5 Stereotypes of Black Women We Need to End

1. All Black Women Wear Weaves and Get Perms

This stereotype is probably the one that annoys me the most. First of all, not all black women like weave or perms. Take me for example, I HATE them.

I’ve never had a perm or straightening agent in my hair and the last time I had weave was about 4 years ago.

I hated the weave so much that I took it out after 2 weeks.

I just don’t like the feeling of hair that isn’t mine on my head. I’m so used to my curls that I really didn’t know what to do with other grades of hair.

Last year I promised myself I would not put heat in my hair for at least 3 years. To be honest I don’t get the urge to straighten it at all anymore.

I have let my curl pattern perfect itself, and really love the all natural feeling and look!

It’s time for people to understand that not all black women are alike. I’m not afraid to get my hair wet, in fact I do it pretty much everyday.

Water is the number one moisturizer!

As a child people would tell me I should get a perm and I just looked at them confused, why?????

2. Black Women Are Angry

This is another very annoying stereotype. Anytime a black woman speaks an ounce of truth she’s labeled as angry.

Maybe he’s trying to spread awareness to her people and others all over the world.

Considering the plight of black women in America it is normal to be angry about everything that has happened.

But we’re not always mad. In fact I’m rarely mad. I just want to help educate and spread awareness.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m probably the goofiest person you’ll ever meet, and I laugh at anything (really).

Laughter is good for the soul right?

3. Black Women Are Too Independent

Even though TV always portrays black women as being super independent and not wanting a man it’s simply inaccurate and dangerous to our mental state.

Sorry to tell you but you cannot do it all! You will break (mentally). Maybe you already have.

It’s not normal or necessary to take on the weight of the world. Let someone help you.

Don’t feel bad for self care either. If you don’t take care of yourself FIRST how can you expect to help anyone else.

Black women still value marriage despite what the media may show of us.

We also value helpful fathers, friends and family.

Sisterhood is something that has not dissipated in our community. We love our friends, and hopefully want what’s best for them.

The majority of us don’t always want to hate on the next. Shows like LHH and other reality TV portrays us fighting each other too much.

It’s not only detrimental but it’s also not reality for the grown black woman. Maybe for teenagers but black women are too focused on careers and family to even have time for such drama!

4. The Jezebel Spirit

From what the media portrays of black women we are always seen as sex objects, being overly sexualized, and seductive. Although many women are like this some are not!

We know how to dress modest and keep our curves in the bedroom. This stereotype is very detrimental to the mentality of little black girls growing up.

What does it do to the mind to see yourself being portrayed in music videos? Dancing in a seductive and sultry way.

What impact does the music we listen to have on our minds?

5. Black Women Lack Emotion

Due to our history in the U.S. blacks as a whole have had to suppress their emotions.

Somehow we began equating this as a strength instead of a weakness.

First and foremost the inability to share emotions is NOT a strength. This causes much more harm on our psychology than we like to admit

When you don’t express your feelings you bottle everything up. This will explode one day. Or maybe it already has.

It’s not healthy mentally or physically and you deserve to be able to say what’s on your mind.

Instead of succumbing to these horrible stereotypes, let’s move forward and educate others.

Speak up and tell people who YOU really are as an individual.

If we want to be portrayed differently we have to stop feeding into the media and music industry. Promote music with a message other than sex and money.

Teach your daughters the same, so the next generation won’t have to deal with this.

Together we can break down the ideals made about us. But WE are the only ones who can do it!