As you can see from social media, Millennials and Gen Z typically don’t find much in common. But they are on the same page when it comes to calling out and criticizing how the implicit and verbalized traditions within the black community are exercised against young people.
Many young black girls have long been told by their grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, older cousins, and family friends that wearing certain clothes or having a certain hairstyle will make them look more “grown up.” Ta.
Young black girls are often exposed to intense cultural and social pressures regarding their appearance, especially when it comes to their hair and clothing. Unlike their peers from other ethnic backgrounds, they are often criticized for choices that are considered “too adult”, such as growing or dyeing their hair or wearing certain fashion items. This intense scrutiny is rooted in historical biases and stereotypes that oversexualize and adulterate Black girls from an early age, impacting their self-expression and self-confidence. While a hairstyle change or trendy outfit may seem cute or fashionable to other girls, the same choices can attract negative attention to black girls and cause them to be conservative in their behavior and appearance. It may impose an unreasonable burden on you. Parents, please stop telling young black girls what they can and cannot wear around certain male family members and friends. If you don’t trust their wandering eyes, keep them away from adult men.
Addressing this disparity requires challenging deep-rooted stereotypes and asserting equity in how children express themselves. Schools, communities, and parents play a key role in fostering an environment where all children can explore their identities without fear of judgment or labels. Cultural diversity education and sensitivity training can help remove biases that lead to such disparities. Celebrating Black beauty and fashion in mainstream media as appropriately youthful, not just adult, can change public perceptions. By recognizing and actively resisting these biases, society can better support Black girls to embrace their own style and cultural traditions without fear of criticism or being seen as too mature for their age.
EBONY is committed to preserving our heritage, addressing the traditions we want to carry on and the traditions we want to bury. Are we “losing the recipes” or are we simply assessing whether they cause significant harm that requires them to be passed on in the first place? Is this the way to preserve our community’s heritage? Below, EBONY spoke to several women for their thoughts on the subject and how it’s manifested in their lives.
Kayla A. Greaves, beauty writer and expert
“I think this goes back to the whole subconscious concept of girls staying ‘innocent’ and preserving their ‘virginity’ so as not to attract men in a sexual way. This is very It’s a flawed way of thinking. Establishing your own style does not make you responsible for the actions and actions of men, no matter what their journey is. Just as a young girl is not responsible for a man’s actions.
Girls and women do not need to cage themselves to avoid unwanted sexual advances. We should have the autonomy to live our lives freely, freely explore our bodies, and embrace our style. To change this, we need to rethink how boys are raised and make sure they are taught to respect the girls around them. For example, an 8-year-old girl wearing a spaghetti strap tank top or an above-the-knee skirt does not give anyone the right to pick on someone, harass them, or make them feel uncomfortable. I can’t. We need to stop blaming girls and do a better job of teaching both men and boys that they have no right to a woman’s time, attention, or body. ”
Blake Newby, Beauty and Style Expert
“It may seem like a cliché, but a lot of the reasons why black women are perceived that way stem from slavery. It’s the source of so many things that hold us back as a community. So our ideals are rooted in both patriarchy and complexes.” Racial history is one that most often falls on the shoulders of black women. In 2024, I hope people evaluate whether their opinions of women’s attitudes are rooted in harmful views instilled in them at a young age. That’s not to say that the time and place isn’t appropriate. It’s important, but most of what gets mentioned when we talk about ‘out-dressing’ isn’t.”
Taylor Green, Public Relations
“Black women have historically been over-sexualized, especially from a young age. It’s unfair that Black girls can’t just exist as they are without unwarranted opinions about how they dress, act, and look. To challenge this narrative, we must create safe spaces for Black girls to express themselves.
Social media also plays a part in how this generation shapes their body image and what defines ‘beauty.’ I may have grown up in a different time, but kids today look to social media for ideas of how they should look. Unlike when I was growing up, kids are bombarded with older internet celebrities who set unrealistic standards. It’s unfortunate that this generation feels the need to cater to that.”
