so appealing and entertaining and states “Cookie beats her son with a broom. She calls one son the f-bomb.” Cookie's actions are loved and desired by White mainstream media to paint Black women in a negative light.
Unfortunately, Cookie resembles and perpetuates the stereotype of “The Sapphire”. In a class assigned reading, David Pilgrim writes “The Sapphire Caricature portrays Black women as rude, loud, malicious, stubborn, and overbearing. This is the Angry Black Woman (ABW) popularized in the cinema and on television” (Pilgrim 2012). This depiction of women was seen during the time of slavery. This was the standard of how all Black women behaved. The stereotype is defined as “the angry black woman ... loud, verbally abusive emasculating matriarch... the sapphire typically shows no vulnerability and often channels her anger by shouting and criticizing others” (Versluys 12). The Sapphire is seen to be “dangerous, unstable, dominated by emotions, unable to act rationally” (Jardim 2016). Although Henson acknowledged that her role on the popular show portrays Black women in a negative light, it is what sells on mainstream media. Similar to what Melissa V Harris-Perry wrote in her book entitled Sister Citizen, when race and gender stereotypes are confronted, “Black women are standing in a crooked room, and they have to figure out which way is up… some Black women tilt and bend themselves to fit the distortion” (Perry 2011:52). For Henson to earn a living as an actress, she must distort herself to be the respected actress she is, even if she must play such stereotypical roles. On May 31, 2019, Director Tate Taylor released the well-known horror movie entitled MA. Academy award-winning actress Octavia Spencer has been seen to play award-winning roles that resemble the stereotypical character known as “The Mammy”. Spencer starred as Su Ann, a middleaged Black woman who “befriends a group of teenagers and decides to let them party at her house” (IMD).
Throughout the film, Su Ann instructs the teens to call her “MA” due to her acts of serving and supervising the group. While tending to the white children, she often neglects the needs of her child. Although the film takes a demented turn, Su Ann cares, serves, cleans, and begins to devote her life to buying alcohol for the underaged teens and entertaining them. Spencer's role of being the teen's caregiver resembles the stereotypical caricature known as the Mammy. According to Kendall King, “this stereotype stems from slavery when AfricanAmerican women raised the children of their masters… Physically, the Mammy is darkskinned, overweight and unattractive” (King 46). This is similar to how Spencer is depicted in the film. Director Tate Taylor cast Spencer to embody a distorted version of the Mammy. Each example of Hollywood marginalizing Black women perpetuates the three stereotypes: The Jezebel, The Sapphire, and The Mammy. The real concern is how do we stop society from believing and perpetuating these stereotypes? As American directors and producers continue to release films and TV shows that resemble such stereotypes, our society will never be able to shift American ideologies and values. The perpetuation of these negative stereotypes force Black women to play in such roles, abiding by white America’s rules of what society should and should not assume. If these depictions are constantly shown on mainstream media, society will continue to take the stereotypes for face value. We need Black female actresses to take a stand and begin to depict Black women in positive lights. We need actresses and actors to go against and demand that Hollywood allow Black female actresses to play more than just the stereotypical roles of Black Women.
COLORISM IN THE MEDIA TODAY
it was highly stereotyped into three
By: Shivani Ananth
controlling Black woman) [1]. Fast
When you think of famous Black female musicians, who comes to mind? Beyoncé? Alicia Keys? Rihanna? What about Black female actresses? Halle Berry? Zendaya? Zoe Kravitz? These are all popular answers— but what's one thing they all have in common? They’re all what we call light-skinned. While the list of light-skinned women in the mainstream media goes on, the amount of globally recognized dark-skinned women can be counted on one hand. Light-skinned women have historically been favored in the mainstream media since Black media representation began. The American media has been dominated by white broadcast agencies and networks for as long as it has existed. For a long time, there was no representation of any people of color in popular television, movies, or music. When representation of Black women finally began,
categories: the Mammy (the fat old Black woman who cared for white families), the Jezebel (the oversexualized Black woman), and finally the Sapphire (the angry and forward to today when political correctness has come to light, and we start to see Black women represented positively. From singers enjoyed by vast audiences such as Jorja Smith and Kehlani to actresses in some of our favorite movies such as Amandla Stenberg and Zoe Saldana, Black women have been taking the stage. However, the vast majority of these celebrities tend to be not only light-skinned but also have Eurocentric features such as straighter hair and less curvy figures. Colorism in America stems all the way back to times of slavery, when Black women (who were generally all darker at the time as they were brought directly from Africa) were raped by white men to produce mixed-race children. These mixedrace women were more likely to be given tasks such as domestic housework as opposed to the darker women who were forced to work in the fields. This stems from the idea that darker-skinned people were better for doing physical labor while lighter-skinned people were more apt to “domestic” and “intelligent” work [2]. There is even a whole school of thought called scientific racism, where colonizers used the anatomical makeup of African women, or what they called “science”, as a justification to treat them like savages.
