What Do White Men Think of Black Women?
Question:
Do all white men think all Black women are hoochie mama, welfare, child bearing, uneducated b******?
Answer:
No, I don’t think all white men feel that way about Black women. However, media images and the lack of interracial socializing have led to a situation where the distinct minority of white men can say that they truly know a Black woman. Even fewer can say with conviction that they trust a Black woman in either a business or personal relationship.
My friend, former Rutgers Business School Professor Dr. dt ogilvie, co-authored a phenomenal paper about African American Women Executives (AAWE). Her paper documents how AAWE leadership traits are very different from white women’s. They’re actually similar to white male leadership traits. This creates a conflict with many white men, especially those from my generation (age 47) or older. It comes from a mix of racial AND gender stereotyping. You’ll hear that expressed in terms like “You’re so articulate” or “Can you believe that this ‘little lady’ can do (insert normal business function here).”
Ignorance and confusion are hardly conducive to a good relationship. The good news is that there are a growing number of white men who know, trust and rely on their black women colleagues. By the way: If you are unsure of what a “hoochie mama” is, I recommend www.urbandictionary.com. It is a useful tool, especially for white men.
Luke Visconti’s Ask the White Guy column is a top draw on DiversityInc.com. Visconti, the founder and CEO of DiversityInc, is a nationally recognized leader in diversity management. In his popular column, readers who ask Visconti tough questions about race/culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and age can expect smart, direct and disarmingly frank answers.
2:11 pm
In my opinion, the question is flawed, in that it is, basically, asking whether White men — stereotyping them based on their color and gender — hold certain stereotypes about Black women. Any answer addressing the question as written is doomed to be equally flawed. Under the circumstances, Luke did about as good a job as possible.
9:52 pm
Thank you. I’m almost positive the question was a joke; I answered it as if it were a serious question. Luke Visconti, CEO, DiversityInc
5:07 pm
Is there ever going to be a time when I am recognized for what I do and not for the color of my skin or my gender. Is there ever a point when someone will say that I am an executive, period, end of story. The fact that I’m a woman or even a woman of color should not make a difference.
7:12 pm
I expect that to happen when I’m old and gray (i’m in my 30s now) and am too tired to care anymore.
11:16 am
I never thought about white Africians beign black or American African. I only thought of American Africians as being born Black in American. Do we learn something new for debate every day. I suppose when you thing about it, they are black America wehn they come to America. I’ll bet that is a stigmathat they have to live that one down.
8:48 am
It crazy to me that the question is always asked in the way of what do blah blah think about Black people. When the question would be more interesting if you asked what do Black people think about others.
No one owns a patent of deep rooted feelings.