Not even the first lady of the most powerful nation in the world is immune to stereotypes that have plagued Black women since first setting foot on American soil. Stereotypes of being the “angry Black woman” and curiosity about differences in appearance still persist from the academy to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
As African-American women rise in ranks, their accomplishments, education, successes and contributions are frequently shadowed by the realities of misperceptions and stigmas that can potentially mar their legacy.
Since slavery and post-slavery, African-American women were seen as strong, but typically had no voice. Even during the feminist movement, African-American women fought for inclusion and were largely overlooked.
Humanist and feminist theorist bell hooks (Gloria Watkins) has been a cultural critic for decades. In her essays Killing Rage: Ending Racism, she wrote about how a Black woman’s rage must always remain repressed, contained, trapped in the realm of the unspeakable. In the title essay, Hooks writes about the “killing rage” — that fierce anger of Black people stung by repeated instances of every day racism.
Though published 16 years ago, it remains relevant as national conversations about the portrayal of African-American women are placed under a microscope after a recently released book titled The Obamas written by New York Times correspondent Jodi Kantor. The book has raised ire as first lady Michelle Obama is scrutinized and depicted as controlling and restless in her role in the White House and remains in a constant state of frustration.
She is a wife, mother, a highly accomplished lawyer, Princeton cum laude graduate and Harvard trained, but, for many, Michelle Obama is an anomaly. Some have tried to reduce her to a fashionista or shift focus to her physical stature.
In the spotlight
