Does The Media Lie to Us – The Truth on The State of Black Women

Brief Summary:

🔖 Are we really seeing the full picture? 👀✨

From Hollywood screens to your IG feed, Black women are often portrayed in ways that miss the mark. 🖤💔

This post unpacks the real vs. the reel—challenging stereotypes, breaking down myths, and celebrating our unmatched resilience. 💪🏾💎

Let’s reclaim the narrative and honor the full complexity of Black womanhood. 🌟

Let’s Jump In:

As someone who delves into research, I often find myself comparing the real experiences of Black women with the often skewed portrayals of them in the media.

While social media is filled with diverse depictions of Black women’s stories, the portrayal on major content pages often lacks this diversity, presenting a narrow view.

And the more drama, the more likes, which leads to a narrative that may not be true. If I were to do a quick Google search on Black women’s narratives in the media, headlines would include “Angry Black Woman,” “Are Black Women Unmarriageable,” and so much more. But does that tell the whole story? Or does it only provide a small glimpse into what some Black women experience?

This post is not geared toward saying the media may not be accurate, but do they provide depictions of Black women the general public would agree with?

While I can’t speak for others, I am often surrounded by Black women doing the damn thing, solo traveling, building businesses, and exploring all that life has to offer. But, I am also surrounded by Black women navigating adulthood the best way they can, working on their goals, and accomplishing their goals.

Now, sometimes, the media does get it right. But, often, they highlight the struggle, the “negative” misconceptions, and trivial “hot topics” that don’t highlight the Black women out here setting the world on fire.

Therefore, today’s post is a love letter to Black women. Yes, we have moments of struggle where we must persevere, but they don’t define us.

At IHateAdulthood, our primary goal is to uplift the Black woman. We aim to discuss areas of growth but also to celebrate our achievements and the unique stories we each have to tell.

Malcolm X once said, “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black Woman. (Feminista Jones, 2020).

IHateAdulthood will always be a safe place for Black women to explore who they are on their adulthood journey without judgment, provide constructive feedback on improving, and bask in the achievements of our stories.

We are not only the headlines or discussion topics on podcasts; we are honest women producing masterpieces.

Dear Black Woman,

The media may define you as often angry or beside yourself, but the passion you exude is often to replace the constant years of being undervalued and demeaned.

The media may define you as unlovable, but you’re worthy of the most beautiful types of love. You’re worthy of a partner who will care, motivate, and honor who you are currently and where you’re trying to go.

The media may say you must always be strong and resilient, but here is your permission to rest. You’ve done what you can; put your superwoman cape to the side and breathe.

The media may define you as “not qualified,” but baby, the statistics say otherwise! We are out here getting degrees, taking over tech/content creation, and handling government business. But even more, we are the “fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.” (Smith, 2024).

The media may try to place you in “stereotypical” boxes, but we know we are multifaceted.

We are redefining history. Shattering glass ceilings at the Olympics. Writing New York Times Best Selling books.

And although it may not always be easy, we are outpacing our counterparts in purchasing homes (Solá, 2024). But I know you’re not surprised, sis. You know, when you put something to your mind, you make it happen.

And I can’t forget we are also taking care of our well-being! Burnout is decreasing; we are saying no to the bull-crap and exploring what it means to have positive mental health.

We are also not accepting what once said and instead being the representation we needed for ourselves in the past.

It’s amazing to go to the doctor and see a Black woman physician, go to the dealership and buy from a Black woman, and stop by the new local restaurant and see a Black woman chef.

If you ever need a reminder of who you are, sis, come back and read this love letter. I know the media often portrays us in a way that may not accurately depict everyone’s story, but I know you’re killing the game.

And don’t worry if you’re not where you want to be. “A Dream Deferred” is not a dream denied (Poetry Foundation, 2019).

You’re on the right path! You’re doing the best you can, and it’s paying off.

Don’t let those outside determine what you are doing inside!

Love,

A fellow Black woman who is proud of us!

I’ll see you all next week. We will answer one question and one question only: “The Gym—Is It My Enemy?”

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed today’s post. Don’t forget to share with fellow Black women. And tell me what you took away from it.

Peace & Prosperity,

IHateAdulthood: The Black Woman’s Search Engine for All Things Adulting!

P.S. Do we like Sunday night uploads??

References:

Poetry Foundation. (2019, September 25). Langston Hughes: “Harlem.” Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/articles/150907/langston-hughes-harlem

Smith, M. (2024, February 18). Black Women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. CNBC.https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/18/black-women-are-the-fastest-growing-group-of-entrepreneurs-in-the-us.html

Solá, A. (2024, February 20). More Black Women are becoming homeowners-it doesn’t mean it’s easier, economist says. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/20/more-black-women-are-becoming-homeowners-it-doesnt-mean-its-easier.html