Because African women had darker
The cover of the book prior to the
Another place colorism is seen in
skin and curvy bodies, they were
movie production even had a dark-
the Black media is in the women
assumed to have low intelligence
skinned girl on it.
who famous Black men prefer. Some well-known couples in the
and animalistic behavior [3]. This further perpetuated the stereotype
In terms of the music industry, there
Black celebrity world featuring
that dark-skinned women were
are two main genres that Black
lighter-skinned women include Jay-
more loud and unruly while lighter-
women are prevalent in: Hip-Hop
Z and Beyoncé, Quavo and
skinned women were more calm
and R&B. R&B tends to be a softer,
Saweetie, and Big Sean and Jhene
and complacent.
more typically feminine genre,
Aiko. Every single one of these
while Hip-Hop has a harsher sound
couples features a woman who is of
This colorism is not only reflected in
and is mostly male-dominated. The
significantly lighter complexion
the white media, but also in Black
trend in women who make it in
than the man. Kodak Black, an
media. Tyler Perry films are a famous
these genres follows suit. Major
extremely dark-skinned man even
example, where the image of the
names in R&B from the 90s to today
said he refuses to date women of
loud, obnoxious dark-skinned
include TLC, Mariah Carey, Sade,
his own color because they are “too
women is portrayed through Angela
Monica, Alicia Keys, Kehlani, Jhene
gutter” [4].
in Why Did I Get Married, Sabrina in
Aiko, and Ella Mai. All of these
Madea’s Big Happy Family, and many
women have light skin, Eurocentric
more. Some other examples of this
features, and petite body types.
stereotype are Rochelle in Everybody
They are all considered pretty in the
Hates Chris and Pam in the 90s
traditional Eurocentric sense, and
sitcom Martin. Martin is a particularly
none of them are oversexualized.
good example because it also
When we look at Black female
includes the light-skinned
rappers in the same time frame, we
counterpart Gina, who is seen as
see Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Remy Ma,
intelligent and attractive, while Pam
Queen Latifah, Nicki Minaj, Megan
is seen as a joke. Casting calls made
Thee Stallion, and City Girls. The
by Kanye West for his Yeezy line and
women on this list on average have
Straight Outta Compton both asked
much darker skin than the women
for lighter women with more
mentioned on the R&B list. They
Eurocentric features. Straight Outta
also have much curvier body types,
Compton specifically referred to A
which leads to them being seen as
list girls as having “real hair” as a
much more sexual yet somehow
requirement, while D list girls were
less feminine at the same time. The
referred to as “African American,”
type of Black women who typically
“poor,” “out of shape,” and “medium
make it in R&B, a more “sweet” and
to dark skin tone” [4]. Just recently
“feminine” genre versus the women
the movie The Hate U Give started a
who make it in rap, a more
lot of conversations on colorism.
“aggressive” genre has colorist
While the main character in the
tendencies in itself.
book was depicted as a fully Black dark-skinned young girl, the movie cast Amandla Stenberg, who is half white and light-skinned.
Unfortunately, colorism has much
Why is the Black community
Lastly, advocating for more diverse
more serious consequences than
perpetuating these stereotypes of
portrayals of dark-skinned women in
simply what we see on TV. Studies
their own people? One reason goes
a positive light is very important. A
show that colorism can result in
back to this deep-rooted problem of
big reason dark-skinned women
darker women receiving harsher
internalizing what is seen in the
suffer the consequences of colorism
prison sentences, lower
media. For centuries European
which they do is because the media
socioeconomic status, less prestige,
colonizers perpetuated the idea that
portrays them as less attractive,
and less likelihood to receive
lighter skin was better, through
intelligent, and responsible than
representation in the government by
slavery, during the Jim Crow era
lighter-skinned women. Pushing for
holding office than their lighter
following that, and now more subtly
more dark-skinned women in hero
counterparts. A Villanova University
but still very much prevalently
roles in film and television will
study of more than 12,000 African-
through the media where lighter-
significantly help change the
American women imprisoned in
skinned characters are seen as more
narrative.
