Black Women Are Not Angry, Just Strong
First lady Michelle Obama recently challenged assertions that she has forcefully imposed her will on White House aides and says that some have inaccurately tried to portray her as ``some kind of angry black woman.''
Mrs. Obama told CBS News that she has not read New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor's new book that characterizes her as a behind-the-scenes force in the Executive Mansion, whose strong views often draw her into conflict with President Barack Obama's top advisers.
``I never read these books,'' Mrs. Obama told CBS's Gayle King in a recent interview.``So I've just gotten in the habit of not reading other people's impressions of people.''
The angry black woman stereotype is an age old misrepresentation of African American women, which many times is pointed at black women with authority and power.
Maya Angelou, famous Black poet and author once said, The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement, distaste and even belligerence. It is seldom accepted as an inevitable outcome of the struggle won by survivors, and deserves respect if not enthusiastic acceptance.
Angelou has purported that the demeanor of strong, powerful Black women is often times considered disorderly and therefore is not respected as a reaction to the struggles and oppression suffered by previous generations of African American women.
Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman ever elected to Congress once said that women are first stereotyped when they are born.
The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says, It's a girl,Chisholm said.
Chisholms approach is more psychological and attempts to explain the root of stereotypes that plague not just Black women but all women.
Arguably one of the most intriguing quotes on Black women and their anger comes from the late poet and activist, Audre Lorde, where she proudly proclaims the anger inside of her.
My Black woman's anger is a molten pond at the core of me, my most fiercely guarded secret. Your silence will not protect you! said Lorde.
Dr. Olivia Perlow, assistant professor of sociology at Northeastern Illinois University recently explained to the Chicago Citizen the origin of stereotypes.
Stereotypes are the basis for prejudice and discrimination; they are used for scapegoating groups or individuals to denigrate and divide and ultimately to deceit.
Perlow adds that mankind should be angry, but not in the stereotypical way that Black women are sometimes portrayed, but more in an exhibitory manner that signifies opposition to the many ills of society.
The fact is that all of us should be angry. Theres a saying that goes If youre not angry youre not paying attention. So all of us should be angry if we have our eyes open. Not just Black women but everybody should be angry at the state of our world, should be angry that there is so much poverty, so little opportunity and so much greed, she said. According to Perlow, this type of anger can serve as a conduit for a better society. The key is channeling your anger and facilitate social change, she said.
by Thelma SardinThe Associated Press contributed to this report.
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