The Impact of Misogynoir

By Kirk Baltimore

While protesting in the street,

I am fighting for the rights of my community.

While navigating my community,

I am fighting to be loved.

What more do Black women have to sacrifice to be loved by Black men? To be seen as worthy of fighting for.

We have given everything..."

- Bethanee Epifani J. Bryant.

It should be possible to be Black, stand for anti-racism, and remain anti-Black in praxis. Sadly, not all Black people believe in liberation for all Black people, particularly Black marginalized genders. Deeply embedded misogynoir tropes gradually float to the surface.

Black marginalized genders continue fighting for liberation, but the crises impacting them are largely ignored. Black women are reported to experience higher rates of domestic, sexual, and psychological violence than their White and Latina counterparts while also living through racial disparities. Black women risk having more difficulties during pregnancy than other races. Studies have shown that Black birthing people, even those considered "high earners," are reported to have similar maternal mortality rates as poor White women. Transgender Black women account for 59% of trans murders in 2022. One would think that with such devastating statistics, efforts would be made to address them, right?

The issue is that society is so committed to misogynoir that these issues are often overlooked. White women and Black men attribute to the most exploitative forms of discrimination against Black women by validating misogynoir and leveraging racial tropes for their benefit. Sadly, Black people have relied on this imbalanced camaraderie, often using it to further broader, patriarchal advances. Black women and femmes are subjected to "trickle-down" awareness, and advocacy for issues directly impacting them is often interconnected with other groups, especially regarding race and feminism.

When #MeToo, a social justice movement founded by Tarana Burke, made its way into mainstream America, white women shifted their gaze to white men in power. However, the original #MeToo was victim-driven and focused primarily on the healing and support of Black and Brown survivors of sexual assault. The same could be said with #BlackLivesMatter. The attention goes to Black men while placing the foundational missions of Black marginalized genders and queers on the back burner.

The most recent example involves Meghan Pete, known as Megan Thee Stallion, and Tory Lanez (Daystar Peterson). Peterson was found guilty on all three counts of his charges and faces up to 22 years along with deportation for shooting Pete. Still, news outlets, artists, and public figures invalided Pete's recollection of events and questioned her victimhood.

A simple observation of misogynoir in pop culture proves that the same issues attack "everyday" Black women daily. A vicious mingling of patriarchy and traditionalism perpetuates internalized misogynoir within all American institutions, not just the entertainment industry.

Likening the Mehgan Pete situation, one of the central stereotypes is the "hypersexual Jezebel." This stereotype plays into the belief that Black women cannot be victims due to their "sexual proclivities." Making the case that the circumstances Black women "find themselves in" will ultimately be attributed to their sexual promiscuity, which causes them to rarely be seen as a victim, especially concerning domestic violence issues. This trope is as dangerous as it dehumanizes, suggesting that Black women are inherently pervasive and that society can be justified for their substandard treatment.

Founded on false resilience, trauma, and "we shall overcome," the "strong Black woman" stereotype is among the most common tropes Black women face. This is arguably the most harmful stereotype, as it is so popular and widely accepted by society. The "strong Black woman" trope is constantly portrayed in popular shows (Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, How To Get Away With Murder, etc.) romanticizing how Black women neglect their feelings, relationships, and their well-being for the sake of over-working, "overcoming the odds," and always remaining "two steps ahead." It's an ode to the "good ol' Jim Crow" caricature, Mammy. The middle-aged Black woman introduced a sense of "compassion" for the institution of slavery. The Mammy caricature epitomizes the "strong Black woman" as she is invincible, never tired, always light-hearted when overworked, and subservient to the White family she works for. This stereotype seeks to strip Black women of their humanity and livelihood by basing their level of value on the work they produce. It is constantly reiterated that Black women are only valuable when working hard. And whereas television is a dramatized portrayal of this theme, it follows everyday Black women in their workplaces and schools. The invisible badge of "resilience" has historically kept Black women occupied with work to their detriment, preventing them from asking for help. Further cementing the cliche belief that Black women "don't need a man" or anyone.

A conversation is needed among Black people to recognize and affirm Black women and other marginalized Black genders. Historically, Black women have poured from empty cups for the sake of liberation; Black men and white women must reciprocate and fight for Black women's issues.

Kirk Baltimore (he him) is a writer and creator of the Blackfreud-ish podcast. Kirk serves as a Program Manager for two permanent supportive housing programs for recently homeless individuals with varying mental health diagnoses. He advocates for mental health awareness in marginalized communities and ending homelessness through quality affordable housing. You can find Kirk on Instagram and Twitter.