The Rigged Game of Being a Black Woman...

...yet I’d choose over and over to be a Black woman still.  

It’s not the first time I’ve read or heard comments critiquing Black women’s actions and agency. It’s not the first time I’ve heard what religious Black women should or shouldn’t do to get a man. It’s not the first time I’ve seen my Black sisters and mother figures spend hours anxiously pondering over what they wear as not to upset the Black men near them; heck, I’ve even done the same as well.   

It’s not the first time I’ve heard regulating commentary over a Black women’s place in the home or work without having the agency for herself to decide what is best for her [and not because it’s best for the husband, children/future children, or religious customs, etc.]. It’s not the first time I’ve heard unsolicited, unwarranted, and egotistical commentary from Black men on how a Black woman should be without so much concern on the vitality and longevity of her life; and it’s appalling. Frankly, I’ve seen, heard, and experienced too much just by being that it’s too difficult to stay quiet.   

Racism is one thing; Sexism is another. Both must be conquered (along with all identified –isms) together.   

The plot twist of this game is that it has no pre-determined “winner” if you are a Black woman. So, you can be the “pick-me’s of the pick-me's” or the most religious of any religious group as a Black woman; and still “lose”. You can also choose to live liberally in your self-defined freedom and still receive negating comments. Outwitting the game embodies the latter.   

Over the next three weeks, we’ll deep dive into the multifaceted experiences of Black women. But, before we go further, what comes to your mind on this topic?