On any given day, a Black woman scrolling through social media or flipping through television channels might see herself celebrated, adored and championed — while also being misrepresented, judged and erased. The media paints a picture, but the question remains: Is it a reflection of reality or a manufactured distortion?
Evon Inyang is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of ForwardUs Counseling serving the Twin Cities and beyond.Credit: Courtesy of Evon Inyang
Due to systemic racism, Black women walk a fine line. They are hyper-visible in some ways and completely unseen in others. The media plays a major role in shaping self-perception and defining who Black women should be, rather than reflecting who they truly are.
“Healthy representation isn’t just about visibility,” said Evon Inyang of FowardUs Counseling. “It’s about the truth and all its pain and glory. Black women deserve to see themselves reflected in ways that honor their full humanity, not just the roles society assigns to them.”
This is often seen in reality shows like “Love & Hip Hop” and Zeus Networks’ “Baddies,” where Black women are seen suffering through toxic relationships, fighting addiction, and broadcasted in physical altercations with each other.
Dr. Elizabeth Adedokun of Alafia Counseling & Consulting recognizes the impact of these portrayals: “To be honest, it is quite unfortunate how we see perpetuating harmful stereotypes among Black women in the media. I definitely see this leading to negative self-talk and low self-image, but I think of graceful Black women such as Michelle Obama who provide so much hope when it comes to debunking those negative myths.”
Some Black women have found social media to be a space for celebration and reclamation. “I really appreciate seeing Black women get their flowers, specifically how social media showcases the achievements and shows you what’s possible for yourself,” said community member Yurrea Armstrong.
“But [mainstream media] makes it seem like Black people are ratchet, uneducated, and merely criminals. The media tries to portray us as low level and incompetent. It makes me feel like I have to act a certain way in public to not be perceived as ghetto.”
From a systemic lens, the pressure to conform extends beyond external judgment — it also can be perpetuated within the Black community itself. “Within the Black community there is pressure to present yourself a certain way with name-brand clothes and materials to appear like you have money, and if you don’t, you are made to feel like an outcast,” Armstrong added.
However, some Black women refuse to let societal narratives define them. “When you have self-awareness and resilience, the media can push narratives, but when you truly know yourself, it doesn’t define you. You see through the unrealistic portrayals — the body trends, the stereotypes, the way they frame Black women. It’s all just noise if you don’t let it in,” said community member Chrissy Morris.
For her, knowledge of self keeps her grounded in her identity: “Being culturally aware is a strength, especially as a Jamaican American in a place like Minnesota, where you might feel like you stand out. Adapting to your surroundings is a survival skill, but at the core, it’s about staying true to who you are. At the end of the day, the media doesn’t shape you — you shape you and your experiences shape you.”
The issue of representation runs even deeper when considering colorism and the preference for Eurocentric beauty standards. Media portrayals have long established a standard of beauty that privileges lighter skin, looser curls, and features deemed “softer.”
We see this in casting when darker skin Black men are cast with a lightskin counterpart in shows like “Martin,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Everybody Hates Chris” to name a few. This preference influences not only self-image but dating experiences as well.
“Colorism is more than just physical appearance. It’s about seeing, choosing and valuing others. When the media continues to elevate Eurocentric beauty standards, it insidiously sends a message that darker-skinned women are less desirable, valuable and worthy. This messaging doesn’t leave its impact on-screen; it affects self-esteem, romantic experiences and expectations,” Inyang explained.
Many Black women have felt the impact of desirability politics, even when it comes to their own features. “I think that a lot of people back in the day did center Eurocentric standards, but now I feel like everyone is going after the ‘Black look.’ Today Black women are in a position where they are competing with women of other races to look like themselves,” said Armstrong.
“As Black women, full lips and big behinds are our stereotypical trademark features, so when you have thinner lips and a more petite body it’s almost like you don’t meet the status quo,” said Inyang.
Beyond beauty standards, the portrayal of Black women in media also affects relationship dynamics. “The way the media portrays us affects our relationships with each other. We find that men are looking for a woman that looks a certain way, centered on sexual attractiveness.
“The media dictates what type of Black woman you should have in this way when it oversexualizes us, giving screentime only to those who have artificial body enhancements. This is not allowing us to love each other for who we are and it’s taking away respect. Men are treating us like we are not enough for them.”
Despite these challenges, Black women continue to redefine beauty, worth and self-love on their own terms by refusing to be boxed into media portrayals that do not serve them, carving out spaces where their voices, stories and truths take center stage. Black women continue to advocate their intellect, natural beauty and diversity as a means of perseverance.
Through platforms like social media, independent media outlets, and community-driven storytelling, Black women are not only demanding better representation but are also creating it themselves. The power of the media may shape perceptions, but ultimately, Black women are the authors of their own narratives.
Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses at kwilliams@spokesman-recorder.com.
