*Misogynoir is a word to describe the specific kind of misogyny towards black woman. The term, coined by queer feminist scholar Moya Bailey in 2010, helps in identifying all those instances where anti-black racism shapes the instances of hate towards women. The need for this term arose in light of all the misogynistic instances against women in the media but it refers to any act of anti-black misogyny.
In an explanation for the terms existence, Moira Bailey stated “I think we have to refine language in a lot of different ways so we can actually come up with solutions that help the communities we want to address.” She further added “When you use language that’s generic or unspecific you can get at some of the problem, but not all of it.”
For a very long time, the media narrative around black women had been that they are overly aggressive and least attractive – a result of how whiteness dictated beauty standards and femininity. This is used to deny black women their ability to experience pain or offense.
When they are portrayed in the media, black women are reduced to stereotypes – they are limited to sassy best friend, angry black woman, strong black woman, side chicks, video vixens and strippers who have nothing to contribute through their talent or intellect. This is why instances where black women’s contributions are ignored or erased also constitute misogynoir. For example, the fact that Black Live Mater movement was started by three black women – Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi – gets omitted is misogynoir.
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What makes misogynoir different is also who perpetuates it. It’s not just white people but also black men who use this kind of prejudice to suppress women. In fact, in some women’s experience most of the misogynoir towards them comes from black men. There is a contingent of black men who call black women “bitter” and “ugly” and consider them less important. When black women confront them about it, they double down on them with accusations of being an “angry black woman.”
A product of internalized racism, black men’s misogynoir enters into the culture-at-large which gives more importance to their voice through platforms like social media, movies and rap music. This further cements the stereotypes surrounding black women. This why even accomplished black women like Serena Williams and Leslie Jones get harassed on Twitter by trolls.
To combat misogynoir, there should be a strong effort towards calling out instances of misogynoir in the culture and demand a correction of the situation. More awareness needs to be created within the Black community especially black men who need to be made aware about the struggles black women face. They should be made to realize how their hateful attitudes and actions keep racism alive. Only by confronting misogynoir, will we be able to elevate black women in society and honor their struggles properly.
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