The myth of the STRONG BLACK WOMAN (SBW) is so simple and so clear that it is somewhat amazing that we are still bamboozled.
By Wambui Mwangi
Is it me or is this phrase some what overstated? I mean, Black Women carry a lot of responsibility by herself, including taking care of the kids, the house, the two jobs, the go-to person. Do people expect a Black Women to be stress-free? Whoever coined the term must have been drunk.
“Strong Black Women” has actually done more harm to Black Women than good. To society, we are seen as the culture bearers and community builders. We aren’t suppose to get stressed out, we aren’t suppose to cry, we aren’t suppose to need love or receive, we are suppose to make everyone else feel good and forget ourselves. But the fact is, Black Women want to be love, they want to received, they want to be wanted, get married, live long, please everyone but also be pleased too.
I don’t want to blame Black Men on everything, but the do play a huge role and that’s one of the main reason why I support interracial dating and marriage. Black Men today are selfish, lazy, uneducated, poorer than ever. For decades, the whole world has tricked black women that “Strong Black Women” exist, when in fact it doesn’t. They want us to be their slaves and stand by them no matter what. But Black Men today, however, are excluded from this policy. For some reason, it’s OK for them to date out, it’s OK for them hate Black Women, it’s OK for them to climb up the corporate ladder, it’s OK for them not to support a Black Women at times when we need them the most. Well, IT’S NOT OK!!
Why not Strong White Women/Asian Women/Latina? Four words, Black Men DON'T CARE. Unlike Black Men who most of the time, don’t give a shit, non-Black Men (most of the time) tend to step up to the plate and not just walk out because it would disrupt their lazy lives. Unfortunately, Black Women can't be housewives because we're the go to gal. We have to be the mom and dad and depend on ourselves for support. In the black community, women especially, have to look out for themselves. Top Black leaders care mostly about their men and sons than their own daughters. Sad.
To be a “Strong Black Women”, you have to be eager to work two or more jobs for and not complain. They are suppose to be sympathetic, counselors, therapists, second mothers, and teachers and ask for nothing back. A “Strong Black Women” should stop whatever they’re doing to satisfy whoever and always have a smile on their face. They love their children and community so much even though nobody says thank you. But a “Strong Black Women” shouldn’t care because it isn’t about US, it’s all about everybody else.
Now what century is this?? The early 1800s?? The 50’s?? “Strong Black Women” aka Mammy both mean the same thing. I mean seriously, if you compare the two, the only differences is that one was back in the 40’s and 50’s and the other is the latest slogan for Black Women today. Just like how Black Men have popularize the term Nigger to Niggah, yeah…
It’s OK to serve your community, love your children, your man, and have full responsibility, but it’s not OK for everyone else to take advantage of you. We need love too and at least a Thank You.
Basically, all I’m trying to say is that “Strong Black Women” (SBM) is a fake archetype that has been plugged into our mind to live up too. But face ladies, we can’t. If you can, well then, SHAME ON YOU! DON’T BE A BLACK MAN’S SLAVE!
For now on I will not use this word again. And if I do it’s either an accident or I have to make another important point.
Discuss*