North Carolina found that lighter-
desirable. With the message that
skinned Black women received
lighter is better broadcasted
Recently, things have certainly been
shorter sentences than their darker-
everywhere, it is extremely difficult
taking a turn for the better. Visibility
skinned counterparts. Previous
not to internalize regardless of what
for A-list dark-skinned girls under 30
research by Stanford psychologist
color you are.
has been a major challenge for the
Jennifer Eberhardt found that
mainstream media. Two young girls
darker-skinned Black defendants
So, what can be done to combat
who are currently in the spotlight as
were two times more likely than
colorism? One of the first things is to
young Black actresses are Marsai
lighter-skinned Black defendants to
consciously try to change your own
Martin and Skai Jackson. Neither is of
get the death penalty for crimes
worldview and recognize any colorist
light complexion and yet both are
involving white victims. Colorism
internalizations the media may have
making major strides in the
does not just play a role when it
transferred to you. Once you
entertainment industry. They are
comes to work or in the criminal
recognize your own colorist
both only teenagers and have
justice system but in the romantic
tendencies, including potentially
already had a leading role in a
realm as well. Because fair skin is
your own light-skinned privilege,
popular TV show, not to mention a
associated with beauty and status,
then you can start to help with the
whole career ahead of them.
light-skinned Black women are more
issue on a larger scale. One of the
Another big win for the
likely to be married than darker-
best ways to do this is engaging in
representation of dark-skinned
skinned Black women, according to
open and honest dialogues about
women was the casting of Issa Rae
some reports. The colorism depicted
colorism, and hearing different
as the female lead in a romance
in the media causes personal, social,
peoples’ experiences with the topic.
movie, The Photograph. Love
political and economic ramifications
Since the media plays a large part in
interests are a role that have
for darker-skinned women [6].
instilling colorism in society today,
historically been reserved for light-
media literacy could be a very
skinned women, so the casting of a
successful tool. Media literacy helps
dark-skinned woman as a smart,
people to decode the hidden
sweet and attractive character is very
messages the media is trying to feed
much a step in the right direction.
to its viewers and to critically analyze media such that not all of it is automatically assumed to be factual.
Lastly, I would like to shout out one of my personal favorite R&B singers, Ari Lennox. Ari is a dark-skinned woman with a curvy body, strong features, and kinky hair who is slaying in a genre that is typically full of lighter-skinned women with more Eurocentric features. She is challenging several beauty standards that have been imposed on Black women and most importantly spreading the message that darkskinned women are beautiful the way they are. She most often presents herself with minimal makeup and natural hair, and looks stunning while at it. She sets the example for girls that have dark skin, curvy figures, ethnic features and natural hair that they too can be successful in the mainstream media. Marsai, Skai, Issa, and Ari are only a few of the examples who are changing the game for dark-skinned women. While there is still a lot of work to be done to combat colorism, these women amongst several others are proof that we are off to a good start.
Is Bad Gal RiRi… Bad? by Cheyenne Dobine
Let’s talk about Rihanna. Robyn Rihanna Fenty, better known as Rihanna, has continuously expanded her empire and legacy. Although she rose to success through her very successful music career, recently Rihanna has transcended into a variety of industries, including both cosmetics and apparel. Of course, her achievements in these spaces came from her own hard work and personal branding, but it is important to consider the additional factors that played into this success. Rihanna’s lingerie company, Savage x Fenty, launched in 2018 and has already proven to be serious competition for a company that has reigned supreme in the lingerie market for years: Victoria’s Secret. Victoria’s Secret, well-known for their “sexy” lingerie and their annual fashion show, has received backlash in recent years for their lack of inclusivity in both the races and body shapes in which they represent and ultimately promote as their target market. Victoria’s Secret models are typically white, stick thin, and conventionally beautiful because of their Eurocentric features. In contrast, Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty now includes “bra sizes […] from 32A to 44DDD, while underwear runs from XS to 3X—and consumers can [even] specify if their size isn’t available”1 in addition to campaigns featuring models of color and a variety of shapes and sizes. Representation is crucial to how Black women see themselves, such as feelings of alienation that comes with the lack of fair representation we have experienced up until now. Even before the success of Savage x Fenty, Rihanna debuted Fenty Beauty in 2017, “which continues to receive rightful praise for its focus on inclusivity.” Rihanna has navigated a white male-dominated industry to make a mogul out of
