Why are there so many negative stereotypes about us Black women?

Question

It really pisses me off. People always stereotype us as angry, unattractive, promiscious, and ghetto. I'm neither of these things. I'm a very shy sista but I was raised to speak my mind and tell the truth. I'm mad because some Black women are pertpetuaing these myths. My mother and father and I worked hard for me not to be "one of these niggarish ghetto girls" And we are treated differnetly true, whenever I go to a high fashion store like Louis Vuttion people are always staring at me and saying rude stuff like "I don't think you'll like anything here, this isn't your style." or when I'm at school or on the street people act so surpised at the way my accent is and say dumb crap like "wow your so articulate" or people ask dumb questions like "how do you do you hair,do you wash your hair?" I'm on my way to college in a year and I'm going to defy every damn stereotype about Black women.

Answer 1

Hmm I thinks as a black woman myself that people like to categorize black women as a whole and not as an individual. You do have those who like to "put wood in the fire" by matching the stereotypes perfectly. But no on ever takes a minute to recognize the the millions of black women out here making it and becoming strong women. Forget the music videos hoes (as some like to call them) and the all the rest because the end of day those respected black women will be the ones to make it on top.

Answer 2

Well, every race has something negative said about them but it all deals with stereotypes, generalizations and the lack of understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Some people think that just because they meet a few black women who fits that mood than every black woman must be like that when it is not true. Secondly, it has to do with the repetitious images that portrays black women in this light over and over again in the media like they can't keep a man, loud, made up, bitter, always having an attitude, promiscuous, and angry. All you can do is live your life and not buy into the hype of stereotypes. People are always going to judge you for something all you can do is live well and happy.

Answer 3

"I'm on my way to college in a year and I'm going to defy every damn stereotype about Black women."
That is a great goal! While in college, you can involve yourself in campus organizations that reach out to the youth community so you can share your observations and your drive to break stereotyping. Most college campuses have a radio station that is operated by students. It's a great format to get your message and vibe out there while having some fun. You also get access to pre-released music promos, concert tickets, movie passes and other fun stuff. You do not have to be in Media, Journalism or Communications to get a show, but those majors get the best time slots. Anyways, go kickass in college!
You shouldn't care what a sales person says to you at Louis Vuttion or anywhere. For real. YOU are shopping there and they just work there.
The next time you go to LV, raise your hackles at the door, smile and walk in like you own the place. When the sales beast walks over to you, just hold some clothes out in front of her face and say, Start a room please. Even us white girls get rude remarks in stores like that, where I end up standing there wishing a sales person would just go piss in the corner to mark their territory and get the whole mindfuck over with.

Answer 4

I am a white female, so I have not had the same experiences with rascism as you, but I will say this, that yes there are alot of negative stereotypes, and alot of people play into them whether they be black/white, male/female, whatever. Society expects people to look and act a certain way. Unfortunatly the people that do not follow the negative stereotypes are still lumped in them. I want to congratulate you on trying to make a difference. Alot of people complain about the way that their race is looked upon but are not willing to stand up and prove them wrong. You just keep on being you and don't worry about what people think because you know you are not any of the negative things, and eventually people will start to see that.

Answer 5

How would one answer a question like this without coming across as racist? I grew up in the iner city and had some really great black friends (girls/women). On the other hand there were some black girls/women who totally made me cringe by the way they acted. I think it is like this, you have your bad seeds in every race, and most of the good seeds are overlooked because they tend to be quiet (like you said you were kind of shy). To me women should act like women. The one thing I hated was how some of the black girls at school were really loud, obnoxious and thought they could say whatever they wanted. This stems directly from bad parenting I think. My mother and the mothers of the friends I have had always told me that if I have nothign nice to say don't say anything.

I think everyone should live by this rule.

Answer 6

I'm white, and unfortunately I'm but forced to have certain views and stereotypes about other races. Everybody is.

For instance, I'm sure that when you think of a white person, you don't see him saying the N word. That's because it is rare to find someone that will say that word, and be white. Let's say there's a white person, who is racist enough to say it. Are you not following a stereotype by assuming that he never utters that word? I think you do.

What I'm saying here is that it is impossible for people not to stereotype, it's an ability that guaranteed us survival as a species. The problem is when people cannot change their stereotype, which shows ignorance.

My situation is this: I have certain stereotypes about black people, and every time I meet someone who is black I'm ready to change my stereotype. And I do, I keep forming it.

Even though I have stereotypes, that "stereotype" contains characters such as Bill Cosby, Collin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, and so on. These are people whom I respect very much, therefore I'm not racist.

I am against ignorant people, and this quality doesn't follow racial lines.

I'm glad you go to college, and I advise you to not only defy every stereotype about Black Women, aim a little bit higher. Defy ALL stereotypes.

Answer 7

It happens with every group. The ones who get the attention are the ones who make the headlines. If you're quiet, a good student, hard-working, etc, you are not on the news. I went through the same thing when I was in college during the Vietnam years. I was doing my studying on a train to go home for the weekend & people on the train were hostle to me for being a student! I live near Miami now & some of the Cubans protest by blocking the streets, etc. Most are hard-working folks who are happy to be here. In conclusion, any radical faction of any group who grabs the headlines puts a negative perspective on all of the rest.

Answer 8

Hello! I understand you :) Your such a brave girl to post this.
About Louis Vuttion everybody can shop there, race doesn't matter. The owner of that glamorous company DOES NOT advertise for caucasians only. Your language I read some negative/slang descriptions though like pisses me off, sista, niggarish ghetto girls and damn, please avoid that. It belongs to the negative stereotypes. Don't be offended.
And don't mind those people who judge you. Go with your dreams. I know you can achieve those one day. Let successful black women inspire you like Oprah, Whoopi, Halle etc. Good luck!

Answer 9

Don't let negative stereotypes get to you. Also if you get comments like "wow you are so articulate or do you wash your hair?", just reply back "I think you are articulate too" or "do you wash your hair?" Finally, if you are being harassed by a shop assistant, complain to the store manager, or better still the store director, I am sure they will not be pleased to hear about employee's who are rude and unwelcoming, to customers and after all, the customer is always right lol.

Answer 10

That is a excellent gesture but when you look at a rap video black girl you also have to look at Oprah and other prolific women as well who have open the door and are successful. My answer is that you just can't account race, but class, education and etc. I myself am a African American male and I will rather watch Ludlow and Company than Rap City. There are stereotypes all over but dont let that tick you off. What matters is your individual personality and to be a beacon of light to others not only to your race but others. The most beautiful thing I learn in my experience in college is my leadership and inspiration not only in my race but illustrating it to people outside my culture. I am not label as a drug dealer or pimp,but a successful college of business student and child of god. Have a blessed holiday and stay focus in your road of life. I see you on top of the mountain with Martin.