Black women's presence in certain environments can lead others to feel intimidated. We are often seen as overly emotional creatures who are meant to be fighters for others. We excel in every field and have pioneered and sustained our presence in those spaces for many years. In various fields, from the music industry to the corporate sector, the impact of black women is remarkably significant.
When we speak, our voices are sometimes dismissed as a joke, yet we are still expected to respect the voices of others. There is something about being a black woman in America, let alone in this world that forces us to grow up quicker than most, but also forces us to become emotionally, intelligent, or emotionally unstable at an early age.
In sports, black women have endured so many obstacles from racism, to sexism and colorism. However, these behaviors aren’t something that can hold the black women who are sporting for this country down. In 2021, Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended for one month due to testing positive for marijuana during the Tokyo Olympics. However, Josh Giddey (pedo) gets to play in the Olympics with ease.
In music, Meg Thee Stallion is dominating the rap game and creating space for the blerds who are ratchet but that rubs men the wrong way. She was assaulted by a midget who only cares about himself but the world wants to worry about her sex life. The music industry is a scary place for women in general but especially for black women who are outspoken and truly themselves. The industry wants to break the black woman apart and create clones that don’t even match the energy.
In TV/Film, the market for black women’s stories is at the bottom of the list. Fighting for our true identities to be valued and showcased is a constant battle that often feels lonely. The lack of equality in pay and benefits for a black woman in TV/film is beyond disgusting. Black actresses not only face tough competition among themselves but black women writers also have to exceed expectations to establish themselves as enduring figures in this industry.
In politics, black women are serving and dominating the game every day. However, due to colorism and racism, our voices are being tainted by those who don’t value us as a person, but also by those who can’t see a black woman serving this nation. On one hand, serving this country sounds absurd coming from a black woman in America, yet, it is up to us to change the things that need to be changed. We are always the ones who come and save the day!
In general, black women dominating spaces authentically scares the average person. Some may say even to each other it may come off wrong. We need to be mindful of the spaces we occupy and how they impact others, especially when our voices contributing to this country are not valued or supported.
How can we maintain a positive mindset, support one another, and excel in various environments without suppressing our authentic selves?
Regardless of how you view, black women, we deserve to be heard, to be understood, and to be protected yet those behaviors seem to fall short when it comes to us. The horrifying outcome of Sonya Massey’s life is such a huge disappointment and the perfect example of not valuing the lives of black women. I wished that I could explain why this happened or have peaceful words to say but honestly, I am tired.
I am beyond exhausted and frustrated with the thought of erratic human beings taking the lives of someone special. Their inability to control their egos is troubling, but the idea of concealing our true selves underground is absurd. This country will never be right until they treat the black woman right. Each industry in America needs to take a different approach to building their way of life because black women will one day “run this town”!
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/sports/olympics/shacarri-richardson-suspended-marijuana.html
This is so good and relatable.
Thank you for sharing.