herself, and that alone deserves praise. The makeup industry has been criticized for its lack of inclusivity in offering shades for Black women and recognizing the different complexions of Black women. Rihanna’s line is centered around providing products that work for Black women of all shades. Rihanna’s brand capitalizes on being inclusive for Black women, which in many ways increases profitability in a market centered on white beauty standards, so it is important to recognize the politics that play into this success. The values within the United States are still based on working towards increasing your chances of upward mobility and meritocracy. So, it is no shock that those in the spotlight with enough resources may want to work on building more of a brand and continuing in their success. Rihanna should be applauded not only for accomplishing that but for using her platform to improve diversity in those sectors. However, the history of racism and colonialism still has repercussions today in what types of people are able to make an empire out of themselves. Rihanna is a very influential Black woman, but it is important to recognize what aided in her huge success: she is light-skinned and very beautiful. MTV’s Decoded recognizes that “Black people with lighter skin, straighter hair, and more Eurocentric features have always been given [a greater] number of opportunities to access white spaces and institutions”3 than their darkerskinned counterparts. Rihanna successfully entered a white space and made a brand for herself that has been pushing out the white
competition, but this is due to this color privilege. Both Savage x Fenty and Fenty Beauty have shown the power a Black woman can establish in these spaces, but just consider what Rihanna looks like. Rihanna, born on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, also benefits from the idea of “exoticism” because of where she was born. Rihanna, of course, has incorporated elements of her culture into her music and persona. But the way in which the public receives her also plays into this idea. Although Rihanna is Black, she benefits from not being labeled as an African-American woman. In American society, African-American women are the most disadvantaged and stereotyped. To this day, “Black female bodies are continually excluded from Western discourses on beauty and femininity. Black female images are most visible in marginalized, sexualized forums.” Many beauty campaigns and fashion shows rarely feature Black women, and further than that, rarely feature more than one representation of a Black woman.
Author bell hooks wrote about the transformation needed for Black women to uproot their oppression and transform how they are seen. The lack of diversity within the media is very impactful in how Black women see themselves. Hooks states, “it is only as we collectively change the way we look at ourselves and the world that we can change how we are seen.” Even in the exposure of Black women in the media, only some are at the forefront of the conversation. For example, with Black female musicians, many most likely think of Beyoncé, Rihanna, or Nicki Minaj. Each of those extremely talented artists benefits from light skin privilege and their conventional beauty, and in return, have become household names and created their own empires. In many ways, the media only shows one version of a successful Black woman, with too few exceptions. As hooks asks, “if we, Black people, have learned to cherish hateful images of ourselves, then what process of looking allows us to counter the seduction of images that threatens to dehumanize and colonize?” The media and companies such as Victoria’s Secret or major makeup brands have failed to include black women in the narrative of these spaces, whether it be through their deliberate choice in models or the overall inclusivity of their products.
This lack of representation can lead Black people, and specifically Black women, to believe that because they are not represented, they are somehow out of the norm, not worthy of representation. And what about the Black women who look differently than Rihanna, or the one Black model Victoria’s Secret uses? According to hooks, “unless we transform the images of blackness, of black people, our ways of looking and our ways of being seen, we cannot make radical interventions that will fundamentally alter our situation.” Rihanna has used her platform and fanbase to build an inclusive brand for Black women in a number of industries, and that is a great success for Black women-owned businesses. However, we must recognize the benefits Rihanna has gained because of who she is as an individual, a light-skinned and “exotic” Black woman who appeals to the masses because of her appearance, whether individuals recognize the power of her privilege or not. Rihanna’s success works to remind us which Black women we allow to transcend this white, capitalist society with greater ease (not to disregard her extremely hard work and talent). As a society, we have to recognize this privilege and ensure that every “type” of Black woman is afforded the same opportunities regardless of colonialist ideas of insisting the superiority of a specific type of Black woman above another. With more Black women finally receiving the recognition they deserve in these spaces, we have to begin with making inclusivity (body shape, skin tone, etc.) the norm.
All About The Naps What does it mean to have nappy hair? If you look it up on Google, it lays it out on the line. “Nappy” hair “is historically used as
a
derogatory
especially
term
women,
to
many
describe of
whom
the
hair
have
of
black
By Jennifer Uyanga
people,
re-appropriated
the
term” (Dictionary.com). For centuries, the hair of Black women has
been
discriminated
against,
judged,
and
now,
today,
appropriated. The hair has been through a history. The hair has evolved with the fusing of new customs of self-care. The hair has grown, shrunk, been damaged, and repaired. The hair of Black women has a story.
