A few weeks ago, a twitter user tweeted about his distaste towards Ari Lennox and Teyana Taylor. He highlights his amazement about them having sex appeal because, in his eyes, they resemble rottweilers. Black women (and some Black men) came to the defense of the two women. Jackie Aina, social media influencer, responded to the viral tweet by saying, “there’s way too much historical context to have to keep explaining why you shouldn’t make statements like these”. Ari Lennox appeared on Instagram live and wondered aloud why people are “so comfortable tearing Black women down?”Asking Black men she continues, “why is that your speech? Why are you so comfortable tearing down Black women and no other race?”
Why are Black men so comfortable tearing down Black women? Why do Black men have so much hate against Black women?
The simple answer is misogynoir. The term was coined in 2010 by Black feminist Moya Bailey to explain the misogyny directed towards black women where race and gender play a role. A Black man’s hate towards Black women is rooted in internalized racism. Black women cottle, protect and provide for Black men but the favor is rarely reciprocated. Black men preserve misogynoir against Black women through misogyny and internalized racism due to the fact they see blackness as inferior.
Misogynoir is seen everywhere. We have all probably experienced it without having the full knowledge to explain it. The stereotype of the angry Black woman is a perfect example of misogynoir. Black women are viewed as being too aggressive and not feminine enough. When Black men make comments about only dating White women or Hispanic women and justify it by claiming that it’s a preference, that is misogynoir. Black men have also fed into the idea that a Black woman’s body is only meant to be sexualized. The foundation of misogynoir is sexism. Because of this, Black women are often limited to the consumption of their bodies by Black men. The over-sexualization of Black women is a common theme in Hip Hop as well. In music videos, Black women are often hypersexualized for the sole purpose of the male gaze. Misogynoir is rooted in parts of our society. Black men often contribute to the problem subconsciously, but it is very much from a conscious space.
There is not a magic pill to solve these deep-rooted issues, however, there are ways to intentionally combat it. First and foremost, it isn’t our job to continuously explain to an able thinking man the simplicity of what’s wrong and what’s right. As women, we are socialized to take care of men, so we explain, repeatedly. The best method to combat misogynoir is to call it out. When your guy friends make misogynistic comments, call them out on it. When you see a Black man on twitter showcasing his underlying hate of black women, call them out on it. Don’t let the comments go unnoticed. Black men need to be held accountable for the harm they are causing. It is unfair to continuously allow them to have a platform to spread their misogynistic viewpoints. Educate yourselves on Black feminist theory to better gain knowledge of self and share this information with Black men. Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper is a great book to learn and expand your knowledge of Black feminism. Lastly, we must remember to protect one another. We are all we have.
“When black women stick together, we are the most powerful force in the universe”- Alfre Woodard