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Dear White folks who are mad at Michelle Obama for saying Black Girls Rock,
I think I know why you are mad. You are not used to seeing other women rock because for centuries you’ve been told that only you do. Perhaps it is jarring to see that other people exist beyond being your sidekicks, model minorities, imaginary friends and false stereotypes that promote the myth of your supremacy. You see, unlike you, for 400 years Black women and girls have been told we don’t rock. Heck we’ve been told a lot worse. The thing is you’ve never known how it feels to be a Black woman in America. So this post is my meager attempt to show you.
- Imagine how it feels being told every single day that because of the amount of melanin your skin, the world instantly assumes you are hood, ghetto, uneducated, immoral, lazy, a leech on government and violent.
- Imagine knowing that these ideas are lies and regardless of who are and what you do, you can’t change that lie because you don’t control the image.
- Imagine being told that your God-given tresses are ugly, unprofessional, unmanageable and bad hair. (Here, here and here.)
- Imagine having to spend thousands each year on chemicals to straighten your hair, without knowing the health risks of burning and scarring our scalps just to be accepted.
- Imagine not being the standard of beauty within your race. (Here)
- Imagine watching shows, reading articles and hearing new studies where people say you are not marriage material simply based on the color of your skin. (Here, here, here and here)
- Imagine people calling their racist stereotypes about you a preference.
- Imagine knowing that some employers will not look at your resume because you have a Black sounding name. (Here)
- Imagine hearing White women complain about making $.77 to a White man’s dollar when Black women only make $.64 and people rarely talk about it. (Here)
- Imagine being told that regardless of your hopes and dreams that Black women are doomed to be backbone of your race.
- Imagine the burden of constantly representing your race and then being the blame for your race’s ills when one person out of millions of Black people makes a mistake.
- Imagine how it feels when people of your race make rap songs calling you bitches, hoes and anything but the child of god.
- Imagine Black celebrities openly stating that they won’t date you because the your texture of hair, the darkness of your skin and because you are Black. But in the next breath they will use emotional blackmail because if you do not support their movie, album or book, Hollywood won’t hire Black leads. (Here, here and here.)
- Imagine then marching, fighting and dying for the Black men, White women and others who ignore you because you are a Black woman. (Here and here.)
- Imagine knowing that those same people will never march, fight or even die for you. They’d prefer to ignore you. (Here and here.)
- Imagine having nonBlacks mock 400 years of rape, murder, broken families, state supported terrorism against you, income inequality and your ability to survive it all by calling themselves “a strong independent Black woman.” (Here and here)
- Imagine how it feels when your existence becomes a joke made by Black male comedians to their White audiences. (Here)
- Imagine how it feels to have to wait over 30 years to finally see a Black woman lead on TV. This time she wasn’t a slave, on drugs, a prostitute, a maid, struggling or a big mamma, with superhuman strength who was sassy and angry, but content with her pain because she’s overly religious. (Here)
- Imagine having those new images questioned because all Black women are supposed to be angry, not classically beautiful, are told there are too many on TV and are supposed to be a stereotype. (Here and here)
- Imagine how it feels to know that even though your family has been here for 400 years, your history is not considered standard American history. It is only recognized in February and even during the month of February being told that Black history heroes are all Black men. (Here)
- Imagine how it feels to be ignored in America when 64,000 of our daughters, mothers and sisters are missing. (Here)
- Imagine how it feels to be one of the 40-60% of Black women and girls who are sexually abused by the time they reach 18 years old. (Here)
- Imagine how it feels to be suspended from school at a higher rate than your peers of other races who commit the same infractions. (Here and here)
- Imagine how it feels to receive a higher prison sentence for the same crimes than your female peers simply because you have Black skin. (Here)
- Imagine being told you are the blame for the country’s social ills when statistics show you are not.
- Imagine having to write this post and explaining to someone whose image dominates the media and race controls the political, social and economic spheres why Black girls rock.
- Imagine having you discount everything I said because deep down, you like things just the way they are.
After everything I have said (and I could go on), if Black women and girls being told by another Black woman that they rock offends you, check yourself and your insecurities. Instead of having a problem with Black Girls Rock, have a problem with the White supremacy that constantly tries remind Black women and girls that we don’t. Direct your energy towards a world that refuses to recognize our collective humanity. If you did, we wouldn’t have to constantly remind Black women and girls that we are powerful, beautiful, worthy and full of love. You see, it is a revolutionary act to be a Black girl or woman who loves herself in a world where she is reminded that she should not. Even with every odd stacked against us, Black women and girls are thriving (see here, here and here). So yes, Black girls do rock.
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I never had a problem with black women rocking . It’s nice to see any woman having confidence in herself . We actually need of that these days .
And less atheism (couldn’t resist lol)
Of course you couldn’t. Can’t have too many women thinking outside of ancient doctrine
Kudos to you for writing this because for real, my time & energy for those people are gone. Those who get it, great. Those who don’t, goodbye.
Yup! My sentiments exactly.
Amen!!!!!
Omg!!!!!! Really?!?!?! God I don’t get any fucking race. Everyone’s so goddamn caught up in themselves and color that everyone gets bashed. We are all humans, we are equal! Black, white yellow green who cares. Its the people who have a problem with everything, rights are rights we all get them. Who cares ms. Obama is black who cares she’s supporting black girls boo how oh well why does it have to be a racist thing, ya it would be weird if it was a white thing but that’s what we as humans created for our minds to go off of. Nothing will change unless we make the change!!! We as in white and black….all races.
9/10 the person always saying we need to stop talking about race, never has to deal with racial issues. Color blind mentality is RACIST. It trivializes the experiences that people who HAVE to deal with racial issues go through on a regular basis. It is hipster BS.
Wow. Stuff like these comments makes me kind of ashamed that I’m half white. It’s complete white privilege to think that black girls don’t need to be told how awesome they are. I’m blown away at how self centered and ignorant some people can be.
Ohhhhhhhh lol after all these years now we want to be a color blind society. Lol let’s just forget it ever happened
I think it’s a good idea to have ‘black girls rock’. It’s not saying ‘black girls are better’ or ‘black girls are superior’ it’s just letting other black chicks know that they rock just as much as white chicks or asian chicks or etc. That being said lets all agree that people would be pissed if there was a ‘white girls rock’ program.
If White women who are Italian or Irish, for example, did a program called “Italian Girls Rock” or “Irish Girls Rock” celebrating their culture and accomplishments, nobody would bat an eye. In fact, people would probably tune into the show in record numbers to find out what it was all about. I would bet even if Latinas (many of whom are of color, I might add) did a “Latina Girls Rock” few would be outraged. The problem is that Black people are not supposed to show any pride or celebrate who we are. That is offensive to hateful and racist people. We are supposed to stay downtrodden, ashamed, and immoral. Black women are supposed to continue to hate who they are and to buy into the negative stereotypes that we are ugly, angry, and uneducated. The nerve of we Black women to think and KNOW that we matter and that we rock!
I disagree with something very unspecific in this article. It says “how it feels to be a Black woman in America”. Wrong! It speaks about “how it feels to be a Black woman in United States”. I live in America, actually in Canada, and this is not at all the way black women are perceived here.Nor in the Caribeans. Nor in Brazil. Nor in most American countries. This is a U.S. problem ; not an “American” problem.
Wow.
The sheer amount of white ignorance on a black woman’s blog is appalling.
I really don’t need to reiterate anything other than to say that this was absolutely brilliant and needed.
I am a single father to a beautiful black daughter. She is perfect to me in every single way.
A few days ago she came home from school (she’s six) and asked me, “Daddy, am I too dark?”
Needless to say I had to circumvent all of that with some fatherly love and affirmation.
I will be watching Black Girls Rock with my daughter this Sunday and will continue to make it a point to reaffirm her daily. I am even going to advise her to read this blog as well (once she’s a little older).
White people in America are so racist that they’ve accepted it and anything that shows them how racist they are they violently reject it. It shows from the reactions to Michelle Obama and the white ignorance (and self centeredness) here.
Amen my brother!
Yes my brother I love to see parents of color directing their children in the right atmosphere she should watch black girls rock n parents should watch also especially with small girls of color I have a daughter studying to be a Dr. n I have always encourage her to be proud of who u are!!!!
Yes Jean Guy Laroque1 African Canadian women are perceived and treated the same way by white people in Canada as they are in the USA!
You do know that Canada is not a part of America right? And that America and the United States is the same thing?????
Maybe you meant NORTH America…..
And just so you know, African American people experience racism from Caribbeans and Latin Americans also…
Oh wow, look at all the angry black folks! Well hey listen, I was just simply trying to get you to open your eyes and see other peoples point of view and really try to let you know that black peopke really arent alone in discrimination and oppression and th hat there are better ways to deal with it other than holding on to all that anger and lashing out because of things that happened a long time ago…the world is changing….slowly but surely…but you gotta do your part too…being angry and throwing racism around is doing nothing but hindering the growth of our nation period…now if you cant see that, then i cant make you see it…I guess it just wont be in my lifetime…oh well good luck with all that…bye now
There was a protest in 2013 in Brazil by Afro- Brazilian models about their lack of representation in the industry and on cat-walks.
No I am sorry, I beg to difer. I have lived in Canada United states and worked in Brazil. Sorry black women are on the lowest of the totem,pole also. Especially in Brazil even with all the mixtures but if you,are noticeably black like in Bahia you, know that you life is not going to,be as easy as your white,counterparts.
only those who believe that they must have someone below them will be offended at a statement meant to lift others. if all you have is to be better than someone else, no, you don’t rock and don’t deserve a mention.
Great Job, many people on your comment thread do not understand White Supremacy and White Privilege, including the Black Woman from Canada who is denying Racism doesn’t exist. Powerful, continue speaking truth, do not be discouraged by those who claim we live in a colorblind society (denial of racism).
Agreed.
just for clarification purposes, and because I just can’t help myself: “denying that racism doesn’t exist” is a double negative and actually means the same as affirming that racism does exist.
Correction, the Young Woman from Canada is denying Racism Exist in Canada the Caribbean, and Brazil lives in a bubble!
The United States and America is the same country……The United States of America…..are you guys dumb????