Let’s start with the bias against natural hair. People look at the image of a Black woman and deem them as apart from society because of their skin, shape, and wild hair. In response, Black women build walls to hide their true selves; they try to conform so
that
they
concealing
can
feel
their
accepted
beautiful
and
naps
wanted.
and
They
replacing
resort
them
to
with
inauthentic masks. In this crooked room, Black women “tilt and bend
themselves
to
fit
the
distortion”
(Harris-Perry
48,
Sister
Citizen). In the chapter of a reading title Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America, by Melissa V. HarrisPerry, the fight between shame and women are described as an ongoing
battle
themselves,
that
and
disallows
more
so,
Black
feeling
women beautiful.
from
being
The
three
components of shame include the social aspect in which we feel the shame within an audience, the global aspect in which we
So
evaluate
how
can
a
Black
woman
feel
beautiful
when
they
are
and
criticized for wearing their naps yet also blasted when they
physical response to either withdraw, submit, or appease others.
wear the alternative styles that they choose? With natural hair,
Black women have socially felt shamed by the degradation of
comes protection. Protective styles have been incorporated in a
the community. Taking these judgements, they begin to view
Black
themselves as less than. And finally, they respond to this social
Braids are a common way for a Black woman to not only protect
rejection by making adjustments.
their hair, but also to express their cultural roots. They date back
our
own
actions,
and
lastly
the
psychological
women’s
hair
routine
to
promote
healing
and
growth.
to the years of slavery and even before where they became In 2016, the Perception Institute conducted a study in which
much more functional than natural hair. In African civilizations,
implicit and explicit attitudes towards Black women’s hair were
these braided hairstyles upheld societal customs and were also
examined. To summarize, the study titled the “Good Hair” Study,
seen
showed that white women rated natural hair as less beautiful
slavery came along, the traffickers would shave the heads of
and less professional. That the social stigma against natural hair
these women, stripping them of their culture and even humanity.
is
natural
During these times, they had to figure out a way to maintain
hairstyles. It also brought out concerns and social pressures.
their locks for a long period of time and that is when braiding
Black women do not exercise because of their hair, they feel
became practical. In addition, an article by Essence states that
pressured to straighten it for work or special occasions, they
“They
book more professional styling appointments than white women,
communicate with one another underneath their masters’ noses.
they spend more money on products and time on their hair than
That people would use braids as a map to freedom” (Essence).
white women, and they have more difficulty finding products
In
than
another
substantiated
white
by
women.
white
The
women’s
implication
devaluation
is
that
of
natural
hair
is
a
as
fashionable.
became
Red
a
Carpet
It
was
secret
Event
protective
in
style
received
part
of
messaging
2015,
culture
system
Zendaya
similar
negative
their
to
for
out
dreads,
about
when
slaves
popped
braids,
comments
and
her
to
with and
different from the norm. It does not meet the standards or fit the
immediately
“dirty”
societal definition of beauty.
appearance. Yet, when Kim Kardashian continuously came out with different braided styles, people thought she was far from dirty,
doing
cultural
something
appropriation
“different”. following,
With she,
the
backlash
along
with
continued to not care. Black women can never win.
about others,
That is not necessarily a bad thing but, in this day, and age, social media is very influential. When Black women do not see the idolization of natural hair in the media, it is
assumed
blogger,
that
named
natural
hair
is
not
livenaturallylove,
idolized
explains
at
how
all. all
A
the
negative thoughts about natural hair had stemmed from what she did not see in the media. So, she wanted to protect
her
self-image
and
resorted
to
perms
and
straight weaves, damaging her true self-image in the process.
She
concluded
by
saying
that
because
the
media hid natural hair, she did not consider it to be beautiful, and therefore did not consider herself to be beautiful. This is only one story of many. In chapter seven of Sister Citizen, Michelle Obama’s story is shared. It thoroughly captured her experience with stereotypes and how it caused her to try and fit in the crooked room. She had a growing characterization as a hypersexualized and angry
Black
woman.
In
one
event
to
satirize
the
inaccurate characterization of the Obama couple as a threat, an image of Michelle Obama was depicted. In the photo, Michelle Obama is seen with an Afro, but “Michelle has never styled her hair in a large Afro” (Sister Citizen).
Why
is
that?
She
probably
felt
the
social
pressures from being the First Lady, a position with an image that society felt the need to correct all the time, especially because this role had been continuously held by non-Black women. She had to fit in the crooked room.
In earlier years, we have seen public figures in the limelight with straight weaves such as Aaliyah and Lil Kim while others like Tina Turner and Whitney Houston expressed
their
natural
hair.
