American society has labeled us African Americans, specifically women, with stereotypes based on our physical characteristics and/or culture. We are labeled as very religious (churchy), violent, or even short-tempered, just to name a few. These stereotypes should come to an end because it has a negative impact on us African American women, and if it continues it could possibly affect future generations. Whether it's gender or racial stereotypes, oftentimes we tend to view ourselves in that way or get viewed that way by others. It can also affect our relationships, sexuality, employment opportunities, and education. I am going to cover a few of these stereotypes.
"You're pretty for a black girl."
I have heard this saying a few times before. What does this even mean? This is not a compliment! Really, you're telling the woman that you don't find women of her race appealing. Now I'm not saying "be attractive to black women" even though we are! Telling a woman that she's "too pretty" to be a black girl is lowering her self esteem. If you're trying to compliment someone leave their race out of it. We are all attractive in our own way!
"We act ghetto." Or, "We are always loud."
We live in a world that revolves around reality television. Black women are negatively stereotyped on TV. Society places us in a category where we are all loud and ghetto because of how these women on tv carry themselves. This affects black women especially our younger generation because it's showing them that this is the way they're suppose to act and that's not the case. People look at it as a form of entertainment.
Now don't get me wrong. There was a time where I watched reality television. Every TV show you name it I watched it. When I started to notice the level of profanity being used and constantly bashing each other, I stopped watching it. Yes, it might be scripted and the cast has to act a certain way for views, but people are starting to catch the idea that all black women are ghetto. We are labeled as angry, bad attitudes, loud—the list can go on. Reality TV isn't making the issue any better. I will say there are shows out there that portray women in a more positive way. For an example, "Tyler Perry's: For Better or For Worse," which is a common African American sitcom that revolves around the daily life of a married couple, their friends and family. Though the character that is being played may appear angry in some scenes overall their lives are similar to the everyday life of an African American. The only problem is that the younger crowd might get tired of that kind of material. They are going to feel like this isn't enough action and stop watching it. The sitcom will lose views and eventually it would be off air.
We live in a world today that's full of judgment. You cannot tell the person's education level by judging how they dress or look. Before you go judging the person try getting to them first.
