Disclaimer: Everyone views the world from their own set of lenses. Please read my view with an open mind, understanding that it is my view. It may not be right, but it is from my set of lenses.
Everyday, I’m reminded that I am a black woman. As a kid, I would forget all the time but not so much anymore. Whether it’s the patient who expected to see a white male doctor, or the waitress who assumes she won’t receive a tip. Whether it’s the professor who believes females aren’t as capable as males, or the neighbor who is unaware of his offensive comments. Reminders are a daily occurrence.
So, what is it like to be a black woman? After many years, I finally feel like I am coming into my stride. There’s more to me than just my skin color. I’m loving my mahogany complexion. Though I fight with it, I love the kinky texture of my hair. I enjoy sipping a hot cup of tea and reading a good book. Any chance to discover new foods and cultures causes me to shriek with excitement. At times, I can be feisty (not to be confused with anger). Other times, I’m quiet and reserved. Racial stereotypes are just that. If you judge someone by who society says they should be, then you miss out on who they are truly.
Each time I encounter a moment of racism, my heart is saddened. “It’s unfortunate that they didn’t even give me a chance,” I think to myself. “I’m such a cool person.” Sadness is immediately followed by anger. “How can one human treat another in such a way.” I believe this is what perpetuates the angry black woman persona. There can be the constant need to defend who we are to the world. Honestly, it can be exhausting. The result can unfortunately be perceived as anger and therefore a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Instead, we must choose to rise above it. We must rise above the expectation that society may enforce upon us. Once, I was told not to wear my race on my sleeve. At first, this comment was met with aggression. How dare this person say this to me? They have no idea the sort of racism that I’ve encountered over my life. But truthfully, that’s what I was doing. Instead, I choose to take a stance of love. I can’t control how others act, but I can choose my response. No longer on the defensive, but showering love on all.
Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 1:6-8 New Living Translation (NLT) “and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Comments