Fortunately,
as
time
passed by, we have noticed an increase in several significant Black women like Alicia Keys, Issa Rae, and Beyoncé, ditching the cover and embracing their true nature. A natural hair community has evolved through YouTube, blogs, and other social platforms. Stories and journeys have been shared to nurture other Black women on true beauty. The moral of it all is that true beauty is when you just let your hair down. While those of other races have once discriminated against a style they now seem to adore, what is not said about natural hair also plays a huge part in the animosity
towards
it.
Looking
through
the
media,
public figures and celebrities are mostly seen without curls, without their natural hairstyles.
SHoW UP FOR BLACK WOMEN! By Michelle Nkoudou
People often view Black women as being very monolithic. They believe that we are one dimensional and only engage in behaviors that coincide with the stereotypes that society has imposed on us. However, with this, we hope that our peers will stop labeling and limiting their perceptions of Black women. The stereotypes are often internalized and can affect the confidence of Black women and girls. MTV Decoded host Francesca Ramsey discusses 3 undesirable stereotypes of how Black women are portrayed in pop culture all of which are highly demeaning. These stereotypes are perpetual and can be seen in various forms of media since its existence. So rather than restricting Black women, create spaces that allow us to be our true selves without borders. In light of the conversations discussed, we must realize that these are specific individuals with their personal experiences. Although it may seem as though this analysis is specific to all Black women it is not, this is not an exhaustive account of experiences. It excludes conversations discussing femme, LGBTQ and any individual in between who may have different variations of these experiences. In short, we must be mindful of the information we allow ourselves to ingest. The stereotypical representations of many minorities can teach audiences about people they know little or nothing about (Erba, Chen, Kang 3). We must be able to analyze and understand who the creator is and what their intent was.
Let's Grow Together! "The stereotypes are often
internalize d and can affect the
confidence of Black women and girls."
From such a young age we have been told that there can only be one token Black girl. Which has forced many Black girls and women to see one another as competitors rather than allies in various spaces. For there to be a change we must begin amongst ourselves, we can not see progress within our community if we are our biggest enemies. It starts with uplifting one another and realizing others’ successes does not imply you are a failure or less than. We are stronger together; one's prosperity will be the catalyst for future successes for other Black women and girls.
Check up On Ya Girls! We frequently have this tendency to assume that the boisterous or outgoing friend is genuinely in a good mental space. When more often than not they are using their sociable personality to cover up grief. Many Black girls and women have subconsciously internalized the strong Black women stereotype and learned to not share our difficulties especially if they’re not asked about it.There is this notion that African American women should refrain from expressing too much emotion or using specific psychological wellness behaviors, like attending medication or attending counseling (Watson 433). We have been taught to “tough it out” regardless of the situation to show no weakness but this can have very damaging effects. Given this circumstance, make it a routine to ask your girls if they’re happy or just if they’re in a good mental space because it does go a long way.
Multifaced People often view Black women as being very monolithic. They believe that we are one dimensional and only engage in behaviors that coincide with the stereotypes that society has imposed on us. However, with this, we hope that our peers will stop labeling and limiting their perceptions of Black women. The stereotypes are often internalized and can affect the confidence of Black women and girls. MTV Decoded host Francesca Ramsey discusses 3 undesirable stereotypes of how Black women are portrayed in pop culture all of which are highly demeaning. These stereotypes are perpetual and can be seen in various forms of media since its existence. So rather than restricting Black women, create spaces that allow us to be our true selves without borders.
U With Me, or What? To refuse acknowledgment of oppressed individuals is equally as detrimental to inflicting it. Black women are the most marginalized individuals in society but that is often forgotten. It may be difficult for people who are not minorities to understand the struggles of Black women but allyship is greatly appreciated. From family life to professional spaces the systematic inequality against black women is not always considered. However, we value spaces where people acknowledge the discrimination but implement policy to combat it or give Black women and girls the platform to discuss these things.
"To
refuse
acknowledgment of oppressed individuals is equally as
detrimental to inflicting it. Black women are the most marginalized individuals in society but that is often
forgotten."
