Are There Fewer Black Female Role Models? Or Are We Ignoring Them?

October 18th, 2011 - By Erica Renee

When I was younger, I admired Whitney Houston. Although Whitney eventually took a turn for the worst (that’s another story), in her younger years, she was poised, talented, intelligent, and beautiful. As I grew older, I admired the women on A Different World. Although a lot of the admiration stemmed from my anticipation to one day be a “Hillman” student at the fictitious school, there was still a part of me that admired the intelligence of Kimberly Reese, the classiness of Whitley Gilbert, and the free spirit of Freddie Brooks.

There were many other women, outside of the women in my family, who I admired, and they all possessed many of the same traits: they were successful, intelligent, classy, and strong. In my eyes these women were what I aspired to be. That was then. Now images of these women are replaced by vulgar pop figures and overnight reality celebrities.

My role models as a young girl wouldn’t appeal to most young girls today. While some argue that there is a lack of  positive black female role models, there really isn’t. However there is a lack of admiration for these figures today as there was in the past. Instead of wanting to be the independent woman who makes her own money and attempts to remain a lady in the process, many young girls are idolizing the women with no identifiable career, whose claim to fame is their attachment to a man. Strength is confused with vulgarity or a “I do what I want to do” attitude, even if it means taking one’s clothes off; and success is no longer linked to hard work.

The rise of reality television has jaded the images of positive black women. Instead we’re glorified for the bickering and backbiting and admired for the superficial qualities that may often come in the form of the longest hair extensions and the latest handbags.   In the assorted mix of women on television or in the public eye, somehow the Michelle Obamas are less appealing to many young girls. Instead, it’s surprisingly more attractive to become a Basketball Wife.

While this isn’t a knock at any woman’s hustle or chosen career, it is slightly disappointing when society neglects to acknowledge the women who have climbed their way up the corporate, social, or political ladder through determination and hard work, and instead expose us to the women whose success is largely attached to the celebrities they’ve slept with or the hefty child support or alimony check that affords them a superstar lifestyle.

Our society idolizes superficiality and disregards the traits that once made a woman admirable. There really isn’t a decline of positive black female role models. In fact, the positive black female may be just as prevalent as ever. It’s not that they’re not there, but the admiration for them has decreased.

Do you think there is a decline in the black female role model?

More on Madame Noire

Tags:

, , , , , ,
More from StyleBlazer
More from MommyNoire

Comment Disclaimer

Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN

  • http://twitter.com/womenatliberty @womenatliberty

    I don't think there is a decline in the black female role model. However I feel they do not get the same exposure as Basketball wives, Housewives of "whatever" and other en vogue TV Shows. In seeking out black women and other women for a weekly leadership segment I do called, "Leadership Tuesdays", I find that it's somewhat difficult to locate women of color being highlighted in the media (mainstream or otherwise) who are in leadership roles. I take pride in the fact that I have featured strong and successful women of color like Ursula Burns, B. Smith, Ann Fudge, Sheila Crump Johnson, Mellody Hobson, Vashtie McKenzie and Debra Lee. But, there truth is we all need to take ownership in making sure that we are becoming the role models we seek. Secondly, we have to continue to be intentional about exposing the younger generations as well as our contemporaries to role models of substance. For more info on the weekly Leadership Tuesdays segment, check out http://www.womenatliberty.com.

  • MissD

    There's no shortage of role models – there's a shortage of parents who are teaching their children real values. If you don't teach your child the importance of hard work, good character, and education, why would they care? Why would they look up to Michelle Obama over Kim Kardashian? Children of today are LOST, I tell you. My mom and grandma always stressed the importance of education and I am fortunate to be where I am today. I thank God every day that they set a good example for me. Children will choose whatever path they want to take in life, but your first role models are AT HOME. You can't necessarily expect a child to do great things if they are not given the guidance and support to do so.

  • Kayla

    gyrating on stage half naked isn't considered a good role model in my book. And the fact that she is accused of stealing more than once.

  • NEWHAIR5000

    the truth is stupidity sells,even on kid shows.people love the drama,the cussing,the fights and the plots of 2 face friends spreading lies about one another.the only reason why shows like BGC,BBW and REAL.HW, are still going strong is because the public wants it.we all know that it's bad but that doesn't stop the viewers from watching. society today uplifts bad behavior,they show us women who act like fools still can have the nice houses,husbands,a family,businesses and do whatever they want with little to no consequences.if people want better role models then they have to ASK for them.not support the garbage that comes on.

  • Nasya

    Love your post :-)

  • Kayla

    That's because we are too busy idolizing the likes of basketball wives and Amber Rose and Beyonce

  • womenar4

    I think there is a decline in black role models because they are not emphasized or highlighted as when I was young. I remember wanting to go to Hillman College too. I remember seeing positive, strong, intelligent black women all over telelvision growing up in the 80s and 90s. Today television has relegated us to women who vie for a chance to be a reality tv star. I do miss the days when wanting to grow up and be an intelligent business woman or community activist were the role models I saw. My heart breaks for the girls growing up today. They really have not seen those types of role models especially on tv. My blog is dedicated to highlighting these everyday, hard working women. As always love http://www.womenaregamechangers.com. Where we are building a network of women who are changing the game called life.

Get the MadameNoire
Newsletter The best stories sent right to your inbox!
close [x]