Being an African-American woman today involves having to juggle with society's perception of African-American women and trying to deal with this perception. Black women are often perceived as being quick to anger, sassy, violent, materialistic and racist towards white people. This perception is mostly perpetuated by TV and other media. TV shows in the past and present have negatively portrayed black women and its repercussions have caused society to make hasty generalizations about their aptitude, mentality and attitudes.

This obviously causes a conflict between what is really true and what is just a generalization. Dealing with this is just as difficult as it sounds. In order to survive in society you have to become a chameleon. In one situation, usually a social situation, you become the "classic black woman", the no-nonsense, sassy, yet good natured wife, daughter, friend or girlfriend that talks about what good shows are on BET and what weaves look good.

In another situation, usually at work or another professional situation, you become the "professional black woman" who is the center of attention and is skillful at what she does. Whether it's conducting a meeting with clients or executing a marketing campaign. She works hard to meet expectations even if she has to sacrifice. God forbid if she slips up and adds a little piece of Ebonics during that client meeting.

Black women constantly have to balance the two and try not to become a stereotype. Even as a child, I never was the stereotypical black child. Most of my friends were either White or Hispanic and I immersed myself in their culture, not because I didn't appreciate my own culture, but because I enjoyed some elements of their culture that reminded me of mine.

This didn't saturate all parts of my life but it influenced my tastes in music and other hobbies. Don't be surprised to see Lenny Kravitz, No Doubt, Green Day or Cold Play in my music collection.

After many years of dealing with this issue, I think I've become good at doing this and don't plan on becoming a stereotype.

Learn more about this author, Kenya Evans.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding African-American women's identity issues?
We want to hear your view. Write now!