We know, we know. Sadly, not all black women love themselves. Low self esteem, environment and a host of other elements can affect how any woman, regardless of race, will feel about herself. But recently an Essence Magazine study found that “African-American women are twice as likely to feel positive about their beauty. That’s certainly encouraging! It’s no coincidence that we appreciate ourselves a tad bit more than other woman. Here are some reasons why…
1. Less Likely to Buy Into Unrealistic Standards
There used to be a time, not too long ago, when a black face on the television screen or a magazine cover was hard to come by. Sure times have changed and black women are featured more frequently but still no where near the rate and frequency of our white counterparts. It’s a double-edged sword. While some talented models, actresses and t.v. personalities miss out on jobs, it also means that we are not as inundated with airbrushed mid sections, lightened complexions and extravagant hair extensions. Instead as little girls, our beauty ideals come from women who were accessible to us. Our mothers, our neighbors, our teachers etc. You know real women.
2. Confidence
This character trait is definitely not limited to black women. Most women who are considered beautiful radiate some level of confidence. We can assume if black women are more comfortable with their beauty, then they’re more likely to be confident in their interactions with other people. It’s a cyclical relationship. Appreciation for your beauty builds confidence and your confidence allows others to readily recognize your beauty.
3. Different Beauty Standards from Mainstream America
Speaking of beauty…ours is a little different. Now don’t get me wrong, we’re grown enough to accept and acknowledge that there is more than one definition of beauty; but you can’t bring up the subject without mentioning us. From our unique, ever-changing tresses, to our high cheekbones, wide hips and rounded bottoms we are truly a sight to behold.
4. Acceptance and Embracement of Ethnic Features
Remember the days when [mainstream] women used to talk about their butts looking big? I remember the first time I heard that as a child. I was too confused. Where I came from a big booty was something you dreamed about, if you weren’t blessed with it genetically. Not so for some people. Go figure. We managed to embrace our assets long before women started oogling over J-Lo and the Booty-Pop became an infomercial hit. We like our wider than button noses and how could I ever forget those luscious lips? Ooo those magnificent lips!
5. Our Skin
Something about the way light reflects off our skin is glorious. No matter your shade, if you look down at your skin in the summer you’ll notice a certain glow. It’s lovely! We can thank Mr. Melanin for that. The extra melanin keeps our skin oilier than other races. While this can be a bit of a hassle, oilier skin delays the affects of
6. Admiration and Celebration of the “thicker”/ “curvier” frame
Since the days of pin-up girls, specifically Marilyn Monroe, the optimal size for models has gotten smaller and smaller. But for better or worse (i.e. obesity) the black community has always celebrated the curves.
7. Diversity of Features
Contrary to stereotypical opinion, black people are some of the most diverse people on the earth. For evidence you need look no further than Africa. People in Egypt look nothing like the people in the Congo. It’s a genetic party over there. I once heard that if the entire population were suddenly wiped out, you could rebuild in Africa. It makes sense. That’s where it all started.
8. Appreciation from the Fellas (regardless of race)
While we don’t need a man to make us feel beautiful, it certainly doesn’t hurt to hear them singing our praises. Back in the days when we didn’t see ourselves in the media, kind of like we do today, we had men who reaffirmed our beauty. And in case “you ain’t know” it’s not just the brothers who are out here checking for us.
9. Knowledge of our history
You must have noticed that people who are culturally aware generally have a greater sense of pride which often translates to a higher self appreciation. In fact there was a study that supported this observation not too long ago. It was this very reason that Black Nationalism focused so heavily on embracing our African heritage, to inspire a sense of pride.
10. Perseverance
For the longest, black women sat at the bottom of the totem pole in this country. You know “the order” white man, white woman, black man, black woman. (Who knows what position the other races fell in.) But despite, this position black women have managed to make the best of a horrible situation. Not only have we served as the backbone of our own communities, we didn’t get lost in the sauce. Black women have made huge gains in the areas of education and business. Sure we have our problems, just like everybody else, but there’s so much to love!
What do you love about being a black woman?
