Notice that these women either have a scowl on their face or an attitude. You’re either unaware of their body type or it’s evident that they are slightly overweight. They all have hair that you cannot come through, nor is it past the shoulders. Why are we perceived that way as if we’re just a bunch of grumpy frumpy nappy intolerable people to deal with? Why when we’re showing joy, it has to be expressed in an exaggerating way. So if we’re not parading around with a damn attitude, we’re being loud and obnoxious. Why can’t we be conditioned to see all different types of black women? Embracing different styles of clothing, hair and body types? When I see white women in commercials, they’re running through fields of purple flowers, hair flowing in the wind, falling into the arms of a happy man. When I see black women in commercials, they’re in the kitchen, with 2 mulatto kids, no father present, complaining about something. And if there is a father around, he has this look of discomfort on his face. Or probably has an attitude too. Most of all, where are the pretty ones? I am quite positive that there are a lot of nice looking black women trying out for commercials so why are the unattractive ones, stuck in this stereotypical Afrocentric look, being chosen? Where are these women for the commercials?:

As you can see, we come in all shapes, sizes, skin tone and beauty. Now, I’m not saying this is in EVERY commercial I see where a black woman is present. But I can safely say at least 80% of them this is occurring. I’m not sure the reason for it, or how to change it. But I am certain that they need to wake up and open their eyes because times have changed. We’re all not nappy anymore. We can afford to keep our hair looking right. We’re all not frumpy anymore. We just have big butts and breasts (naturally!). We’re more in the office, being the backbone of a business and less in the kitchen with the mami apron on. We all don’t twist our necks when we’re voicing our opinion nor are we walking around with a scowl on our face. We don’t have a chip on our shoulders nor are we always at war with our men. This reminds me of the early 70′s where the only reason a black woman was casted for a role in the movie she was either a maid or a hooker.

Sidetrack: Weaves. There’s this sort of taboo about weaves and that’s also being associated with black women as well. As if we’re so “fake” and are “frauds” just because we have a weave. Ummmm, white women wear weaves also, JUST as much as black women. The reason why we don’t notice or can’t tell is because of the obvious. White women hair grows longer faster and the hair weaves match their hair texture better. We’re so conditioned to seeing black women with short hair, no one can fathom the thought that if her hair is 18 inches long, it’s real. They immediately cancel her out and say it’s a weave. Also, just because we have a weave, does not mean we’re bald. My real hair is past the back of my neck. The reason why most women (black & white) wears a weave is because they like to change hairstyles in a drastic way without actually damaging their real hair. Most of these hairstyles cannot be achieved with the hair we have.

If you’re of another race reading this, feel free to agree right along with me by letting me know how YOU feel about the way black women are projected in the media (if you even noticed it at all?). I try to look at it in a different perspective and analyzed how other races are portrayed in commercials and to be honest, I’m noticing other stereotypes as well. Except with the white actors/actresses. I’m sure if a white woman was watching BET and if most of the commercials portray white woman talking like a Valley Girl (ie: “LIKE, OH MY GAWD!”) she would feel the same way too. And if you disagree, I would love for you to tell me why also. I would like for this topic to be an open forum for any race to express the type of stereotypes you’ve experienced & endured as we walk through the means streets of society. Whether you’re black, white, hispanic, asian, indian and etc. I’m sure people are tired of white being associated with racism, black being associated with unattractive, hispanic being associated with labor work, asian being associated with Chinese food or nails, and indian being associated with a cab driver or terrorist.