The Anxiety of Black Women: A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery
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To be black in America is to be perpetually and painfully aware of your skin color.
The combination of the perpetual visibility of your skin through media, the expectations society has for you, and the day-to-day microaggressions that are thrown your way can build up a feeling of general unease known as “the anxiety of blackness”.
On top of that, if you’re a woman of African descent, things can become even more complicated because society expects you to perform a certain way based on your gender: as an objectified sex object.
This article is not intended to target all black women with harsh words or criticize them for anything they have done; instead, it aims to look at the root cause of why so many feel anxious about being black.
Introduction to the Anxiety of Black Women
The anxiety of black women is a real thing that everyone can relate to some extent.
It’s something that rears its ugly head in social situations where you’re expected to be polite but also assertive, a combination that is especially challenging when you’re the only black person in the room.
It can also come up in your career when you’re expected to perform a certain way based on your race, especially if you’re a woman.
The good news is that this is something that you can overcome. The more you know about what causes it, the sooner you can find a way to overcome it.
We’re here to help.
What Causes the Anxiety of Black Women?
The anxiety of black women stems from being black in America.
The visibility of your skin color, the expectations society has for you, and the day-to-day microaggressions that are thrown your way can build up into a feeling of general unease known as “the anxiety of blackness”.
The Stages of Anxiety of Black Women
You often hear about women experiencing “anxiety” or “nervousness” when they’re getting ready to meet someone new.
