The other day I was sitting in my car minding my melaninated business. I surveyed my surroundings as I always do and my eyes connected with a food delivery driver, he was trying to ask me something. Against my better judgment I asked him to repeat what he was mouthing to me. He said, pointing to the woman in the row of cars in front of us “ Did you see her, we have to do better!”, “ I replied “ No sorry, I didn’t see her .“ I was really into my assignment of minding my business so I didn’t see her. When she emerged again from the car she had on a bonnet and I instantly understood that respectability politics had given this man permission to attack this woman. All I could think was If Y’all Don’t Like Black Women, Just Say That!
A Black woman’s appearance is always criticized. Skin complexion and texture, hair type, style, and of course her body. Just think of all the comedians who use the Black women aesthetics to create their jokes. If Black women aren’t a punch line, then we are a punching bag to some. It’s even more hurtful when the criticism comes from our own. Often times those comments of concern for black women is really just ego masquerading as empathy.
I don’t want this article to be about highlighting the voices of negative comments on black women’s appearance. I’d rather focus on how Black women have found internal validation of their own beauty despite the criticism.
Below are some videos of Black women doing what we do best…. LOVING ON OURSELVES!!!
