The Complex Discourse on "Unrelatable" Black Women
Black women have faced various adversities while navigating the complex media landscape to grow their platforms. Some of the biggest challenges black women have encountered include the lack of representation, opportunities, and being underpaid. Despite these challenges, black women have managed to redefine the social media landscape by creating a space for black creators. However, as more influential black creators amplify their voices, a narrative has emerged questioning the relatability of black women as they continue to emerge as major influencers.
The controversy surrounding several black creators has taken center stage as they amass large followings, often being met with heightened scrutiny regarding their authenticity and connection to their communities of being "white-washed" or detached from relatable experiences have surfaced, questioning the authenticity of black women who achieve a certain level of success.
Recently, Lifestyle creator Clark Peoples found herself entangled in a controversy questioning her authenticity, with accusations of being "white-passing" and "whitewashed”. This discussion has expanded beyond Peoples, drawing in long-time creative and renowned beauty influencer, Jackie Aina. Both have been deemed "unrelatable" due to their substantial growth and elevated lifestyles.
People addressed the controversy on her TikTok platform. In her video, she initiated a conversation highlighting that the critiques often extend beyond a genuine desire to amplify diverse platforms. Instead, it appears to involve scrutinizing and undermining the authenticity of black women based on their success and lifestyle choices.
As more awareness for darker skin creators needs to continue being brought to light, The discussions often extend beyond genuine concerns about representation, evolving into divisive debates that undermine the achievements and authenticity of successful black women. These internal divisions hinder collective progress and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
The concept of the "unrelatable" black woman must be deconstructed in understanding the underlying biases and stereotypes at play. Success should not be a marker of detachment from one's cultural roots or an indicator that an individual is no longer relatable. By fostering unity and bringing the right amount of awareness to concerns, the black community can navigate this complex discourse and contribute to a more inclusive and authentic portrayal of black women in the media.