America also refers to continents — not one country. North and South America…one may also refer to Latin America. The person you replied to is by no means dumb, as you asserted. That was quite rude.
What ever happened to unity for ALL people….Sometimes African Americans want equality, then it goes from that to separating yourselves by spewing all this nonsense about black woman this and black man that..Everyone is equal, period…why cant it be that WOMEN ROCK??? Why does the African American person always have to put the word BLACK behind it…If you keep treating and representing yourselves in this manner, we will never be able to fix this problem…Its just completely ridiculous..Im so sick of all this RACIST BULLSHIT from both sides…just FUCKING QUIT IT…Nobody cares if you are white or black…Maybe it starts within your own community…Someone needs to teach black parents how to raise their black children with more love, respect, and be more uplifting with their children WITHOUT the racism…Life would be a whole lot better for everyone…This article does nothing but cause aggravation and uproars for no reason…I for one could care less if you’re white or black, we all gotta get along to live along….Not that it matters but I am neither black nor white, I am NATIVE AMERICAN and I dont go around crying and whining about what other stupid peopke have to say about MY PEOPLE…Get over your damn self already
If you really are Native American, you really should be more concerned about the plight of your people. Native Americans have some of the highest levels of alcoholism, suicide and drug abuse in comparison to most other demographics in the States. A lot of it is the result of the horrible abuses faced by Native Americans throughout history and the fact that very little has been done to rectify it. Just because YOU may not have personally experienced these injustices doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Pretending like race i a non-issue and just going about our daily lives as though oppression isn’t real ISN’T the way to solve ANY of our problems. Bringing light to the fact that we are an oppressed people, and trying to uplift ourselves is NOT whining. It’s JUSTICE. It’s fighting for EQUALITY.
I suggest you do some further reading.
https://revolutionaryfrontlines.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/native-americans-in-the-us-today-oppressed-and-ignored/
Oh believe me, I am 100% percent native american and who are you to tell ME what I should be concerned with? Also you have NO IDEA what I have or have not been through as an individual, let alone as a minority. I am not pretending racism or anything else doesn’t exist, I am simple saying that we ALL have come a loooong way than the way it used to be a looooong time ago…blacks,whites,yellow,blue,etc…Black people are NOT oppressed, they just like to act like they are.We have a BLACK PRESIDENT for Gods sake…I mean get over it…How is anything EVER going to be over if it keeps getting slapped in everyones face all the time??It doesn’t make a lick of sense to want equality in one sentence but in the next sentence is black girl this and black boy that!!! If you ask me, they don’t want to be equal, they want to be BETTER!! Thats not how equality works…So if you want to be better just say so…You dont have to hide behind all this racism and oppression bullshit…It’s 2015..Cant we ALL just get along???
You are so Full of crap, all the nearby toilets are jealous. What ever happened to Uplifting ALL people you ask??????? What kind of idiot question is this???? Do ALL peopel go through the same thing???????? Are ALL peopel treated EQUALLY?????????? Go ahead.. answer it…. if your’re answer is “No, they are not” then you entire asinine posts are rendered irrelevant. If you answer is “yes, everyone is treated equal” then you’re full of crap. Who the hell are YOU to tell people who are oppressed to stop trying to uplift themselves. And other powerful people who understand what they go through to ALSO speak up and empower them….. Like the other person said, worry about YOURSELF, before you open your trap to dare tell black people what they should and shoudlnt talk about… stop using BS false equivalency in your lame arguments.
PREACHHHHH! She so FULL of IT!
my question to imsoconfused… do you see yourself as a black person or a white person? When last I checked if one is not white, he or she is black. So why are you sounding as if your own (black race) is wrong for trying to uplift themselves by reinforcing to others who aren’t even aware of the strides we have made as a people??? check yourself… and the OBSCENE is unnecessary and OBNOXIOUS!
You sound ignorant. Black women are the only race that’s torn down by society. Everything said about black women is negative. Other races are celebrated and displayed in a positive way, black women are not. So for the little girls who go to school everyday and is told she is ugly and she dont fully understand why, she needs to hear that she rocks. When black women try to empower one another there’s a problem and it should be shut down to make other races comfortable. I disagree. Black women are not told enough that they are beautiful, or desired. With all that said if it’s not a big deal, why write a long ass post about it. It obviously bothers you to see or hear black women being glorified. And that’s why Black Girls Rock is necessary! Because of people like you who thinks like you.
Iamsoconfused yes you are confused because everyone is not treated the same. Do some reading and research about how African Americans are mistreated in the justice system with racial profiling. Where have you been for the past year with all the police killing of unarmed African American men, women and children!!
we say “Black Girls Rock” because we do. and you seem very, very threatened by it. understandable. perhaps if native americans had the testicular fortitude to shout “native americans rock”, and uplift their people instead of putting all their efforts toward assimilating, there’d be a president redfeather, or buffalo horn, or something. which in my opinion should have happened waaaaay before a president Obama. after all, this WAS your country for millions of years.
I love the heart and point of view of this author. The article was not meant to add to racial tension or be offensive to others. Take it as a positive and uplifting statement. It is not meant to be insensitive, to downgrade others or to exclude other nationalities of woman. This author merely confirms what many BLACK women feel on a daily basis. The comments speak for women who may feel they don’t have a voice or sounding board. BLACK GIRLS ROCK is an affirmation of the character ans soul of a woman. The people who dislike the affirmation/slogan should keep in mind that every race has a story. This is a reminder of where we have come from and where we are going. ROCK ON SISTAS!!!
Thank you Thank you Thank you this was everything I have always said you rock!
Well said First lady….its about time someone put these thoughts into actual words….proud black women and girls like my self are loving this!!!!
All women, regardless of color, are beautiful, strong, and powerful! Keep living your life with confidence and reminding those around you how amazing and wonderful they are and it will make a world of difference for those lives. It is important to remember to change an individual’s point of view on their life because collectively it can spark change. Racism is taught, no one is born that way. Continue to speak your mind and push for equality and know that you’re trying to make a difference even though so many others watch quietly. As a white women, I think this is such an important thing to talk about. We as women need to stand together to show we CAN start a revolution. Stay strong and confident my friend and know that there are so many more people on your side than you realize!
It’s sad how as soon as someone says “ALL women” or “EVERY woman,” you already know she’s white. Yes, all women rock, but we’re talking about BLACK GIRLS right now. Not everything is about you all the time & if the world was as much effort into representing women of color & making them feel as beautiful as “all” (white) women, black ones wouldn’t need constant reminders now would they? Instead of trying to squeeze “all” & “every” woman/girl so you still feel special & included, you let black women have ONE thing for themselves? Have the past 400 years not been enough for you?
CLEO - YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY THE RACIST ONE HERE! IT IS BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT THERE IS A DIVISON BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE WOMEN! WE CANT BE EQUAL BECAUSE OF THE IGNORANT COMMENTS LIKE YOURS! AND GUESS WHAT, MY MOTHER IS BLACK AND MY FATHER IS WHITE! IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO HOW YOU ARE RAISED!! i WAS RAISED KNOWING WE ARE ALL EQUAL. YOU OBVIOUSLY ARE GOING OFF OF WHAT YOU WERE RAISED BELIEVING! THE ISSUE IS…PEOPLE LIKE YOU STILL WANT TO ACT LIKE YOU ARE LIVING IN THE PAST! YES, OUR ANCESTORS WERE SEVERLY MISTREATED BY “WHITE” PEOPLE BACK IN THE DAY. BUT GUESS WHAT, THOSE WHITE PEOPLE THAT DID THE MISTREATING ARE NOT HERE ANY MORE! “WE THE PEOPLE” IS FOR ALL PEOPLE! WE HAVE ALL COME A LONG WAY AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU NEED TO REALIZE THAT IT IS 2015 AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE AND STOP DWELLING ON HISTORY! YOU DO THIS TO YOURSELF!!! THAT IS ALL I AM SAYING AND I AM NOT EVEN GOING TO FOLLOW THIS POST SO DONT WASTE YOU TIME WRITING BACK!
Thats lie! some of the same simple minded ppl are still here because they have passed it down from generations of familes its in there blood. We still deal with the same racism today just a defferent century so you kill that bs you talking about.I don’t live in a box I can hear, see and think for my own self. If your not black then no you don’t know and don’t have to deal with it so you don’t see what we see. Alive and Well
You are so full if it. LOL!
Kayla, I meet people like you all the time. I applaud you for wanting to see and FEEL the equality we all deserve. I can see your heart. I do pity you though, “those people are all gone now” hmm. Black Girls Rock is something you should really watch, because by your statements I gather, you have issues with your Black Ancestry because you have bought into the ugly stereotypes of Black women/people. Do you consider your self Black? Do you have only non-black friends? Will you only date {if you are old enough} non-blacks. There is a real world out there young lady and again I pity you.
Of COURSE they do, but not ALL women are treated equally, and not ALL women are told or reinforced to believe they do indeed rock. Stop IGNORING the issue just so you can play Hipster.
You cannot sit there with as straight face and spew nonsense that black women are told DAILY they rock in our country and all aspects of media to the level white women are……. If that is what you are saying, I feel sorry for your grasp of reality.
That’s a point u r absolutely right no one is born rascist but it’s taught right in the households of many of people other than of color. A lot of grown parents of these children r racists n that’s where it all stem from I believe most of the time their told don’t play with her the darker child no she can’t come to ur sleepovers or engage in our parties or be invited to our social events. A child need to learn this at a early age in the home with his or her parents n a lot of times I’ve been told by some of these grown people today that all of this took place in their home they were told boy can’t hang out with THOSE PEOPLE!!!!!
If I go to the mirror and scream “I rock” its not taking away from other women “rocking”. Its not some exclusive club we are barring you from..saying black girls rock doesn’t mean other suck, or matter less. Like why is that a hard idea to grasp.
I watch commercials, no black women, esp none with my skin tone. I watch movie after movie, show after show, shoot even the new “Love your curls” campaign by dove is missing a few shades of curlyness. We rarely win your pageants and even when we are called beautiful the word “unconventional” is thrown around. Likr seriously?
