The Silent Issue: Normalized Assault on Black and Brown Women's Bodies

As a young, underprivileged, yet educated Black woman, I have experienced multiple accounts of sexual assault and harassment in my lifetime; whether it was in private, public, or academic spheres.

       In response to my experiences, I know that I am not alone. I have decided to shed light on an issue that is rarely discussed: the entitlement and objectification of Black and Brown women's bodies. Now you might ask; what do I mean? And most importantly, why now? My answer would be: "Why NOT now?" There has been a lengthy history of male power and influence over women's bodies in general. We know the term; patriarchy. The constant debates about reproduction rights, pro-choice vs. prolife, the blame on single women led-households, the question of when inappropriate advancements become actual assault, harassment or even rape. Historically, the elite subculture of the nation has contributed to a misogynist society in which women and particularly women of color has no control over their own bodies and their livelihoods.

     In essence, Black and Brown girls walk around feeling ashamed in their own bodies. Lacking confidence that White and ethnic privilege allows others to embody. This is a crisis, an EPIDEMIC! According to the Center for Disease Control, Colored girls are 10 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than white women and are 15 times more likely to receive STDs. These life-shattering images have not only caused for colored girls to lose hope for a better sense of womanhood and being, but has stifled our sisters in alarming rates. We fear that our livelihood is in our own hands. We become ‘Superwomen' to avoid stereotypes and negative judgments. Some of us have simply lost our way.

      It seems to me that when it comes to contemporary dating, Black women are at the bottom of the totem pole. Because of the fastidious numbers of single and professional Black women, our unique position has made us the subject of local and national news. We are looked down upon for our lack of lighter skin, conservative/religious clothing, culture and identity. Women with lighter skin are seen as an upgrade, a more: "feminine"sort of woman. But what are women whose skins are kissed with mahogany? We are aligned with negative and controlling images in the media; the mammy, the matriarch, the SINGLE, educated yet professional, welfare queen, or the infamous whore/jezebel. Is media portrayal to blame for how the world sees Colored girls? Are we to blame for the subliminal images and messages that are tied with our gender, sex, and color? If we go into a public environment wearing revealing garments, do men have the right to touch, taste, or take what they see? Are authority officials justified in not believing our stories and experiences? Why is it taboo for Black and Brown girls to show their awareness state of consciousness, and intelligence?

         Black women should be celebrated. We have carried the world on our banks. We have paved the way for others to prosper. We have raised the children of the elite…our own oppressors. Why can't the world look at us and see resilience, power, and strength? Why can't men question us about what they intend to do to our bodies? Why should we accept less of our men when they were birthed out of brilliance as well as resilience, power, and strength? What shouldn't we concern ourselves and others with injustices of our marginalized position in society? What about Our issues? Our humanity? Our BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS? Our pain? Our shame? Our embarrassment? Our sexuality? Our authenticity?

     Colored girls all across the globe have voices that can speak to the ignorant. In the face of adversity; some of us have, most have not. By voicing the cries of millions of sisters who have endured numerous accounts of dehumanizing treatment in the hands of insensitive men, we speak up the gratification of true release. Silence is treacherous. Voice is liberation.

        We are here. Colored girls will be here yesterday, today, and through the farthest of tomorrows. Believe it or not, we are here to stay.