For a while, I've wanted to write a post about the topic of "misogynoir" but, I was scared to, and I didn't know what the right words were. Thinking about this topic bothers me, but not saying anything stresses me out even more. Before I delve into the topic and my thoughts, I wish to remind you that I write this to educate. My only agenda is to shed light on an injustice so that, perhaps, we as a society can learn from our mistakes and do better in the future.
So here we go. Let's start off with some terms...
Okay, I had another video that I wanted to add but I lost it and don't remember if I ever saved it or not.
In addition to those examples ↑, I also believe that God is a God of justice. He madly loves each and every single person that was, is and will be on this planet (or any part of space) equally and truly does not wish hurt or pain on any being. We, Christ-followers, are called to love and be in community with each other. That means relishing in each other's joys and bearing each other's burdens. Galatians 6:2. Don't get me wrong, God will have the final say so. However, that does not excuse us from loving one another. Ignoring someone's pain and hardship because you can't identify with them is not love.
Noir: French word for black
Misogyny: Hatred, dislike or mistrust of women; prejudice against women
Misogynoir: (also known as Anti-Black Misogyny) Hatred, dislike, mistrust and/or discrimination of black women. A form of misogyny with regards to black women.
Misogynoir is commonly seen from (but not limited to) black men. If you do a simple Google or YouTube search of the phrase, "I hate black women", you'll see numerous posts videos of men showing their hatred for black women. And there are countless memes on sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram putting down black women for laughs. These videos and posts receive tons of views and likes from all over the world and reinforce negative stereotypes of black women.
For some reason, this subject is rarely talked about. So, why would I bother? Because I'm an advocate for uplifting my fellow women, particularly black women, and eradicating the negative stereotypes against us. (Does that make me a feminist? A black feminist?? If so, then so be it.) Too many times black women (myself included) have been called out of our names for whatever reason. We've been cussed out, simply because we choose to mind our own business and not respond to a man's catcalls. It's not uncommon to get unkind looks and cold shoulders from black male workers while the non-black woman before or after us gets significantly kinder treatment.
The time for snide little remarks about what a black woman is, should be called or should do is over. The time for black women being humiliated, dehumanized, beaten, raped, abused, or killed simply because she said no to a black man who felt entitled to have her is finished. Bye Felicia!
The term misogynoir was coined around 2010 or so by black feminist scholar, Moya Bailey, who needed a word that specifically referred to the misogyny directed towards black women in America, (Wikipedia - Misogynoir) specifically on the relationship of misogyny and hip hop music. As I mentioned before, misogynoir doesn't have to be done by black men. It can be done by any individual who grew up with that mindset. With misogynoir also comes the dreaded blame game. Those who hate black women also blame them for problems in relationships, problems in the black community, problems in society in general, their own personal problems, and lack or overabundance of masculinity.
There's hope, though. There are more and more individuals who are seeing this injustice and saying "no more". Allow me to give you some examples. (I will warn you that some of the comments in these videos and posts are quite scathing so view the comment section at your own risk.)
Okay, I had another video that I wanted to add but I lost it and don't remember if I ever saved it or not.
In addition to those examples ↑, I also believe that God is a God of justice. He madly loves each and every single person that was, is and will be on this planet (or any part of space) equally and truly does not wish hurt or pain on any being. We, Christ-followers, are called to love and be in community with each other. That means relishing in each other's joys and bearing each other's burdens. Galatians 6:2. Don't get me wrong, God will have the final say so. However, that does not excuse us from loving one another. Ignoring someone's pain and hardship because you can't identify with them is not love.
To my fellow black women, don't stand for the hatred. You don't deserve to be treated like that. (See this video. Then read 1 Corinthians 13 to see what love is.) Keep speaking up and out against injustices. Be around people who will love and celebrate you and not denigrate or simply tolerate you. Not all black men are evil and not all white men will be saints. Most importantly, be the best you you can be.
To the black men out there: there are some of you who are no where near being part of the "I hate black women" club. We see you, we thank you, and we ask that you don't stop fighting with us. Some of you have spoken out (Joshua Bennett video) in videos, writing, memes, and by your day-to-day actions. To those who are against misogynoir but, haven't said anything: what are you waiting for?
To all the non-black men out there, please don't let this be a deterrence when considering any kind of relationship with a woman who just happens to be black. We all want change and we all want to be treated as equals. The greatest step anyone can take in achieving this, is educating themselves.
To my fellow non-black women, we're in this together. If you're going to be an advocate for all women not being seen or treated like second-class citizens, you have to acknowledge that all women means including women of color and the specific issues that they face.
If you didn't know about this issue before, now you know. If you want to know more try Googling these:
To the black men out there: there are some of you who are no where near being part of the "I hate black women" club. We see you, we thank you, and we ask that you don't stop fighting with us. Some of you have spoken out (Joshua Bennett video) in videos, writing, memes, and by your day-to-day actions. To those who are against misogynoir but, haven't said anything: what are you waiting for?
To all the non-black men out there, please don't let this be a deterrence when considering any kind of relationship with a woman who just happens to be black. We all want change and we all want to be treated as equals. The greatest step anyone can take in achieving this, is educating themselves.
To my fellow non-black women, we're in this together. If you're going to be an advocate for all women not being seen or treated like second-class citizens, you have to acknowledge that all women means including women of color and the specific issues that they face.
If you didn't know about this issue before, now you know. If you want to know more try Googling these:
- bell hooks (no capitalization)
- Moya Bailey
- misogynoir
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Critical Black Feminist Thought (as mentioned in the Dear Black Men article above)
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