And when we love and support each other, build each other up folks get mad. Tell me I need to embrace all women?! Becuase pride in myself is such a threat to you? Jewish communities, women they can segregate and build but we cant, gotcha.
Black Girls Rock.
BLACK GIRLS ROCK!!!
With allllll these comments justifying why Mrs. Obama was wrong still doesn’t do anything because…….BLACK GIRLS ROCK BLACK WOMAN ROCK. Period.
Every woman rocks! Whether black or white or any color. Every man rocks! Every human rocks! Why categorize it? (Also, I haven’t heard any white women saying Michelle was wrong for saying that.)… the only problem I have with this entire article and the entire media for that matter are peoples double standards. For instance, if she (or some other politician) had said white woman rock instead of black women it would have suddenly been considered racist!… I am a white woman, and sometimes I feel afraid to be proud of who I am for fear of being called racist when I am not at all. Yes I agree, some white people are racist, some black people are, as are some asians and on and on. But to categorize all white women as racist, is making you no better than the racists you are calling them out to be.
I must agree with you. ALL WOMEN ROCK! I’m black so….BLACK GIRLS ROCK!
Seeing as how the media tells white women they rock everyday in life…Im not understanding. Like, America is founded on Eurocentric ideals.Especially when it comes to standards beauty. I mean there are makeup lines that STILL dont even include African American skin tones for crying out loUd. America essentially revolves around yall.. Everyonr does have personal struggles with self esteem. Nobody tells you daily that your hair that grows out of your head is undesirable or nappy…my hair to many people is the definition of a bad hair day.Or that you’re too dark, or get called “Blackie”…or have kids not play with you because you’re black. And itd be great if it stopped in elementary school. But as a grown woman, this crap still happens but on an adult level…and its also institutionalized. Yes, in 2015. So yea, all women do rock. However a little encouragement from the first lady and others, acknowledging the struggle which Im sure she can relate to…., is very nice when you get daily reminders from others who tell you that you don’t rock. Affirmation is nice. Unfortunately, some just wont get it…cuz they haven’t lived on the other side. Some wont care to get it…which isnt news to anyone anyway cuz that’s how stuff has been rolling since ever.
I, personally, have NOT seen or heard any white people say “White women rock” on a daily basis, nor ever. Women have been oppressed for a long time and still don’t make the same wages as men for the same positions. Women are emotional creatures and will always take offense to anyone calling “someone else” prettier or that they “rock.”
As far as makeup lines not having the complete spectrum of shades to cover all ethnicities, it’s pretty hard when everyone in the world has a different skin tone, right?! The darker the skin, the more beautiful it becomes, the less it wrinkles, and the less makeup it needs, in my opinion. But who am I to say darker skin is more beautiful…though it’s true.
And to the Canadians in this post, I grew up in Southern Ontario and I was not taught what racism was until I was 14 and moved to Texas, USA.
Before anyone tries to say anything about me and my experiences, I HAVE dealt with racism, being the only white person in the area I was living in, when I lived in Louisiana for 6 months. All I heard was “The white man this,” and “the white man that.” With strange looks coming in my direction. I got picked on in high school and right after for dating other races (I don’t see race, just people), and specifically black women would say “why do you have to steal OUR men?” Like, sorry, I realize all men of color belonged to YOU! People don’t own people. Just saying. Not here. Maybe in other countries, but not in the USA. Not today. Maybe 200 years ago, but not today.
All women should be told they are beautiful. Period. My daughter goes through it because she is mixed and sometimes she “isn’t black enough” for her friends. I don’t understand, but people will find something to make fun of, no matter what you look like.
Powerful….
Although it could be tempting to debate or further explain the ‘why’s’ of this amazing article or the importance as to why the constant reminders are needed, it is, at this moment pointless due to much of the instilled oblivion that has been subconsciously instilled. I used to explain and explain and some still will never understand why shows as thid and why powerful women such as First Lady Obama making statements gives hope for young Black girls all over the world. I mention oblivion because when shows as such are aired and women such as First Lady Obama speaks proudly of ‘Black Girls Rock’ it disturbs the comfort of living in a world of I really didnt know, kinda knew or could care less because I like the way things are mentality. In terms of the young woman speaking about the lack of racism in Canada, the Caribbean or Brazil, many would disagree and would educate on the class/color caste systems that still exist in the Caribbean especially where the billboards, tv shows, magazined and show shoe the lighter hued women or the women who are white. As far as Canada, although a person may not experience it personally, the world instilled standards,mostly European standards of beauty influences the world, not just in the United States, hence the caste systems that unfortunately still exist in the world where the darker peoples are deemed as the lowest. Hence the ill thought needs for skin lightening creams in Africa, parts of Asia and the Americas…so yes, perhaps personally direct racism may not have graced your path, but indirectly it is an imbedded institution of brokenness that affects the mentality of many. I mean, we still judge based on ‘colorism’ and ‘texturism’ (the good hair/bad hair menrality). Until the brokenness is healed and people are open to release their comfortable world of oblivion, messages as such are deemed valuable, then…humans will see each other as humans, minus tge stereotypes.
Thank you so much for this article.
I can’t imagine how frustrating and painful it must be to have to PROVE with actual evidence of the incredible amount of injustice there is facing black women, to prove and justify why it is important to empower them.
For naysayers, think of it this way: I assume all feminists, intersectional or no, see the value of encouraging girls in STEM fields, no? Girls in these classes receive constant negative feedback from their peers, teachers, and culture at large that they are not good enough. Should we not encourage them at risk of not encouraging boys equally?
Why is it so hard to make the jump that, just as girls overall need to be focused on and empowered specifically (rather than, “lets empower girls AND boys” which, obviously, would be great, but not the point), black girls need some special attention and care as well?
If you’re really concerned about all girls not getting enough attention equally, put your money where your mouth is, and take an extra close look at making sure that ALL girls are included equally in your endeavors, and stop trying to tear other movements down.
Elle, Lets say ” Black Girls Rock is a part of a movement, we will get to the others as we progress. I am concerned about all children, black, white, girls and boys. This is an EMPOWERMET thing for a sector of the population. Why does it bother you? Check your statements, you are really given rise to White Privilege! It has to be accepted and proven in your eyes, by your standards. I get it. You have to create it, it has to be something you deem important. Its has to be important to you……. See why “Black Girls Rock” is important.
White girls are told they rock everyday.Hell,they are even put on a pedestal within our own community. When we sing the praises of black men no one says anything but the minute anyone tries to uplift black women it’s a problem.
Who in the hell cares what color your skin is?!?!?! If you define yourself by your skin color than that label is on YOU! Nobody else! I noticed your article stated “for 400 years Black women and girls have been told we don’t rock. Heck we’ve been told a lot worse”…um excuse me? Who is we? Your ancestors? I’m sure that your mother, father, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, friends, whomever DID NOT CALL YOU NAMES! Please tell me that you are educated enough to know that there were hundreds of thousands of Native American slaves as well as white slaves. Not all slaves were black. Do you hear me complaining that my great great grandmother was murdered on the Trail of Tears by white people? NOPE! No our First Lady should NOT indicate that only black girls rock… How about ALL girls rock? Why do you have to be black to be told that you rock by Michelle Obama? WTF?! Get over YOUR OWN RACISM!
Cat go back and read your history. There were no white slaves. They were indentured servants who served a term of 5 to 7 years indentureship then they were free to live their white lives. Africans were enslaved for life, they were raped, castrated, forced to work without pay, beaten to death, sold away from their children and partners. No white person was forced to speak a language that was not theirs or beaten until they accepted a name that was not theirs. Oh please what white person in the USA was ever a slave?? Get real!!
ElizabethJonas, I’m not trying to discredit your point, which I agree with (more or less) but I think it’s worth reminding you that there actually were white slaves in ancient civilizations including Greece and Rome. There are also STILL white slaves. Let’s not allow ourselves to forget about the approximated 27million individuals who are being sex trafficked across the globe.
Ancient civilisations did not have race based slavery that was justified by the so called inferiority of black people. Race based slavery in the so called new world was unique.
Thanks for sharing. To be honest, as a white person it can be hard to see through your point of view. I don’t think what Michelle Obama said was wrong. I think that it is very empowering for black women and girls and that’s great.
Also, who gives a crap about who someone’s standard of beauty is? For heavens sake, can we take a look at history and see that it changes. Black women are beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I do not look at media and see what you see obviously, I see so many multicultural people of all races. Watch the right shows.
You’re not the only people who don’t measure up to the Medias portrayal of beauty. Guess what, I don’t. A lot of my friends don’t and we’re not black.
I think there is a real issue here but don’t throw in all that media fluff. The media… goodness, don’t we know how they stretch things, exacerbate, and lie. Also, I have very curly and coarse hair and I’ve used chemical to straighten my hair too… haha.
Here’s something else. I’m sorry about White Supremacy. I don’t experience it- God knows I’m tired of being lumped into such an overarching description of a race that sounds evil as hell. Because it does. As a person who loves and accepts all people, I’m on the side of evil based on the color of my skin.
Black people can experience a level of prejudice I’ve had the fortune of not experiencing. I just want you to know - outside of the media, outside of the rapidly shrinking demographic of people who do treat you wrong, there is an overwhelmingly large amount of people who are not black that love and support you. And yes that prejudice group is shrinking!
There’s so much happening. It’s amazing.
One more thing to say and I hope it doesn’t come across the wrong way. There’s two sides to each coin, even if one side may be more scratched than the other.
We’re not all white supremacists. We’re not all so worried about color either way. It’s hard not to feel defensive when being lambasted as part of a white identity hell bent on putting down and oppressing black people.
And it’s relatable because you are being called many many things based on the exact same principle of discrimination. But that’s what it is, discrimination. more specific example of identities other than a large white supremacy would help your cause, I know it. Pick out some people, lets get at them, say adios. Because in the same way that people are treating/talking about you based on the color of your skin, you are doing it too. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. I do know it’s ironic. Catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
Question out of curiosity: If I walked up to you on the street and I asked you, what do I personally owe you? how would you answer?
Translation code words for “do I personally owe you something” = entitlement, white is good.
Translation code word for “those are shrinking” = get over it.