Internalization of Stereotypes BY LEEYAN REDWOOD You may have recently seen the heart-
What do we do?
wrenching, viral video of the young black girl
We cannot expect all white people to be aware
looking at herself in the camera and saying the
of their implicit biases against black people, but
hurtful words “I am so ugly”. She was then
black people should do their part in combating
embraced by another black woman and
the actions and opinions that are done to further
reaffirmed of her internal and external beauty,
put down black women. If you still aren’t
but the main focus of the video should be on
convinced, then try to have a healthy
why and how a girl so young could be
conversation with a black woman, especially one
subjected to the negative perceptions of black
who attends a predominantly white institution, if
women. A study was conducted in order to
she has ever experienced a moment where her
identify the lasting effects that negative and
self image was impacted by her lack of or
inaccurate representations of black women in
abundance of European beauty standards. I
the media have on young, black people. It
believe that initiating these conversations will be
questions how they interpret the persistent,
helpful in unpacking these issues and allow
and negative stereotypes. This was done so
black women to unload some of their pain. It
through the use of focus groups with black
broke my heart to watch the video of the
high school and college-age youth. It was
emotional black child calling herself ugly, but it
found that the youth identified the images of
inspired me to start to show more love for black
black women as negative, inaccurate and
queens everywhere. That was just one snippet of
offensive. Their responses suggest concerns about how these persistent negative representations of black women impact the black community and the self-image of black women. It should also bring attention to how these negative perceptions are being circulated throughout various groups in society. This is due to the lack of accurate and inoffensive representations of black women in the media.
When a black woman enters a space, she is constantly weighed down by the abundance of assumptions made about her before she is even given a chance to speak. As a black woman, you’re damned if you speak up and reinforce their preconceived notions about your character, and complacency continues this detrimental cycle. How do we expect black women to feel beautiful in a world that has painted them to be the opposite?
the tears that many young black girls have cried. The mental health toll that the “ugliness” the world has made us be is taxing. As a society, we need to be open to difficult conversations and be receptive to the hard to swallow the truth about our tainted perceptions of reality. Stereotypes that were created and rooted in eras of hate will no longer impact growing black women. We need to create a world that allows them to love themselves, unfiltered, unprocessed, unapologetically, but most of all… Femme-Nomenally.
YOU CAN'T ERASE US Ratchet Black Femme Sexuality as Radical and Valid
In essence, she said that everyone is conscious and talked about how Megan Thee Stallion is conscious in how she tells her truth in the same way she, herself, is considered conscious (Breakfast Club Power 105 .1 FM, 2019). Rap is currently at a moment where people want to hear conscious lyrics – deep thoughts and artists they consider woke – but to what extent does this label more strongly restrict Black
By: Mathia Griffith
women than their male counterparts? Artists like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are praised
It feels like everyone wants to be ‘woke,’ engage in things that make them look ‘woke,’ listen to ‘woke’ music and rack up ‘woke’ points to prove they are better than someone else. At what point does being deemed woke become
for speaking up about Black injustice, but do other male rappers who do not wish to fit in this mold face the same level of critique as someone like Megan Thee Stallion? In many ways, Black women have always faced scrutiny
performative?
in ways Black men and white
Rapsody, a Grammy-nominated
to living in these intersections. Is
Black woman rapper from the South, has consistently been labeled as a ‘conscious rapper’ due to the fact that she raps about politics that include themes of Black feminist thought in her music. During an interview on popular
women could not understand due Megan Thee Stallion seen as someone who could be considered conscious or could ever fit in the elitist mold of consciousness and allowed to be considered to give voice to Black womanhood? Can Megan, Cardi B
radio show, “The Breakfast Club”,
or Saweetie’s narratives be seen to
Rapsody was asked about how she
encompass important parts of the
felt about the “stigma” surrounding
lived Black woman experience?
being considered a conscious rapper (Breakfast Club Power 105 .1
To an extent, can the need for a
FM, 2019). As a response, she stated
woman rapper or artist to be
that she hated that label (Breakfast
conscious serve as a racial and
Club Power 105 .1 FM, 2019). In her
gendered tool of respectability
opinion consciousness is essentially
politics? Respectability politics
being aware; in this way,
“has evolved to accommodate
consciousness relates to being
neoliberalism, racial inequality has
aware of yourself, what you do, and
been ‘reproduced within, and not
essentially your lived experiences
simply on black communities,’
(Breakfast Club Power 105 .1 FM,
thus exacerbating the effects of
2019).
secondary marginalization” (Lopez Bunyasi, 2019).
