Introduction
African American women are one of the most stereotyped demographic groups in modern society and culture. Ranging from the infamous Aunt Jemima “mammy” stereotype that has its roots in slavery to the modern media portrayal of an aggressive or sassy black woman, these stereotypes have grown to dominate the cultural and social discourse regarding this race. Based on these stereotypes along with internal racial perception, there is an inherent social perception in a place of a strong black woman, which faces her problems head-on and does not show signs of weakness. This paper seeks to explore the origins of the strong black woman stereotype and its cultural portrayal and discuss the tolls of mental health and struggles that affect highly marginalized African American women in the context of this social perception.
Cultural Portrayal
As mentioned, the cultural portrayal of African American women varies. There is the ‘mammy’ stereotype, most commonly a maid or nanny, a heavy woman that takes care of her own or employer’s family. Such characters played important roles in films such as “Gone with the Wind” and “The Help” and can be seen in advertisements or commercial products such as Aunt Jemima’s breakfast products. A ‘Jezebel’ stereotype represents a cunning, foxy, usually tall and sexualized black woman. It is the rarest of the stereotypes, commonly seen in the film. Finally, there is the ‘Sapphire’ stereotype of the sharp-tongued sassy black woman that always speaks her mind. It represents a manipulative woman that emasculates her male partner (Biakolo et al.).
In every way, each of these media or cultural portrays contributes to the social perception of a strong black woman. A ‘mammy’ is always there to support others and puts aside her own desires. Jezebel exerts influence over men with her sexuality and remains an object of foreign desire. Meanwhile, a ‘Sapphire’ always gets her way and never backs down from her position. There is of course the ‘strong black woman’ trope itself, a struggling woman either from an impoverished family or difficult background having to fight her way in this world. Black women are portrayed as unbreakable, immovable, with a strong moral compass, but also being a natural nurturers, self-sacrificing, and oftentimes the backbone of the family or household (Manke). This portrayal has dominated the media and cultural portrayal in recent decades.
Reality
It can be argued that this stereotype is not bad, in all things considered, where black women have been historically disenfranchised and abused, it is empowering. However, it is done for the wrong reasons and sets unrealistic expectations. First, the strong black woman trope is pressuring African American women to act relentless and almost ignorant of the pressures of race and gender-based discrimination that will experience in their daily lives, after all, it is their burden (Manke). Second, black women are human too, with a wide depth of emotions, fears, and personalities. The expectation that they will be emotionless and have a strong standing in a society that puts up so many barriers, is unrealistic. The stereotype ends up hurting black women much more than empowering them.
Black women exist at a crossroads of race and gender-based discrimination and violence, faced with judgment and harassment from all sides, black men, white women and anyone in between. The tropes are dangerous because they imply that young black girls do not need as much nurturing and protection meanwhile the general indication that black people are not sensitive to pain is sometimes a matter of life and death in the context of recent police brutality (Samuel).
While yes, there are black women who are strong and dominating that have been key in the culture of modern American society such as Serena Williams, there have those that are kind and nurturing, such as Oprah, and then there are also those that are gentle and highly intelligent the likes of Michelle Obama. However, despite their inner strength and high-profile achievements, these women are diverse in their own unique ways. These women have also publicly shown their weaknesses and fears, in interviews or crying on camera. They are human, they are inherently imperfect. Serena Williams, arguably one of the best athletes of all time has not only overcome adversity and pushed the boundaries of professional sport, but also got involved in many scandals throughout her career, notably struggling with anger management and depression (Clarke, 2018).
Oprah, the cultural TV personality of a generation, has opened up about her depression. While these are cultural icons and famous people, this applies to all black women, and the trope is wrong in so many ways. These women strive to draw and find strength for their families in time of need, oftentimes not to fulfill the trope or character trait, but to survive. However, ranging from everyday women to celebrities, because of these stereotypical cultural tropes, many do not see that these people need help and support just as much as anyone else.
Definition of the Group
Taking into account all described above, being a black woman is challenging in many ways. Society is not going to be opening doors for us, but rather we have to open these for ourselves. While many of the stereotypes are racist, there is some truth, in that black women are strong both physically and spiritually, truly serving as the foundation for our loving families and communities. Black women also often do not meet the expectations of society and media of beauty, but many of us are so beautiful and it is ok, as it pushes us to overcome the media’s racist and unhealthy perceptions. Despite being strong, black women are not invincible, so help should be sought, especially in terms of mental health to prevent the suffering and depression that many experiences. Success is not guaranteed but it is deserved, and black women should not feel ashamed of their achievements in professional or personal circles. Finally, the positive aspect which I personally feel unites black women is that we are kind and supportive, especially to each other. Throughout my life, at times of difficulty, no matter where I was, there was a black woman that supported me, pushed me to be better, and helped me find a solution to my problems. We are a united, tight-knit community, each trying to make their way and push the world to be a bit more accepting.
Mental Health Crisis
In the first week of June of 2021, Naomi Osaka, a young black female tennis player of mixed heritage withdrew from one of the most prestigious and important tennis tournaments citing mental health. In weeks prior, she announced that she would not be participating in mandatory press conferences as they felt abused and detrimental to her wellbeing. Naomi was fined for her conduct and threatened with expulsion from the tournament and future tennis majors by the organizers. She then made the decision to withdraw herself, revealing publicly her long-time struggle with depression and anxiety as a professional athlete and woman of color (Blinder). The optics around the situation were horrible, with many in the media ‘crucifying’ Osaka for being self-righteous and avoiding professional responsibilities. After all, she is an athlete getting paid millions, she can withstand a few mean questions from the press. It was surprising to many because of the absolutely calm, cold, and concentrated demeanor that Naomi is known for in her matches and public persona – once again, a portrayal and expectation from society that the black woman identifies with that trope.
Conclusion
Depression and mental health are serious topics and affect a prevalent number of black women and Americans in general. Minority women are twice as likely to experience an episode of major depression and only half as likely to seek help (Richards). After all, depression is seen as a weakness, and it does not fit the cultural expectations, particularly at the highest levels of athletic performance like Naomi Osaka or Serena Williams. Mental health is not a priority for many African American women, while it should be. It is detrimental to their long-term well-being and requires self-care and work. If more people in society, and even in their own community, would recognize the struggles and mental health issues that black women may encounter, then the world would be a much more inclusive and accepting place for these individuals who strive to remain strong based on a racist, sexist stereotype despite being flawed humans just like the rest.
Works Cited
Biakolo, Kovie, et al. “Mammy, Jezebel and Sapphire: Stereotyping Black women in media | The Listening Post (Feature).”YouTube, English, 2020, Web.
Blinder, Alan. “With Her Candor, Osaka Adds to Conversation About Mental Health.”The New York Times, 2021, Web.
Clarke, Liz. “In Her Anger, In Defeat, Serena Williams Starts an Overdue Conversation.The Washington Post, 2018, Web.
Manke, Kara. “How the “Strong Black Woman” Identity Both Helps and Hurts.”Greater Good Magazine, 2019, Web.
Richards, Erica M. “Mental Health Among African-American Women.”John Hopkins Medicine, Web.
Samuel, Ruth E. “The ‘Strong Black Woman’ Stereotype Is Dangerous.”Vogue, 2020, Web.