I think black women are absolutely gorgeous, and are long overdue their basic human rights and respects. I apologize to those of you who read this, for so many years of suffering at the whims of ignorant men. You never deserved this from anyone and I feel disgraced to know that the people that made it this way were likely some form of my ancestors. I am utterly ashamed to know that many of you feel that you could never trust or know the good in the hearts of people like myself because the numbers of the arrogant, racist and uneducated among people are too great, even in this modern age. But just as one person living up to one possible stereotype one time does not define the population of many, so do the thoughts, ignorance and actions of these oppressive people not define all of us. You are all beautiful, all God’s children, and all my equals on this Earth. I love you all and I apologize from the very threads of the depths of my heart. May you all be welcome, happy, loved, and prosperous, always.
-White American
Nobody Special. I don’t think all white people are bad, but there is a very high level of mistrust there. I am professional and do whatever it takes to get along with my peers and counterparts. I am typing this to say thank you! There was a pure feeling of sincerity when I read your statement. It was so powerful for me that it drowned out alot of the ignorant comments I read. To know that you are even attempting to put that in the open the way you did was ccompletely touching for me, because I have NEVER heard or seen anyone say it without the negativity. Thank you!!! You may have changed a mind today, because maybe we can build that bridge that was burned and walk across it together.
I agree!
To the white women who says it should be all women rock! Are you people blind? Look at almost every magazine on the shelves, tv shows, movies, news. Why are there hardly any black people on any of them? There is no lack of black people to fill any of what I mentioned. It’s not yesterday, it’s today. If we were considered equal we would have equal representation everywhere. There are black people all over but you turn on the tv, almost everyone is still white. That tells you right there today in 2015 that we are not considered equal. And because we are not we must tell tell ourselves yes we rock despite they still don’t want us on their shows, magazines etc. When we make up 50% of hell even 40% in public representation in The first United States of America then we may be able to revisit the subject but we don’t even make up 2%. Why does cosmopolitan consistently have white women representing their magazine. Take a look at all those mags like I said the next time you’re in a grocery store. You will tons of black women around you on that same store or at work, in the hospital, at school but when you stop and look at the magazines, tv, the movies it looks like we hardly exhist. We have to do this because we are looked down on so much everyday just like this article said. No one said you didn’t rock too but the world in all its represention is already telling you everyday and everywhere we look. Why is it not ok we say this about ourselves but no one is telling all these things that it’s not right they are only using white people all the time. Tell all these public displays they need to use less white people then. Why can’t you see the extreme one sidedness that’s in front of your face all around you 365 days a year. If things are so equal why were we told this year that African American history is not real history and should not be taught in school. Are you facing this? No you’re not. How does that even make sense! It doesn’t make any so why is this happening if things are so equal. Look at things how they are not how you want them to be. Making excuses and ignoring it won’t make it better. We must empower ourselves, no one else will.
Fcuk em! I am so sick of White people shaming us for everything then turn around and praise it when they do it. Screw em! Keep rocking our beautiful Black women!
The problem isn’t that she said that “Black Girls Rock” it is the fact that she is a public figure. She should have just said Girls Rock. I would love to see a teacher in a school do this. You know as well as I do there would be more controversy. I don’t understand why every damn thing needs to be about race.
I think it is silly to say that it is not okay to say Black Girls Rock. Ias describe in this article, black women are not always told they rock so to get a special shout out from the First Lady is great. It sucks that anyone has a problem with it. Keep rockin!
To explain my point more clearly, calling out all girls is already calling out to a specific group…which you are saying is okay. However, calling out to a more specific group (black girls) is not okay? How does that make sense. And more to the point she is not saying that other girls don’t rock. So what’s the issue here with saying black girls rock?
@Imsoconfused
WRONG! Stop lying! Michelle Obama said no such thing!!! People like you are just sooo insecure whenever black women are praised or praise themselves and there is NOTHING wrong with that! It’s amazing how people such as yourself react when black women get complimented for our natural beauty. Persons like you see it as threatening; in your mind black women “can’t be more beautiful than white/nonblack women.” Get some security and self-esteem!
its a good article but the opening paragraph doesnt need to throw out such a bad attitude, it doesnt really want to make you read the article..i understand what they were getting at but definitley could have been written better. I think very few women are mad for those reasons. personally i just dont think we should seperate at all, saying “black women” or “white people” keeps us seperate, even if your saying something nice. we all know what happened in the past. we all know what sometimes still happens today. but most importantly we all know what the point is, we are all just people. So let it be.
I came of age in the late 1970’s. At that time Vogue magazine was all the craze for fashion. It was the height of the Disco era. In Vogue the description of beauty and I quote: ‘Preferably Blonde, Breast that fit a champagne glass, pencil thin lips and a flat bottom.’ Sadly I sure didn’t fit that stereotype being a ‘black woman.’ I accepted my fate and assumed my socially stamped unworthiness. I would not wear lipstick in fear of attracting attention on my overly full lips. My own mother in law a light skinned black found disfavor in the size of my lips and voiced her disgust. Her son my then husband sometimes downed me for my looks. I’m in my mid fifties now. In my second marriage to a white man who adores EVERYTHING BLACK about me including my luscious lips. Time Changes Things-if you choose to BE REAL TO YOURSELF. I didn’t opt for plastic surgery like so many others of us. But for many years I hid my genetically gifted beauty almost apologetically due to a SHAME I should never had to bear. We MUST start with US no black person should EVER look down on our brothers and sisters!!! Period!!! We have control on this solely! No more ‘blue vein mentalities!’ Because that’s Insanity! I’m grey haired now, but the good black ain’t cracked yet! My lips are still thick, and I love wearing LIPSTICK and My Booty Don’t Lie! My daughters though lighter than me,(they took after their light skinned father’s side) love everything about themselves I made sure they NEVER felt unattractive about being BLACK! WE BLACK AND WE PROUD!
THANK FIRST LADY MADAME MICHELLE OBAMA FOR CARING ENOUGH TO BRING THIS LIGHT, LOVE AND LAUGHTER TO OUR GIRLS/WOMEN/LADIES AT THIS POINT AND TIME! A TRUE MOMENT OF HISTORICAL EXCELLENCE! THANK YOU XOXOXO!
Imagine that by calling out specifically one race (“white folks”) all while calling out the race card. Then saying that people shouldn’t be racist while making racist comments. Hahaha I’m white and my girl is black.. I must be a racist who doesn’t understand all of these things because my skin pigmentation is lighter than yours right? Single minded people who should open their eyes are who keep negative things such as racism going, not “white folks”.
As I read these comments from races other than black, I can’t help but want to scream. Black Girls Rock is a slogan designed to make young black women want to be better people. Have pride in themselves. Believe in education and their future. I am a light skinned black who has been called a nigger several times in recent years since moving to Loudoun County, while walking with my son. Racism is real, it is ugly, and it’s more prevalent now than I care to experience. Until you walk in a black person’s shoes and know first hand how it feels…stfu.
I’msoconfused, you didn’t read the article did you? The author mentions in more than one sentence that we get a lot of crap from our own race. If you don’t like the message don’t read it. pPl are forever saying the problem starts at home, this may be true but still doesn’t make the actions of others excusable . This article was perfect and I plan to share it because it’s true.
As long as we continue to divide races, there is no hope. I am so tired of all the division. And the division is coming from blacks and whites. I just do not understand.
Thank you—well said.
Really love this article. Look forward to hearing more,me TRUTH from YOU.
Wow. Y’all tripping. Point blank and nuff said “BLACK GIRLS ROCK “
Women are women..white or black and they should be acknowledged for their awesomeness …not by the color of their skin. … it should not be an adjective used at all.
Because it does still point put a difference and quite frankly there is none!
I know how lucky I am to be a white girl in today’s society. I know this may sound awful but I feel guilty and also happy about it everyday. I am so thankful that I have never had to be judged because of my race. When my car is pulled over I know it has nothing to do with the color of my skin. When I apply to a job I know that I am not going to be turned down simply because of my race. However, I also have this horrible feeling to because while I do not have to go through these awful injustices my friends do and I have to constantly hear people berate them or officers harass them for no other reason but the color of their skin. I hate this and no matter what I do I feel like I will never be able to make a change. Who knows if I should even have the privilege to do that because I understand that I could never experience what these women do, instead I can only sympathize and imagine if it were me. I have my own problem that people tend to judge me on as well which is the fact that I am a gay woman. But that can not be seen I am not constantly on display only when I choose to share it do I get negatvity and hate thrown my way. Still this could never compare to that of feeling for your entire life that you were less pretty because you happen to have more of a chemical in your skin than others. I say black girls rock and this is a fact I have known since I was little. I would say I used to be color blind and naive about the world around me but as I have grown up and seen the terrible things that this world has to offer women who are of minorities my opinions have changed. I am now only saddened that anyone would be made to feel less than. I hope that one day this will no longer be a factor and I want to have a hand in making that the case. I also hope that my help will be accepted and not looked at as pity but instead as a person who really does want to change the world because I do not want my child having to grow up in a world were anyone is hated based on their skin color or on their sexual orientation!
