Some say the darker the berry the sweeter the juice. While others label us whores when we were actually abused. They say we’re angry, aggressive, and masculine. Not worthy of love because we don’t know how to be feminine. We beat our faces for the gods so no blemishes show. We change our hair weekly to make sure we let the world know, we are at our best at all times. While our men still find a way to tell us we aren’t enough. We fight the system by getting their degrees, to only be paid pennies on the dollar of what they pay Susie and Ben. We articulate our words to make sure we appease them. Willie lynch would be proud of his efforts that topped even his estimates.
Black women continue to out-earn a lot of black men. While taking our trips and buying our bags because luxury is in our mere essence. While being told we should settle for a man who couldn’t provide us with a fraction of what we do for ourselves. While we are still belittled to be less than every other race of woman to only be copied and tossed. I mean how the fuck do I not have the right to be mad?
We continue to invalidate each other’s experiences. While told to fixate on dialogue that only shows our ignorance. Our ignorance towards a society that has strategically targeted us to keep us beneath them.
No matter how loud we scream to protect black women, if it’s at the hands of calling out a black man we are damned. People arguing about whether it was Tory Lanez who shot Meg but if it was the other way around no questions would’ve been posed. Continuing to show we will protect the abuser over the victim. This is why little girls are silent about their trauma, pain, and disloyalty from the ones who were supposed to protect them. How do I not have the right to be mad?
I am indeed a mad black woman.
I am indeed a mad black woman.
I am indeed a mad black woman.
Mad that I have to go find love, protection, and comfort in the arms of men who do not have my skin complexion.
Mad that too many black men would rather protect their brotherhood than black women.
Mad that for me to be heard it must be an opinion that appeases the masses.
Mad that when we say we will support one another it’s only if we have the same aesthetic and thought process.
Mad that in every dialogue we have, we feel as though we must bring one another down to uplift one of us.
Mad that they are trying to say reverse colorism is a thing.
Mad that I have to smile in the faces of these white people to push their agenda that they are helping my people when it is evident we are nothing more than a tax write-off.
Mad Black Woman
Again I state to differentiate the three. I’m not a Mad Black Woman. I’m a woman who happens to be black that’s mad at the fact that her people can’t see they’ve allowed our entire identity to be made up of caricatures, and idolized beings that were set up to make me look mad because I’m black and a woman.
Find out what your triggers are…Triggers are not always a person. It is easy to know what person pisses you off. However, triggers stray from all sorts of things even as small as smells. This is why it is so important to pay attention to the little things that simply make you “irritable”. For me being in certain cities piss me the fuck off. I hate being in environments that bring me back to memories of being unsupported, hurt, or mistreated. So for some actual people may be a trigger. However, it is beyond plausible for environments to be a trigger as well.
Journal… It sounds cliche but it does work if you work it. Journaling allows you to say exactly how you feel, without the pressures of feeling like you need to be politically correct or not hurt someone’s feelings. It gives you the ability to release such a negative emotion healthily. When you are writing out the situation, always remember to figure out who or what made you mad. Why did you allow this situation or person to disturb your peace? Then have a plan on how you will make sure to not place yourself in that environment again.
Find a healthy outlet… A healthy outlet does not need to be what society deems as healthy. I know it’s very common for mental health professionals to tell you to meditate, go to the gym, hell even church. However, those places might not be doing the job to alleviate these negative emotions. I will tell you it’s ok to go to the club and allow that to be your outlet. Now of course everything needs to be in moderation. I’m not saying getting drunk in the club and leaving with a random person is a healthy outlet. However, getting dressed up, hanging out with friends, dancing and screaming your favorite songs is beyond healthy. Enjoy your life to the best of your capabilities and remember one person’s healthy outlet might not be yours.
Exercise… Yes, I know exercise isn’t for everyone but it is. I promise. You don’t have to go get a gym membership and start lifting 3-4 times a week but you have to get some physical activity into your routine. Rather that be walking, hiking, swimming, hell going shopping. Find ways to get active, stay moving, and watch the difference it makes in your mental health.
Change Your Environment… Get the hell out of your comfort zone. I know it’s scary to leave out of the environments you are accustomed to. However, you don’t have to move abroad to change your environment. Simply stay away from people and places that make you feel less than/ small. Stay away from the environment that you know you’ve outgrown. Most importantly, go somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. There’s so much peace and simply changing your scenery.
Poetry Book “Unclothed” available for Presale
Official Release is May 21, 2023
I loved even more than you will get done right here. The picture is nice, and your writing is stylish, but you seem to be rushing through it, and I think you should give it again soon. I’ll probably do that again and again if you protect this walk.
My cousin suggested this website to me, and I’m unsure if he authored this post since no one else seems to understand my situation so thoroughly. You’re amazing—thank you!