These artists, though talented are not
In a moment where Ratchet Black
Essentially their identities then only
held to a standard that would allow
girls are being highlighted, whether
operate in a binary sense, limiting
them to enter Black political
it be in music or reality T.V., there
them from experiencing the
discourse, in many ways because we
seems to be this need to separate
complex continuum of human
are “Socialized within white
those narratives from the collective
experience and identity (Toliver,
supremacist educational systems
consciousness. Why? Women like
2019). It cannot be the case that we
and by a racist mass media, many
Cardi B or anyone embodying
continue to adhere to white
black people are convinced that our
“Ratchethood” are seen as comical -
middle-class heterosexual Christian
lives are not complex, and are
they are taken in and portrayed in
standards and apply that to what
therefore unworthy of sophisticated
the media as something to laugh at
can be success or validity in our
critical analysis and reflection”
and ridicule, they are not to be
lives. The Black Ratchet Imagination
(Hooks, 2015). We cannot and do not
taken seriously (Pickens, 2015). This
(BRI), used in this context proves
in some ways have the vocabulary or
is a problem, to me, for me, and for
important because it “is a liberatory,
space to analyze what it would mean
all Black girls that fall into this title
imaginative, reconstructive, and
to see these experiences and
of “Ratchet.” In many ways those
authentic space that “is the
narratives that fit into the archetype
who act ratchet, other than being
performance of the failure to be
of “Ratchet” as truly valid or even
seen as comic relief, their identities
respectable, uplifting, and a credit
worthy of exploring.
are also seen as performative
to the race” (Toliver, 2019). When we
(Picken, 2015). This effectively paints
see what is ratchet, what is loud,
Though Video Vixens and Jezebels
these narratives and experiences
what is sexual, what is counter and
have continuously been seen in rap
invisible and as invalid as well as
anti we begin to create our own
and hip-hop culture, have those
harmful to the collective Black
spaces and understandings of
identities been seen as valid? Have
consciousness. Perhaps this
ourselves.
those voices been seen as important
rejection of this portrayal of Black
or necessary? Their vulgarity and
women is related to the fear of
promiscuity is on display but is it
being categorized in that way and
their own? Are we acknowledging
being recognized like that, but why
them as agents of their own
is it inherently bad to be ratchet?
identities or even seeing them as
This part of a Black girl’s identity is
worth exploring in that way? Though
not performative and should not be
a rapper like Cardi B makes money
seen as such. To simplify the many
about talking about being a stripper
complex layers of a Black woman to
and has influenced pop culture, her
nothing more than essentially a
narratives are not seen as conscious
21st-century pop-culture coon is
or valid and instead she is seen as a
problematic at best and toxic at
testament to the fall of Black women
worst. his idea of what is
in today’s society. Ratchet is
respectable versus ratchet and
completely polar to what we are
therefore what is good and bad
supposed to be striving for; the
places Black girls and women in a
Ratchet is promiscuous, loud,
place where they cannot exist
unintelligent, and detrimental to the
authentically.
progression of Black people and these are so-called “issues and critiques” of Cardi B.
It is essential to note the importance
ItThese protective mechanisms we
We cannot fall victim to elitist ways
of not seeing Black women and our
have created to exist in this world
of thinking where listening to
experiences as monolithic, but to see
need to be unpacked.
Rapsody or Kendrick Lamar and
each part of our identities as valid,
Representation in the media has
reading Angela Davis and other
and that absolutely includes the
been discussed on a large scale, and
“worthy” Black thinkers deems us
reclamation of our sexuality and
while it is true that we need to see
superior. As bell hooks said, “Unless
personhood. Though white
more Black doctors or lawyers
we transform images of blackness, of
mainstream feminism in many ways
represented, there is nothing wrong
black people, our ways of looking
has been seen as not for us and
with seeing Black women who twerk
and our ways of being seen, we
limited in its efforts of getting toward
because our narratives are complex
cannot make radical interventions
the idea of equality, liberation, and
and those stories are valid. Too often
that will fundamentally alter our
justice, we can free ourselves in
is there this black or white binary
situation” (2015).
reclaiming our sexuality as valid at a
painted about which kinds of
larger scale (Hooks, 2016). Black
representation is important; that
women like Samirah Raheem at the
depictions of urban, poor, ghetto,
Slut Walk proclaiming that “we are
Blackness is harmful, but those are
all sluts” is important, and does not
people’s stories and they are valid. A
take away from the messages seen
poor urban ‘ghetto’ Black woman
at the forefront of Black political
can still be a brilliant, intelligent,
thought -- it adds to it (IMZA, 2018).
successful Black woman. We need to
Moving beyond our mothers and
be able to see all narratives and all
aunts and grandmothers, who police
parts of those unique narratives as
our bodies as theirs were policed
important. This limited scope of
and as our ancestors’ bodies were
“wokeness” truly does a disservice to
policed, we need to claim our bodies
the lived experiences of Black
and sexuality on our terms.
women from different backgrounds.
SOURCES
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