I truly do believe that as black women we do need to celebrate ourselves because the issues we face are greatly different from other women. I grew up in an area the was mostly white and for a majority of my childhood I hated myself because I wasn’t light enough. I begged my mom for a perm and extensions because without them I didn’t feel good enough. Now I don’t feel this is the fault of white people. Racism was in bedded in the minds of both black and white people without most people even realizing it. Whites were taught they were better and given many privileges. While blacks were taught to be inferior not only to white People but also to each other. A lot of white people don’t realize the things that they themselves contribute to racism. It’s not there faults. Racism was built over 400 years. Can you imagine how many generations of ignorance that is. It’s going to take a long time to get rid of especially in a country that ultimately built a lot of its own institution on racism. I do blame black people though for the injustes we throw apon ourselves. I can’t count the amount of black men I know who say I can’t stand black women cause there ignorant angry greedy expensive etc. or I hate when black women themselves big them selves up because they’re lightskin. Also about the media there is definitely an under representation of minorities in general. It took Disney how long to get a black princess. And we were the last of every other race. And sure you maybe see more black people on tv now but you can compare 1 or 2 black people in a tv show to the other 10 white people in the same show and say it’s equal. And it’s really hard for little black girls when the only black people they see constantly is images of white people with straight hair and there’s no one like them on tv. I hate flipping through magazines and the beauty tips are only for white women. It sucks but a lot of makeup colours don’t show up right on my skin so it be nice if someone would help a girl out and show colours that I could possibly wear. Not to mention that I have to buy expensive as make up because for some reason cover girl has 8 different shades of white but only 3 colours of black. Overall we do need to stop blaming white people. It’s like Christians blaming Jews for crucifying Jesus. But out of that came the greatest gift man could have. So yes white people do wrong but it’s time for us to stop blaming and take the gift that was given to us. Diamonds are made from extreme pressure. It takes injustice for a person to really know what justice is. Black people are diamonds that just need a good cut. And it’s our job as black people to start cutting off some of the rough edges. We can’t expect white people to do it cause most don’t care. We need to teach our children to love and stand up for each other no matter how hard times get. Because the same way it took 400 years to cause this problem it’s probably going to take 400 years to fix it. Finally I do think it’s wrong that if a white person says white girls rock people get offended they should be able to celebrate themselves openly as well even if the are already over represented. So white girls rock, Indian girls rock, Asian girls rock fat girls rock, skinny girls rock, blondes rock, brunette a rock etc. we should all be able to celebrate who we are because our skin colour, hair colour, weight etc are all apart of who we are.Oh and I live in Canada and think it’s bull that someone said racism doesn’t exist here because if you go outside any major city most white people have never know a black person and look at you like your the same cript keeper when you pass them. last thing I hate how the fact that the states has a black president has been made into a way for people to say ohh racism doesn’t exist look out presidents black. Anyways thanks Ms Obama for make black girls feel special.
ItsAboutSuperiorityNotEquality what an apt name because from the remarks you posted you really do not get it because of your white privileged position in American society. Why are you here reading and commenting on this article when you obviously do not get it. You are so full of your superiority complex that you cannot read and comprehend what is written here. I would not even bother to try to explain to someone with your superiority complex mindset.
I commend and congratulate the writer of this article for having the patience to explain to people who are too ignorant, feel superior, benefit from white skin privilege and feel threatened because African American girls are being told that they matter!! I love the article but I do not have the patience to try to educate the people who are privileged in this society or their supporters/enablers those who are the “model minority.” It is about time that African American girls were recognized and celebrated! Good for Mrs. Obama who was once a “Black girl” and knows the territory to embrace this event!!
I have read through a lot of these comments and many are sad. Of course, everyone looks at the world through different lenses due to their race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and more. A white person is not going to see This issue the same way that a black person does because of the different lives in which we have lived. That’s okay. We won’t always agree on everything. But I will say this, as a dark skinned black woman (with natural hair) who often got teased in school for a number of things including being “too dark,” it is wonderful to see our beauty actually affirmed in such a major, public way which did not happen often as I grew up (and I’m only 27 now so childhood wasn’t that long ago). Yes parents and family may say it often, but a lot of times we feel like to hey have to do that, to say encouraging things because they are family…thats what family does. However, It is great to see a black woman of power, one who many brown young girls and women look up to, say that black girls rock! Those simple words can be life-changing! I know it was would have been so powerful for me as a kid. #BlackGirlsRock #MyBlackIsBeautiful!
*A few typos but I hope the point came across as I entended*
All we need is more time. It hasn’t really been over a century but we came a long way. Just more time is all we need. Hopefully our grandchildren will be better. Maybe even their children. But it’s just time. Until then we should teach our children those who knows that we NEED to all be treated equally. That’s all we really can do. My great grandmother was able to see a president of color. Maybe when I’m older I will see or hear no more of this black brown white Yellow. Soon we might even be one color. We just need time. P.s I wish those who died trying to make a change could see how far they have gotten us. That is all. Untill then I’ll make sure to teach my children that we all are one but some people just don’t or won’t believe that.
The logic behind the argument that it is OK for the president and his wife to give special treatment to black people is that because they’ve been discriminated against in the past, it is OK to give them advantages at the expenses of other races.
So if we assume it is OK to punish whites for the misconducts they’ve committed in the past to blacks…
By the same logic…we can say that all murderers should be executed. Because they should be punished for their past actions right? BUT WAIT! That’s a “terrible idea” because GUESS WHICH RACE COMMITS NEARLY 50% OF ALL HOMICIDES AND MAKES UP 13% OF THE TOTAL POPULATION???
We wouldn’t want all those murderers executed! Because that’s racist even though it indiscriminately applies to all races!
@imsoconfused as some else said it’s not about you nor do we need you to care about us. Just keep your foolishness to yourselves and stay out of our business. By the way learn the difference between culture and color. No cares if you celebrate your culture. Duh. German, Italian, Native American what ever celebrate it we don’t care cause it ain’t none of our concern or business. Black is not just the color of our skin it is also our Culture, but you are to wrapped up in your whining and crying about other people’s lives that are none of your concern to see beyond the myopic self centered little bubble in which you live.
As a Black man myself, Don’t worry about stupid comments on here about you. You Rock!, me and my niece are gonna be watching this tonight, she needs to see what beautiful black women who rock look like. Im looking forward to seeing Erykah Badu grew up on her.
@imsoconfused
I want to see if I can get you to see a different perspective. I agree it needs to start owith our community. That’s the purpose of this campaign. Now some background. I am a black woman. All through grade school I was told I was ugly. My black male friends would even say, “I don’t date black women, they have too many standards and are ugly.” I grew up with a huge family circle (I’m an only child but we have a lot of “extended” family). My family always told me I was beautiful but when you are a black girl, your mindset is ” my family has to say that because they love me. ” I have been called nigger and ugly and a bitch just because of my skin color all my life. And what you may not see is, statistics show that young black girls feel the same way. We are told we are beautiful by our family but that’s because they love us. People who don’t know anything about us are the ones saying we are ugly and contrary to what you would say/feel, when people who are not your family say you’re ugly it reallycan destroy your self esteem. We are not all built the same. The point of Mrs. Obama saying it is because she is not family she is a person who knows nothing about every young black girl, but she understands that if they hear from someone other than family that they are beautiful, then maybe, just maybe, they will be able to raise their self esteem. What makes it even better is she looks like us and she says we rock even though she doesn’t know us on a personal level. I don’t know if you can or want to, but try to imagine our mindset. Yes Native Americans were treated horribly, but they, or any other race, were not torn from their homes, and brainwashed for over 400 years. What people fail to realize is African Americans were “bred” to have the type of mindset that we have. We were stripped of our humanity and forced to be someone we are not… For decades. It may take 400 more years for us to get back to how our people should be. Because you don’t know our true complete history, not just what you’re taught in School, you will not be able to grasp the entirety of the importance of this movement. You ask why is it so hard to say “all women rock” so I’ll ask you what’s wrong with saying black girls rock? What’s wrong with saying Indian women rock? What’s wrong with saying Mexican women rock?
Absolutely nothing. The privilege bestowed upon white women afford them immunity from this issue… On a broad scale( yes it’s more complicated then this but for sake of lengthyness I will make this broad) because they are told they are beautiful by everyone even black men. But if this is to be truly equal then we need to make sure all women who are misrepresented are told they rock. Black women rock! Mexican/Latina/Hispanic women rock! Asian women rock! Indian women rock! Even white women rock! But instead of saying all women rock let’s acknowledge our differences and say what rocks about us. Then we can truly be equal. I rock because I am a black woman! You rock because you are A Native American woman! It’s not negativity or racism it’s acknowledgment of our differences and saying we rock because we are different. If we truly were the same there would be no need for this movement
You Americans are so funny. You are not a nation. You are an amalgamation of different nations, for you obviously primarily define yourself by your skin color and thus by your ethnic origin.
Well, if your skin color is so important and if every non-White person is soooo oppressed on a daily basis, you really should divide the U.S. and give every ethnic group its own territory. Wouldn’t that be awesome? A black America only for African-Americans? A German America only for those of Germanic origin? An Asian America for those hailing from good old Asia?
Then every single one of you poor oppressed people would no longer be oppressed. Hooray!
I don’t understand why non blacks are even commenting. This is NOT a piece about equality, it is NOT a piece about why “every woman” should rock. It is about why BLACK GIRLS should be told they rock! Every movie on the big screen is full of pretty white people. Hell even white people with disabilities are on tv! Gay white people, straight white people… You know what? White people are everywhere! The first black actress to win a oscar portrayed an abusive alcoholic slut of a mother. The second, a child molesting, alcoholic, HIV having monster of a woman. But Julie Andrews can win one for skipping in the hills to the fucking sound of music. Because of white women in every media outlet, you have black women running around with blonde straight hair, and bright pink lipstick losing their edges to look just like you, so yes black girls need to be reminded of awesome they are! Yes our young black girls need to be told they rock, and NO ITS NOT ABOUT EVERY OTHER WOMAN!
