DVD Documentary Tells The Story of the Struggle and the Triumph of Black Women and Girls in America
(March 29, 2012) -- So often we are faced with the question of images regarding African Americans in the media, Black women in particular. I know it has become a big concern of mine not only as it pertains to the world view of Black women (and men), but more so how my daughter and other Black girls are affected by the images they see.
Some take the position that Black women should not be held to a higher standard than white women. That white women argue, shout, fight and act a fool. That other women are allowed to be s*xual, fun and free, so why can't Black women?
I actually don't disagree with those arguments. My concern is this; for every image we see of white women fighting, screaming or carrying on, there are at least ten images that portray them as thoughtful, intelligent and drama free. For every image of White women shaking and showing their stuff, there are a multitude of images that show dignity, grace and often times an even pristine-like character. Essentially, there is a balance. Unfortunately, I don't think we can say the same about Black women in media. In fact, I would say for every so called "positive" image we might see of Black women, we might see 8 images that might be considered "negative".
oh, such a thoughtful insight --- so important to America
jenFad my writing inspiration
I am not a scientist, doctor or evolutionist
but
can 400 years(1492-1864) of being the nonFemale, nonMother, nonFamily --- source----be the cause of Americans looking at africanAmerican females as objects of negativity--imMoral objects, mothers of fighting, screaming or carrying on lawlessly?
i for one LOVE the africanFemale -- a symbol of feminine elegance, motherhood and devotion to family.
but as Kunta Kinte once said, "these look like but are not african"
Ha. You crack me up, but seriously to answer your question truthfully. The answer would be multifactorial rather than try to pin point one thing as the culprit for the demise of our daughters. I know of someone through someone else who's African American dgt has struggled with body image and eating disorder so I can't really say there is one source that we can point to, but many sources.
The solution to overcoming these things is simple. See one's self as the Creator planned for us to see ourself. View one's self through the Creator's lenses and by doing so, we can always see ourselves as He sees us, wonderfully made right from the potter's clay.
