For as long as I can remember, there has been an expectation that black women are inherently strong. From the way we carry ourselves to the challenges we face, society has painted us as unbreakable superwomen.

But while this may seem like a positive label, it can actually be quite harmful.

Definition of a strong woman

The ideal Black woman how she should act. It is a belief/ expectation that Strong Black women must hold back their emotions to avoid appearing weak, portray themselves as strong and independent while being responsible for the problems of others, and take care of those problems as if they were their own. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strong_black_woman

This stereotype has existed for centuries, tracing back to the colonial era when black women were expected to perform labor-intensive tasks on plantations. The term “strong black woman” has become a common trope in movies, TV shows, and books, perpetuating the belief that black women are naturally resilient and invincible.

Black women face many challenges, including racism, sexism, and discrimination. These challenges can take a toll on a Black woman’s mental health, and the pressure to always be strong can make it difficult for her to seek help or support when needed.

The women I have spoken too, have expressed that the expectation of strength particularly in workplace has lead to the idea that they don’t need support or help. They fear to ask for help because they appear as incompetent or unqualified to do their jobs. This creates a lot of pressure, anxiety and mental breakdown. They feel that they should always be strong, never show vulnerability, and to never ask for help.

It is important to recognise the stereotype attached to black women. Because the pressure is emotionally draining that can also cause physical, emotional and mental harm. Black women, like all people, experience fear, vulnerability, and pain. Just because black women might not express their emotions in the way society expects them to doesn’t mean they are not feeling them.

People need to know that the expectation of strength can also be used as a way to invalidate someone’s experiences.

When she speak out about the discrimination and challenges she face, she is often met with responses like “you’re strong, you’ll get through it” or “just keep pushing.”

While these responses may come from a well-intentioned place, they are actually dismissive of the real harm and pain that a black women is experiencing.

What is even worse about this stereotype is the opposite effect when a black women who do express their emotions and speak up against injustice are often labelled as “angry black women.” Society unfairly associates black women’s anger with aggression, and this depiction further reinforces the stereotype of the strong black woman. When black women try to break out of this expectation, they are often not believed or dismissed.

Black women often face misogyny and racism.

It is important to recognize this in education and in work environment. Even if the black women appears to possess strength, it does not mean that they are invincible. They deserve to be able to express their emotions, to ask for help and support when needed, and to be recognized as complex individuals with struggles and experiences.

It is time to move away from the harmful expectation of strength that has been placed on black women. Black women are also human and deserve the same compassion and support as anyone else. It is time to build a more equitable and just society for all.

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bantukulture1 (wordpress.com) Strong Black Women

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