I think it is ok for Michelle Obama to say that”Black Girls Rock” privately but as the First Lady of the United states she can’t say it publicly not because it isn’t true but because it is too specific. just imagine if Larua Bush participated in a national campaign that had a tag line of “White Girla Rock” or if Eleanor Roosevelt went around participating in a campaign saying “Jewish Girls Rock” . Although I think black girls do rock the First Lady nor the president should isolate any one group
Wasn’t going to comment but maybe some of you need to read the constitution where blacks where noted to be property. I don’t hear raps songs dowgrading anyone but black women. So yes Black Girls Rock. Don’t like it, that’s your prerogative. Walk a mile in my shoes-…
So first, I enjoyed reading the article. I totally understand where you are coming and how frustrating it must be for a vast majority of under recognized black women in this country. I won’t point fingers to who or what. The problem is or where it stems from because the underlying problem we all know is just ignorance and hate. I wanted to just say that I too agree with rap and some hip hop songs demoralizing black women for sake of lyrics and money, the sad thing is I see so many older adults playing this music around impressionable children, both boys and girls black and white. Specifically in my neighborhood. I hate to see little 8yr olds already walking around like they are angry, pants half to the ground walking and holding themselves and talking to these young girls however they want to. It’s sad really. But how can one change the rap industry when the industry doesn’t want to change. My other point is yes, I know black girls get called ugly etc… But so do many other children in school. Children are a product of how they are raised. Some kids are just plain mean. I can’t tell you how often I got picked on, talked about, etc because I was a loud mouth, or thick and not a twig, I got picked on when I cut my hair short, when it had been very long just before the weekend. I got told I was wearing a wig, that I looked like a dyke, mind you I got called a lot of these names by black and white boys. I was in the 6th grade at the time. Another point I wanted to make is how black women are lumped together with the hood and ghetto stereotypes etc. I know this isn’t true of everyone, but those people who are give those who are not a bad rep. Those who are the most prominent are what people associate you with. I’m from Alabama but I damn sure don’t act nor sound like Honey Boo Boo. It’s the same stereotype that all southern people are stupid, racist, and have no desire to better themselves. I firmly believe that we are all a little racist, every color, every culture, to say no you aren’t is a complete lie. We are racist black and white, fat and skinny, Mexican etc…. We need to spread more positivity and less hate. Some black and white people are content to have nothing and be nothing, yes there are lazy white people who leech off society just like there are blacks and Mexicans that do as well. But those of us who want to better ourselves, our families, our societies, should shout out our feelings so we aren’t drowned out by the dregs of society giving everyone a bad name. Kudo’s Bougie for black girls rock! Sincerely a white woman that rocks and know all girls, black, white, Latin, Asian rock!!
Ok white girl here. To all the other white girls bitching about how saying ‘Black girls rock’ is racist etc. Just shut up. Seriously. Its amazing how easily you forget your privilege. Imagine living in a society where you are treated less because of your skin color and not to mention there are hardly any representations of women of color in our media. Its hard enough being a woman in this world, can you imagine growing up as a little black girl and being bombarded with images of women who look nothing like you? I think it would effect you deeply on a subconscious level, I really do. Anyway, as a white women I have no problem with “Black girls rock” because black girls do rock. Black girls are beautiful. This doesn’t take anything away from my beauty and worth as a white woman. Why can’t black women have their moment?? Us white gals have had it for hundreds of years…
For Bekh…..OMG IS RIGHT. I am mixed race….and I’m going need for ppl to stop saying they don’t see color. Yes we are “all human beings”, but real talk, dont nobody ask me shit about my Irish mother…..they look at me and see my black father. Another thing nobody pure anything….thats why the hell its called a melting pot. Funny aint it…someone ppl hate blacks…call us savage…undisciplined, dirty.u healthy.etc
But you want us to cook. Clean and raise your children …and lord knows you go to any lengths for our color. Lips and ass. Just like those that land here talking about discovering what already existed…GET OVER YOURSELVES…YOU ARENOT ORIGINAL ANYTHING
Rock on Mrs. Obama!
I am a white woman and ive NEVER been a “standard” of beauty according to my peers. I had a big butt and thighs when it wasnt cool, full lips and curly hair. I was shunned by my own race, and called a “blondie n*****”. still to this day am an outcast of sorts, i am and have been in love with a beautiful black man, and we have been targeted in every way imaginable by people of EVERY race, the most pointed blatant hatred has been by his race. Nevermind they didnt want anything to do with him when he didnt know how to read and write. Nevermind they called him retarded but didnt bother to put a book in his hand and help him learn. So please - white people know how you feel too. Never think we dont.
Thank you for writing this. I think it’s sad that Michelle Obama needs to be defended because of such ignorance out there. Stories of the people are important, no one should discredit what a black woman feels. No one should tell black women that they’re not worthy of a campaign to uplift them and the little black girls who will hopefully grow up to be strong black women. Even so, I’m glad you have tried to explain how it feels. I cannot even come close to knowing how any of that feels and for that I’m sorry. Sorry that so many people live with this everyday. Black girls rock and I hope every black girl hears this and believes it.
This is the dumbest thing I think I’ve ever read. Everything in this article can be and IS happening to women and men of all races. You’re an idiot if you think that black women are the only ones who do not fit the beauty standard or are stereotyped for their looks, names, etc. Tan is the beauty standard so white girls give themselves skin cancer to fit in. Black and white comedians alike have made a joke of white girls, basic bitches, i mean people say “white girl wasted” and no one bitches about that. The fact of the matter is that ALL women, as well as men, have to deal with unrealistic expectations of beauty, unrealistic stereotypes and representations in the media. GET THE FUCK OVER IT. stop whining and complaining about how the whole world is against you and have some self respect and realize that no matter what others say about you or expect from you, you aren’t alone and people have been through it before and look, they’re still living so grow the fuck up.
Bougie Black Girl, Instead of the freaks coming out at night. They decided to make their opinion know on a blog that is not about them. The problem with these people is the lack of impulse control. They truly believe people should give a damn about their petty feeling. Without the 14th amendment they would have not been allow to become citizens of this nation. When a Black American woman is concern about taking care of her own, she is consider a racist. Clearly the freaks thought you were going cave into their whining. No you are not welcome with this behavior. This is Bougie Black Girl site! Once again this article is teaching moment.
really, 400 years. Were you alive then? Were any of the whites today alive then? Um no. So stop your complaining and act like you want people to treat you. You complaining about the past makes people dislike you and not care. Change yourself then others will follow suite.
And oh by the way, whites don’t have a white history month. Because you all would say it’s racist.
white people don’t need a white history month because 95% of history taught is the history of white people. That’s one of the most ignorant things I’ve ever heard.
To add my “two cent”… MO never said white girls don’t rock, did she? Thats a given-many think so.Black girls on the other hand need this assurance daily. So Black Girls You Rock! Now is this going to make a difference in all black girls life, I think not and neither will it make girls in other races who rock any less so.Its past time we start regarding each other as humans.Let us see past skin color/tone. One love,one blood!
Black girls/women rock. Yes we do. This doesn’t mean white women, Hispanic women, asian women or any other race of women don’t rock. White women are everywhere in ads, tv shows, movies, etc. There are more and more black and other races of women showing up in those places as well but its still not equal. Black girls rock is only and initiative to help black girls/women know that we are beautiful intelligent people even though our faces may not be everywhere. White women if you were to have a show like that yes you would get black lash but only because that fact that you all are always in something all the time your race as a whole doesn’t need a reminder. It’d only been 50 years since blacks were able to be completely accepted. That’s only 1/8 of the time we were an oppressed people. Its going to take a little more time to get over 400 years of oppression.
For all those who believe that Black Girls Rock causes a racial divide. I got an assignment for you. Count all the commercials you watch that only have Caucasians vs African American, from make-up on up. And BET doesn’t count. Then let’s talk. I mean really study the image that is portrayed on a daily basis.
@imsoconfused. The only reason why you are confused is because of the word Black. You want to hear every women rocks. And we do. But what you are failing to see is black women identifying each other. MO is an African American first lady. How many Caucasian first lady has there been? Several. You see your mind is so closed that is what causes your confusion. We want our daughter to say i can be a first lady. I don’t have to be on welfare, or drugs, or any of those stereotypes that is thrust at them. MO is black talking to other black girls that look just like her. You see Caucasians women and black women look nothing alike. So they could never identify themselves in you, other then maybe strive to be more like you in image. no we are not equal never will or have been. But what we can do is raise strong girls who may think that they should have straight hair and blue eyes to Make it. But to be more their birthright which happens to be black. So until you create a show that honors all women
Native Americans
Chinese Americans
African Americans
Jewish Americans
Hispanic Americans
Irish Americans
Arab American
Etc. ……. all in the same room celebrating womanhood. Then relax
Why? Why become vile and hateful. I FULLY and COMPLETELY understand both sides of what is being said. Someone of African American decent can’t understand what someone of Native American decent deals with any more than than someone of Native American decent can understand what someone of African American decent deals with. And the very fact is that they’re not too different. Native Americans were stripped of their lands…. Where they not? They were murdered. Were they not? They were forced to learn the “white mans” language. Were they not? They were called savages, what he’d their children murdered in front of their eyes. And to this very day are ridiculed and judged by the color of their skin and they’re heritage and culture. I live in an area where I see it more than I care to. They are subject to racil profiling just as much as an African American. I think all of it…. All of the racist BS is disgusting. Yes, I believe that little black girls need to hear how valuable & beautiful they are. Let me tell ya, some of the most beautiful children I’ve seen, are children of color. My grand daughter is biracial….. And she is GORGEOUS! I think what imsoconfused is trying to say, is that ALL little girls of color need to know and hear just how wonderful they are. I can tell you from experience, little Native American girls here the same nasty, ugly and vile things that African American girls hear growing up. I think that what she is saying is coming out differently than what she intends it. I would hope that every black woman could at least try to understand that because you feel and believe that someone who isn’t African American could never understand your plight, so would be the case for you to not be able to understand the plight of someone who is Native American. The point I’m trying to make is that if we all just stopped…. Tried to understand the hardships each of our races have faced, and I mean TRULY tried to understand by coming from a place of love, than maybe, just maybe, there’ll be hope for our future, & our children’s future. Yes, celebrate our differences. Honor them… We all should, of every race. If we can get to that place as citizens of the United States, we might have a fighting chance. If we don’t come together, not only will all little girls of color feel less than, but we’ll become more decided as a people. Where will we end up as a country and as a people if we can’t learn to honor & love our differences as well as our commonalities. Our children will be doomed before they have a fighting chance. Name calling and tearing each other down is what this article is about. It just happens to be referencing one particular race. How is wanting a change going to happen if the very thing you’re trying to make a change about, is what you’re doing to someone of another race? Anger and ugliness begets anger and ugliness. Just like hatred begets hatred….. Love begets love. Shouldn’t we start with love and acceptance of all races? Celebrate ALL races, so one day, hopefully not to far in the future, little girls of color don’t feel less than. And when I say color, I mean ALL colors. Because as someone stated earlier… You don’t know what someone has gone through until you’ve walked in their shoes. No one race knows what any other challenge that another races faces. And ALL races have their challenges. I’m not saying that some aren’t more difficult than others…. That would just be ignorant to say and or assume. The fact of that matter is everyone has their challenges in life. Just ask the parents of any child who committed suicide for the torment they received at school. That’s an issue every race can relate to when it comes to our beautiful, innocent children.
