To say that black women have come a long way is quite frankly an understatement. For generations, mainstream media, whether it be television, books or music, has portrayed black women in a very limited bracket—namely as mammies or oversexed, exotic vixens. Within the black community however, the black woman has seemingly been looked upon as representing strength, independence and the true definition of regal beauty. So, when rapper Slim Thug recently revealed his ill-feelings about black women, it set off a firestorm of internet and radio debate both in and outside of the black community. From singer Aubrey O’Day to Columbia University professor Marc Lamont Hill, it seems everyone has an opinion on the issue.
According to the Houston rapper, “[a] black woman’s mind frame is that the man gotta do everything for her [and rather than behaving in this manner], black women must bow down and start working hard; start cooking and being down for [their] man.” Although Slim’s assertions are laughable to say the least, his (mis)perception of black women is most certainly no laughing matter.
While some individuals may view Slim Thug’s comments as nothing more than an opinion to which he is entitled, what they may fail to realize are the far-reaching implications of this opinion. With Hip-Hop music being mass-consumed on a global scale, what the artists say in and out of the studio has the power to either bolster or refute stereotypes commonly associated with blackness. Although there is no way to truly begin to understand exactly why he chose to divulge these details, one thing is rather obvious—Slim Thug has yet to free himself from the shackles of mental slavery.
As a black man born to a black mother, it seems almost unfathomable that the rapper would even possess these ideologies regarding black women much less share them with others. What was particularly disturbing about the verbal assault he unleashed on black women, was the fact that he went so far as to make rather disturbing claims implying that white women are more desirable mates than their black counterparts:
“My girl is black and white. The white in her is where she still cooks and do all the [things] I say. She just takes care of me and I like it.”
If one delves deep and thoroughly examines his words, it becomes rather obvious that Slim Thug’s problem is not merely black women, but rather the fact that he is a weak-minded individual who indulges in self-hatred. Furthermore, it shows that he needs an even weaker woman who will be at his every beck and call in order for him to feel as though he has some sort of control. This is not to imply however, that white women are indeed weak, but moreover, to illustrate the fact that Slim Thug’s perception of reality is far removed from the truth. Since his prejudices against black women are already set in his mind, he attributes his girlfriend’s willingness to do as he says to her race, when in fact it could easily be attributed to other factors.
Slim Thug is most certainly not the first person to make these sorts of claims and he surely will not be the last. As unfortunate as it may be, this sort of behavior drives home just how important it is for black boys and girls to be taught to love themselves, because self-hatred like demonstrated on the part of Slim Thug is a perilous weapon aimed at the hearts of all black people.
Written by Shanique Byrd
Image by Christian Ortiz
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