Why do people expect the worst out of black women?

Question

I am a black woman and people are absolutely surprised when I am not ghetto or dumb or don't have any children. They are surprised when I am educated and dressed well. Even worse, they will tell me how well-spoken I am.

Answer 1

well stereotype is powerful and live with it.

Answer 2

If your not ghetto than props to you, but don't over simplify a none issue.

People are ignorant,racist,stupid and just plain old dumb. If doing certain things makes you different or not "black-enough", brush it off and keep it moving.

Answer 3

because they spend their time around too many hoodrats or watching too many movies with hoodrats, so they don't expect anything but "hoodratness" from the next black girl they see.

Answer 4

When I was in college I worked part time as a waitress and let me tell you, black ladies would come in that restaurant and give such a hard time to everyone, even the owner said so. I also think they are a bit self conscious in the presence of non black women, at least that's my experience.

Answer 5

That's just wronnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!

Society is messed up!

I think it's cause of all the stereotypes.

It's absolutely ridiculous.

Answer 6

I understand what you are saying.

Don't let that bother you because they can not reach your intellectual.

You are smarter than that.

I hate it when people judge all black women.

I'm white man.

Answer 7

Yes, I get that a lot my best friend who is white told me I was not black I was really white and i was very shocked that she would say that her husband is really racist but he likes me he says I am not like the other blacks I am much better

Answer 8

Its because thats how the media constantly tries to portray us. On television, in magazines,, etc... I know what you mean, they say that to me too. A high number of us have broken that mold of being just only that, its just the media doesn't want to broadcast it like that. And then when they see the high number of us african american women, unmarried successful single and with out children and now want to make that an issue too! Its like we can never do good in the media's eyes and they do that on purpose...  

Answer 9

The reason is because these people WANT you to act that way. They want you to have kids out of wedlock, they want you to talk improper and everything else. It makes themselves feel better. I see esacally what you mean. My bestfriend worked in a law firm with 93% white people, and they even admitted to her that they didn't expect for her to act the way she did. They just want to see black women mess up because it makes them feel better about themselves.

Keep your head up and keep acting the way you act. No matter how many black women they may see that act ghetto, they'll always know that it was atleast one person who didn't.

Answer 10

first answer is dead on.

If someone approached me like that you can bet we would not have many encounters afterwards. i have no time for that.

Answer 11

One word: Media.

Sometimes it can feel like you are constantly battling negative stereotypes. The sad thing is, a lot of people who hold those stereotypical views will admit that they've never really known any black women personally. Just be who you are and try not to focus on it. If I focused on all of the negative stereotypes about us I'd spend my whole life being irritated and defensive. Just let it go, and remember, people like you who are doing well do sometimes help to change other's perceptions.

Answer 12

It's because they watch too much t.v. and it's because they don't bother to educate themselves and look around. Only ignorance expects the same out of everything. People act surprised when they see black women such as yourself & I, but I love it because there is my chance to prove them wrong and the stereotypes wrong. I end up putting them to shame and it makes them feel as if I am their competition, but I know better that I am much ahead.

Answer 13

I have been bullied and beat down (for being white no other reason I promise) by black females, but white men seem to also have it out for me.

On the other hand, some of the nicest and most decent people I have know are black females and white males. I guess you can't over generalize. About all whites or all blacks, or the expectations that you presume people have.

Answer 14

You gotta learn to laugh at 'em and know when to call >>it<< (the situation/person) as IT is....it being dumb***es.  

Answer 15

They are not very educated, just laugh at them and walk away the next time you are misjudged.

Answer 16

actually i expect the same thing from black women as i do with everyone else, nothing. i'd never call anyone "well spoken" it's like saying "ooooo look he can walk upright isn't that just adorable?" if i meet you i just deal with what you show me, of course on the other hand you can act as ghetto as you want too and i still wouldn't blink, it's not up to me to decide someone quality

Answer 17

Same here!! [but then again, i am only a teenager]

But people judge on stereotypes. Everyone thinks that we are loud and have attiudes, but as we both no, thats not true.

Answer 18

do they????????

thats never happened to me!

where do you live?!!!!!!

Answer 19

where im from its the opposite whiteys be actin ghetto etc.