Wow im so glad this is being tackled n so glad michelle obama stood up. Thats what we need more role models positive images for our blk girls. Not an image of video girls dropping it like its hot. Things like this gives me hope for the blk community.
Anyone who does not like what Mrs. Obama said or the show needs to start their own show and call it girls rock. We have a right to have a show that lifts up Black women. The cursing needs to stop, because it makes people of any race look ignorant. It is not being racist when you uplift your people.
To add my “two cent”… MO never said white girls don’t rock, did she? Thats a given-many think so.Black girls on the other hand need this assurance daily. So Black Girls You Rock! Now is this going to make a difference in all black girls life, I think not and neither will it make girls in other races who rock any less so.Its past time we start regarding each other as humans.Let us see past skin color/tone. One love,one blood!
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
― Nelson Mandela
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Nelson Mandela
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela
“I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.”
Nelson Mandela -
Yawn…
Let’s be real. If Mrs. Obama was an Italian-American, or an Irish-American, and had participated in a show about empowering girls from her specific ethnic group, this would be a moot point, because white folks would just chalk it up to the FLOTUS taking pride in her “heritage”, because we do it all the time (See St. Patrick’s Day, for example). It would be perfectly natural for her to take pride in, and uplift girls and women from, her ancestral group and no one would bat an eye…
It’s sad, but a lot of people still don’t get it. It is solely and specifically because of Mrs. Obama’s skin color that some non-black people are in an uproar about her saying “Black Girls Rock” …and the fact that some people are having such a hugely negative reaction to it is exactly why it is necessary. They don’t understand the need for BGR, or BET, or Essence magazine, or even the NAACP. They don’t “get” that these entities exist because they provide needed representation and affirmation for people who previously saw little to no positive reflection of themselves in our society. They don’t understand that we do not need the white equivalent of, say, a BET, because EVERY CHANNEL IS White Entertainment Television. Unfortunately for everyone else, white privilege goes largely unnoticed by those who actually benefit from it.
Yes, all girls DO rock, and they deserve to be told so every day… and if you want to create a forum to say that, then stop bitching about BGR and do it. To those who have a problem with Black Girls Rock, or the First Lady’s participation….. re-read this article carefully. Then read it again.
-ItalianAmericanGirl (who also rocks!)
If a show was hosted called “GAY PEOPLE ROCK”, it does not mean that Straight people do not Rock.
If a show was hosted called “MEN ROCK”, it does not mean that “WOMEN” do not Rock.
It therefore follows that if “BLACK GIRLS ROCK”, it does not mean that “OTHER GIRLS” do not Rock.
We need the positive reinforcement given our history. If this is too difficult to understand I am sorry for you. Period!
Iamsoconfused… your language is appalling, unnecessary and offensive. Please shut up and go to bed.
Can you imagine if a white first lady said “white girls rock”? You`d be rioting in the streets.
Shut up!
Yes, it would be racist if a White first lady said White Girls Rock because the media already enforces and promotes the superiority of White beauty above all. And her message would be enforcing that White women are better than anyone else out there.
And Black Girls Rock is about celebrating and uplifting Black women’s beauty, not putting down White and non Black women.
White America needs to get over themselves! This isn’t about them. This is about the uplifting and celebrating of Black women. Why in the world are butt hurt White girls whining when the media uplifts them constantly every damn day? Not everything revolves around them. Fuck them! Black Girls rock!
P.S. I watched Black Girls Rock last night and enjoyed it.
But you can’t say #WhiteGirlsRock without all types of criticism. Hypocrisy!
Black Girls Rock! Thanks for writing this. It’s not your job to teach us, it’s our job to recognize our white privilege & learn how to dismantle it. Racism is a white problem. I’m a white ally on the journey with you.
I believe girls should feel good about themselves. However, to host an event and segregating to just black girls is wrong. People are always talking about how racist white people are but blacks are the ones bringing it up all the time. I understand black history and what horrible things black men and women went through and people should be aware of it. If Laura Bush hosted an event called “white girls rock!” and didn’t let blacks in… hell would break loose and there would be riots and shootings.
A thought provoking article. I am Black African and live in London and French born.
Unfortunately racism can only be dismantled by it’s creators.
Race is a man made concept invented by a scientist Swedish I believe to uphold and justify white supremacy.
To the white women getting their knickers in a twist over #BlackGirlsRock,get over it as you are speaking out of your loud insecurities and white privilege.
The role of black people isn’t to reassure you if you feel low or to have to dilute anything of our history and culture to pacify you.
Stop moralizing and telling us what is okay to say or even think.
Your conscience torments you regarding the past deeds of your ancestors whether you want to admit or not.
Whether or not you was involved unfortunately the spirit of it lives on in the white Psyche, only look at social media to see what people really think and we can see if things have improved.
Why be offended as it has nothing to do with you and that is okay.
We are allowed to own things as black women and from the dawn of humanity we have been robbed.
When the slave masters cut off the slaves hair and literally stripped them of their identity no one wants to say anything.
The black psyche needs healing and that includes making positive statements about ourselves until we believe it.
This world is a mess and people freaking out over this just confirms it.
I am absolutely positive that anyone that gets riled up about black empowerment anything has NEVER sat in the same space with a person of color and just LISTENED or tried to understand why these events are needed today. I am not a minority, so I can never understand the struggles of minorities, but I can at least sit, listen, shut my mouth and TRY! This was fantastic. Thank you for writing it. I am sharing it with some super ignorant people. ROCK ON.
White women are told every day they rock? Seriously? The racism card exists on both ends of the spectrum. I’m in college and have been ridiculed and made fun of for being white. I’ve been called a cracker, Barbie, peckerwood, and in general “that dumb white girl”. I’m all for equalism on both sides of the table. I think girls (and boys) should be celebrated as a human being, not based on color. Say all you want about how “white” people are racist, but other races, such as black, can be racist towards whites as well. Tell both sides of the story, not just one bias opinion. White girls are consistently put down in order to bring girls of minority up. Take scholarships, for instance. There are thousands of college scholarships towards minority women. If you googled “black scholarship”, “Asian scholarship” or “Hispanic scholarship”, hundreds of results would appear. Try googling “white scholarships” in your free time- no results will show up. If we could all just put aside race and ethnicity and focus on the fact that we’re ALL human beings, problems such as this wouldn’t arise as frequently.
i respect everything about this article. I love all women. However, I’m sure if (for example) a First Lady that is white, went to an all white “white girls rock” convention and only supported white girls, black, Asian, Hispanic, French, etc. girls wouldn’t be happy with it what so ever. I am so beyond happy that black girls are getting encouraged to get a higher education, I do understand the “superiority” issue with white people. But if the roles were switched, many many people would not be very happy at all.
This ridiculous.
All I hear from black people is that racism needs to be put in the past & we as humans needs to move along from that.
Haivng ceremonies for ONLY black girls is seperation & also racist. Y’all are doing it yorselves. What do y’all want? Do y’all want to be separated or do you want to be seen as any human being?
I give big applauses to the black girls for their big ahcievments.
Black girls do rock. White girls do too.
We are girls, we are supoosed to help each other up, not be seperated.
Black Girls Rock Speaks Volumes to all women. For once these words are simple but express the emotions of our struggle. We must not be lewd into stereotypes. We have live a fullfilled Life. Thats what the Creator has designed for us. Lose lips does sink ships. Negative stigma has engulfed Black women far too long. Not to mention the stigma that even men attached to us. We are mo’re than a boo, baby mother, hit you up later, maybe next week I will treat you to something nice. This statement demands to be heard and same inspires action. Envokes self satisfaction and to encourages the Black women to date to make dreams come true…This in it self is long over due. Black Girls Rock #Educate #Plan #Be Your Own Boss
I want all women to feel valuable. If a program directed at women and girls of any race is helpful then it should be encouraged. Intelligent, strong people make an intelligent, strong society.
It is OK to give them advantages at the expense of other races.
Me:I have a novel suggestion, for all the non-blacks, if you do not like it,create something for your group.Nobody is putting a gun to your head saying you can’t make anything for your specific group.In fact, if you feel marginalized by all means do just this. Because this exactly what we may very well do ourselves when we feel it’s needed.They also are not saying you have to support black girls rock. In fact if you do not like the blame show I have another simple suggestion-don’t watch it. Some of you oblivious whites come off as oblivious and goofy to be honest and non-black minorities come of as just having sour grapes to be polite. If you are distraught that your representative group doesn’t get heard-start an organization and stake your claim. For the butthurt white folks and the Native American hater, if there is a place for Eurocentric institutions, award shows, media that view you as the norm by default and Native American festivals, powwows, award shows, beauty pageants, ethnic media, protest about Native American mascots and casinos, who are you to tell Black people that they don’t have the right to have institutions, award shows, and other things that speaks to their priorities, their interest or issues.More to the point if it isvalid for you to affirm your own what is so criminal about us doing just this.If it is ok to have a”Germantown/Little Italy/posh native American upscale suburbs what is so bad about a black equivalent. Talk about selfish-and the fact that this observation may go over your head displays your own brand of ethnic selfish and self-mindedness. Get a freakin’ grip.
All Black people get told is ” shutup for speaking up” and then you get and question us about not acknowledging your people.
Exactly. These types who feel this way are usually quick to do just this but my question is this, if we don’t have a right to stand up for ourselves in unapologetic terms why “should” acknowledging the struggles of nonblacks be a priority. My other question is, if nonblacks don’t value making their own issues a priority why should we put your issues over ours. The time spent shutting us down could be spent building up and affirming your own darns and frankly-with both groups having as much dysfunction as blacks looking taking your own advice and looking within should take precedence over trying to thwart black agency. Speaking of black agency you nonblack idiots constantly whine about black people not examining and assisting themselves yet when we do just this you numbnuts whine about “including everybody”. I would be refreshing for you to make up your mind. Let me say this again anyway, you are fully capable of speaking for your self you do not need our approval or support to do or not do so-and be clear, we are not a top priority for you so we owe nothing either, allegiance included.
