Why do people assume Black women are "ghetto"?

Question

Just based off of the questions asked and the answers received here, it seems as if many of the non-Blacks here hold stereotypical views of Black women. Why do you think people think most Black women are like this?

I would like to know, because the truth is that Black women are amongst the most succesful women in this country. The first female millionaire in this country was a Black woman. I'm pretty sure a Black woman still occupies that top dollar spot as well (Oprah).

So why the stereotypes? Do you watch too many hood movies? Do you only actually know 3 or 4 Black women and have based your opinion off that?

I'm sure the rat pack will give me some lovely answers talking about snapping fingers and necks and etcetera but I'm more interested in actual answers.

Born in the USA - You could not burst my bubble, because my bubble is not filled with air. It's filled with my Master's in sociology that I am receiving as of next week. It's also filled with the many research projects I've been involved in and the peer reviewed journal articles I've been working on. What's in yours? HOT AIR!!!

Any stereotype can have "some" truth in it. If I say girls named Jennifer have big boobs, I can easily go out and find 10 girls named Jennifer with fake boobs. So instead of being dense, I urge you to actually understand the concept of stereotype. Begin with a dictionary.

Answer 1

Because if we were portrayed as the royal black queens that were are, it would cast a grey shadow over some pretty white faces. I don't understand why someone has to always be superior in intelligence, finances, power and control.

And we're looked upon as the more ignorant races, hell, our ancestors wove escape routes into quilts and their white masters had no clue. We have been showing and proving our whits from day one, and i think this ghetto business is just another obstacle that we will overcome because we can do that. We are one of if not the strongest races as far as survival instincts go.

Answer 2

A load of nonsense. Black Women are definitely by the far the friendliest in all the group of Women I have met if I am going on my experience. I have probably been insulted or demeaned in some way from every other race such as Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, White atleast one time or the other but I can never remember anyone Black or Mixed Race acting like a prick towards me ever.

Answer 3

Well in certain areas there actually are many ghetto Black women. These Black women make the rest of us look bad. For instance if I took someone to Brixton or Peckham in London they would have nothing positive to say about Black women. Those women make me ashamed. They look like they came fresh out of hotghettomess.com (don't tell me you've never heard of that website).

The media also plays a big part in misrepresenting us. But what we really need to focus on is the ghetto Black women in real life who bring the rest of us down.
"We got to do better"
The real question should be: What can we do about the Black women who give the rest of us a bad name?

Answer 4

Hey. I'm a white female, with multiracial daughters. Some of my family, and close friends are black. Needless to say, their not "ghetto" by a long shot.

I'm assuming those people your talking about are probably white, and they haven't spent any significant time in a black community. They probably get ideas from watching how black women are portrayed on TV...in movies, especially in music videos.

Those of us that have some sense know there are successful black women out there. It's a struggle for me to get some respect from men just because of my gender. My advice to you would be to continue being true to your self, and be a living example. There will always be ignorant people in the world.

Answer 5

The stereotypes exist because they are comfortable blinders for those who don't want to be on an equal footing with other races. Mention names like Oprah and you'll see how quickly the discussion will be sidestepped and she'll be brushed off as the exception to the rule. Mention a name like Halle Berry and those same people will immediately inform you that she is half-White and having a baby with a White guy ( in other words, " less Black"). It makes them feel better to stereotype in a negative fashion. They're not interested in the truth because the reality ( which is present in their subconscious) will offend them. Good question.

Answer 6

Good question. I just left a professional dinner where my coworkers were so shocked that I read the book 100 Years of Solitude. I am trying to read Love in the Time of Cholera. I mentioned that this book was hard to get into and they suggested I try one of Gabriel's easier works. When I said I had read 100 Years Solitude - they acted shocked surprised. That crap burns me up. Folks I have masters degree and you frickin hired me - and yet you are shocked that I not only made it through - but enjoyed that book. It is because ppl - even educated ppl - can have a very limited world view. My granny calls them educated fools.

Answer 7

Your point is well taken. However, when you say "why do PEOPLE assume",...then why also,.... do YOU assume this to be "ALL" of non Blacks.
I, for one and the majority of whites we (my wife & I) associate with do not think like that. I would also like to point out that we, and just about all of our friends, also have friends of all nations, colours, and walks of life. Our partys and get - togethers might look like a U. N. meeting.
Unfortunately we are not in the majority (the HERD mentality) of whites.
Do not go by the mentality on YAHOO.answers. The majority of people that were previously out here with an education or above - average intelligence ( who could change this attitude you speak of) have been reported so many times for speaking with intelligence, truth, honesty, or humour... get REPORTED, and booted off,... by the "very people" you are adressing your message to. Just because they "DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU SAY!"
.......FEEL INFERIOR TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE
....or HAVE NO SENSE OF HUMOUR!

BLAME YAHOO's CURRENT SYSTEM,.... FOR ALLOWING THIS MENTALITY and IGNORANCE to FLOURISH !

Answer 8

black women are ugly with flat nose and fat lips.

that's why their men always marry white women, even the ugly ones as long as they are white. black men find their heaven in white women.

Answer 9

Who cares? Go and get a job *****.

Answer 10

is that really you in the pic cuz u look hot?