Michells Obama can say all she wants not because her words have sawy. But, her position was available due to her husband, Obama.
As for her contribution to society? Healthy meals… puhlease. Her contribution is she contiued the ‘race victim’ game.
IMO it is not that black girls do not rock; it is that Michelle Obama (and Barack) are the First Lady (and President) of ALL Americans…black, white, purple, or red. In that role, they should be setting an example for ALL not just Blacks. Why can’t people see that there are injustices against all races…black, white, purple or red? People are people….regardless of your color…there are going to be people you hate…regardless of color and for no freaking good reason. It is the nature of people and lumping all white people as racist is as bad as all white people lumping blacks as (insert your favorite slander here). It’s the nature of people and why (add in human greed and thirst for power) there will never be true peace in the world.
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We must not become distracted by those who refuse to do enough soul searching to first, answer their own objections to Black Girl Rocks. The typical liar chastises non-whites for not taking responsibility for ‘his or her own community’ and when in fact it is done, such are the deceitful liars outrage again—-when the community comes out to express itself.
The only conclusion to be reached—is that this racist, filthy liar who trolls this site, does not operate towards justice, nor does he engage from a sincere place—he or she hates whether the non-white acts in any way, manner or fashion.
One must resist the urge to legitimize their objections, as they come only to sew dissension and block those, who want to discuss in earnest how to uplift millions of beautiful little girls, who will be empowered by other united and strong black men and black women, who believe, in fact: that they rock.
I hate to point out that racism is a two way street not one and I really don’t care for racism. My ancestors were mistreated when they came to this country too and do you see me whine bitch and complain. I accept the past as that the past. By the way don’t care about the color of skin my ancestors on another part of the family tree are native americans. Now what happened there. No one is different we all feel we all bleed and we all believe in something. Not everyone white is white only and I would like to know why not empower all women because women have suffered a lot regardless of color or ancestral roots. All races have their faults and all races have there strengths. I am proud of who i am regardless. It is not about color it is about how you live and where you plan to go regardless of what anyone says. By acknowledging and being part of the solution you are making yourself part of the problem regardless of color.
and not all whites are fucking privileged. So learn we are brothers and sisters regardless of color or ethnicity start acting it or prove everyone right and continue the racism and see what happens.
Hispanic womenRock also.
Enough with this nonsense. Black have more right than white people. We all rock if we are good , hardworking, genuine people. There is white people killed by blacks and nobody is doing anything about that, but when one black criminal is killed- it’s end of the world. Now police is afraid to do their own business because they are intimidated by blacks.
Blacks life matter- guess what- Every life matter! I am so sick of this. Blacks are taking advantage of the system, playing race card constantly and nobody is doing anything- everyone is tiptoeing around them. There is respect and love towards good, honest people, no matter the color!
Enough with this! All girls rock!!!!! Not just black
It’s good to see an open forum for people to express themselves, but sad that there’s so much hate all around. The author’s perception is her reality and any negativity is tough to overcome no matter who you are and what negativity exists in your reality. I try really hard to step outside of myself and think, how can one look at this without dwelling on the negativity. I live in the DC area. It’s very ethnically diverse and I’m not phased by skin color or ethnicity, but since this is the political Mecca of the U.S. there is a lot of influence and protesting about every cause here, including race. There will always be a division of thoughts on all issues. Race is a heated one. Proportionate to the percentage of different races that exist in this country, I believe we all face racism equally. However, I feel like most people have come to realize skin color doesn’t equate to beauty, intelligence or integrity. I feel like we’re more judged by how we present ourselves. Those that present themselves as oppressed will continue to be oppressed. There are many people of all races who have risen above the stereotypes or haters to succeed in their own right. Everyone has to work hard to achieve. We can all rock. To commend the First Lady on empowering black women is fine, but to cry hatred and oppression is self defeating for the author and blacks. Rise above this. Pave your own positive path and others will follow. I’m not ignorant. My head is not in the clouds. There is never going to be an equal amount of blacks and whites in the spotlight. This country is only made up of roughly 13% blacks!! That alone means you will see vastly more white people in media, on TV, in magazines, marketed toward in clothing and makeup, etc. it’s not discounting the value of the black woman or man. How can there be equal exposure when the number of blacks in the country is so much less than the white population??? It’s simply numbers. Not hate. Not oppression.
Lastly, for anyone of any race, gender or ethnicity…the only person holding you back…is you.
American Women Rock!!!
As a Puerto Rican woman I have had the same predjudices thrown on me ALL my life…My first memory that I was “different” was when I was 5 years old and dad pulled up to a gas station in NYC in th 1960’s & I read…NO NIGGERS NO DOGS and under those two were NO PUERTO RICANS. As I sat in the car I remember thinking.. Oh oh I think I am that last one and thinking “wow I am of so little value that I am under a dog…”I felt my stomach turn with fear and utter sadness…
Then I met someone who said I was of great value and loved unconditionally!! That I was beautiful & made with great thought and care! I was accepted just the way I am & He taught me to work hard, respect & love all people… To see them as beautiful HUMAN BEINGS and not all divided into races. We are all beautiful because He made us unique and in His amazing image!!
Jesus taught me many things since that day at the gas station.
Please S top trying to divide races!!! We all all beautifully & wonderfully made in His image… We are all just… Humans! 🙂 <3 Live and take care of one another… Don't let others hate & predjudices affect your lives… Rise Above!!!
I have had a very difficult and challeging life and find myself blessed with everything I do have. With that being said I find this post borderline racist, I do understand the frustrations I really do, I will touch base on every number as from my genological tree, because I have been told I am just trash for breathing and my ethnicity is very very unique.
#1&2 I am the unicorn, or that’s what I tell people I am German/ Polish Jew on my mothers side and Shawnee on my fathers. The only break I feel I had is my mother being the Jew and not my father. I grew up in a predominately Hispanic community in the middle of a larger African American community surrounding us, my family couldn’t afford to live where white people were.( I dreamed of living 4 streets over where people had grass in their yard and hung outside laughing and actually talking to their neighbors)
3. My hair is not unmanageable but I bleached it a few years and it fell out after time so I now go natural. I have insane hair on my body that grows 3x faster than most, I always got made fun of as a child for my arms, they asked if I was a monkey ( That’s Not Ok No Matter What Your Ethnicity!!) So as for #4 I don’t see this as a really big issue (if I was black I would have natural not permed hair and microbraids for the holidays because both are Beautiful! #5- I have dark brown almost black hair with dark natural red highlights, freckles, and skin the color of nicaraguans, my eyes are bright grey and a small button nose- not your polish look not a Jew not Shawnee or German I get asked constantly what “race” ( ethnicity) I’m in. 6- I completely agree I don’t want to see the same style people on tv, I want diverse people! When I watch tv it’s either history science or documentaries and all show Germans in a poor and very racist light. #7- I do not believe in anyone using the ‘N’ word nor the other N word which is Nazi, you Do Not Say either one to either party even if your part of it! We want to be uplifted and treated with respect and either one of those N words cast judgement upon us that does not reflect who we are! #8- my name is India Raquel, I have been asked on the phone what race I am, I had voicemails of potential employers asking if I can read English, I have been presumed Black / Hispanic and Indian from the country India. #9 I have never had this happen I have not had many jobs due to kidney failure but I believe in going in confident and knowing how much your time is worth, I understand the struggle I once made 1.50 over a male manager who was black, he had worked for the company for 3 years and me, a newbie made more, and that was before my promotion, him and I timed out our asking and work to make each other look worthy to get promotions! #10 Blacks were slaves yes, but if you ever go to the doctor thank your Jewish and polish people for the horrid experiments they endured for us to live better today. 11-Hitler, 12 I find all music you hear on the air to be trash with subtle messages. 13-19 you are uniquely you, and sterotypes are for narrow minded shallow people, everyone is perfect as they are flaws and all! Do not follow the road traveled, only when we make our own path can we help or future generations. #20 I remember when we had Columbus Day that day always meant a lot to me as Mlk/black history means to you, if Columbus hadn’t found this place I wouldnt have been born. #21-25 my grandma survived Mengele, when 1945 came my grandpa (German ) took my grandma who was only 11 and they left the country to come to America where she became his child bride. My grandfather would grab a belt and use it on anyone in his home for the Stupidist crap, like spilling tea! I was taken to a shelter and placed in a group home at the age of 11, When I turned 14 I was at school when I was gang raped at knifepoint and my hair was cut. That in turn made me angry and I was deemed the worst student in school ( now in alternative school with dope dealers and drug addicts and more says a lot) I lost 2.5 credits due to fighting, I struggled to graduate and did with 4 extra credits, I got an award “most improved” to most that’s an insult but I worked my brain off to be something because I felt like nothing and I didn’t want that anymore there was only drive, I know what it’s like to be hungry and not eat for days or eating items not fit for human consumption, dirty clothes and flees. This is not unusual I found growing up extremely poor. I do not see my life as any tragedy, in fact I wouldn’t have changed a single thing. Nobody want to endure or suffer but when we do we look outside ourself and can see things from the outside to make changes that May or MayNot impact our life now, but we become a seed that helps grow our future Forrest.
#26- I think quite a bit of this is you releasing your frustrations asking God and others for answers that may not be clear right now. Is it right? No, not by any means, but many things that’s happened throughout history haven’t been right and sadly only when our freedoms and beliefs or creed, religions are being challenged do we come together. I loathe the idea of one race/ religion/ political side/ gender being ‘better’ than another, if anything keep telling girls- all girls; but especially ones in struggle that this is only a mild hurdle and she’s worth all the life she can live! Also young girls who don’t look like the other girls and therefore feel socially outcasted should read the Book “The Skin I’m in” it empowers all young females struggling with social identity and is a very strong empowering black young woman finding herself with in school. Keep molding young minds that we are beautiful and just as smart/ talented as the boys. And community service as a young woman is like getting a paycheck when you apply for scholarships. ( I liked feeding homeless people just to grab a bite and eat with them) Take care and remember there is no struggle.. Only a challenge that we can achieve and rise above. May your lives be full of love and food(and money) God Bless!