Misogyny has no place in the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to Black women. A recent interview between presenter and actress Cynthia Erivo highlights a disturbing trend of misogynoir – a form of sexism that targets Black women.
During the conversation, Erivo was repeatedly described as "tough" and "strong," with the presenter even saying she's a "protector too." While Erivo did acknowledge her strength, she clarified that she also values vulnerability. However, the interviewer refused to let up on these labels, perpetuating the stereotype that Black women are inherently resilient but unworthy of softness or care.
This exchange sparked widespread outrage online, with many calling out the presenter's behavior as misogynoir. Content creator Morin Abraham shared her reaction on social media, pointing out how this incident reflects a broader pattern of bias against Black women in media. She noted that these labels often operate as constraints, denying Black women the full emotional range granted to others.
Experts agree that misogyny is deeply ingrained in our culture, with Black women facing stereotypes tied to both sexism and racism – a phenomenon known as "double jeopardy." According to Zanetta Miller, owner of Niche PR Boutique, these biases are perpetuated through the criticism and policing of Black women's communication, including tone. Confidence may be reframed as attitude; leadership as aggression.
The incident has drawn responses from major figures, including international pop star SZA, who wrote that the behavior is "classic misogynoir." Fans have also voiced their frustration with the way Erivo was masculinized and bullied for having a close friendship with Ariana Grande.
It's clear that this incident highlights a larger issue – the need for greater representation and inclusivity in media. To prevent further harm, industry leaders must dismantle white and male-centered narratives that limit Black women's representation and integrate Black feminist scholarship into media training. By hiring more Black women into leadership roles, they can help reshape industry norms and create a more equitable industry.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder that words matter – and how we describe Black women matters even more. It's time to break free from the constraints of misogyny and give Black women the respect and recognition they deserve.
During the conversation, Erivo was repeatedly described as "tough" and "strong," with the presenter even saying she's a "protector too." While Erivo did acknowledge her strength, she clarified that she also values vulnerability. However, the interviewer refused to let up on these labels, perpetuating the stereotype that Black women are inherently resilient but unworthy of softness or care.
This exchange sparked widespread outrage online, with many calling out the presenter's behavior as misogynoir. Content creator Morin Abraham shared her reaction on social media, pointing out how this incident reflects a broader pattern of bias against Black women in media. She noted that these labels often operate as constraints, denying Black women the full emotional range granted to others.
Experts agree that misogyny is deeply ingrained in our culture, with Black women facing stereotypes tied to both sexism and racism – a phenomenon known as "double jeopardy." According to Zanetta Miller, owner of Niche PR Boutique, these biases are perpetuated through the criticism and policing of Black women's communication, including tone. Confidence may be reframed as attitude; leadership as aggression.
The incident has drawn responses from major figures, including international pop star SZA, who wrote that the behavior is "classic misogynoir." Fans have also voiced their frustration with the way Erivo was masculinized and bullied for having a close friendship with Ariana Grande.
It's clear that this incident highlights a larger issue – the need for greater representation and inclusivity in media. To prevent further harm, industry leaders must dismantle white and male-centered narratives that limit Black women's representation and integrate Black feminist scholarship into media training. By hiring more Black women into leadership roles, they can help reshape industry norms and create a more equitable industry.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder that words matter – and how we describe Black women matters even more. It's time to break free from the constraints of misogyny and give Black women the respect and recognition they deserve.
And what's with all this talk about double jeopardy? Is that even a thing? I just wanna know more about Cynthia Erivo and her new movie... is it coming out soon? And can someone please explain to me how SZA knows so much about misogyny... she's always talking about her feelings on socials but i never really understood what she meant 
it's like, come on people! We need to stop objectifying Black women in media already. Cynthia Erivo is strong, vulnerable, whatever - she just wants to be seen as a human being without all these labels and stereotypes slapped on her. And can we talk about how exhausting it is for Black women to have to fight for respect when they're already doing the most? 
I mean, Morin Abraham hit the nail on the head when she said that these labels are like constraints - they're taking away our full emotional range and reducing us to just being tough or strong all the time. We need more Black women in leadership roles, not just because we need them, but because it's the right thing to do 
. Industry leaders need to step up their game and create a more inclusive space where Black women can thrive without all these biases holding them back 
and morin abraham said it so right - these biases are like constraints, they take away from black women's emotional range. we need more than just representation, we need respect 
industry leaders gotta step up their game, get rid of those white/male-centered narratives, and hire more black women in leadership positions ASAP 
. Industry leaders need to step up their game and make sure we're represented in a way that doesn't perpetuate all this negativity. We deserve better 
.
ugh, this interview was SO messed up! erivo is literally killing it in her career & yet she's still being reduced to these 'tough' labels 
and omg morin abraham is TOTALLY right about how this perpetuates this double jeopardy situation 
anyway, this incident is like, super timely to talk about representation & inclusivity in media 
. Industry leaders gotta step up and change their narrative, stat! More representation and inclusivity for real 
so lets use 'em 2 uplift & celebrate black women instead of tearing 'em down 
I'm so over the misogynoir and its impact on our culture. We need more nuanced conversations and representation in media, not just tokenistic attempts at diversity. Let's create spaces where Black women can lead and be seen as complex, multifaceted individuals, not just one-dimensional stereotypes 
. We need more Black women in leadership roles, and we need them to be doing their own work – not just repping the industry. Let's get behind these incredible women and support them in every way possible 
. We need to be the change we want to see, and that starts with respecting Black women as individuals – not just as strong, tough, or vulnerable 
.
i mean can u believe someone actually called her a "protector too" like what even is that?? 
and yeah we all know it's not just misogyny but also racism going on here, those labels r soooo limiting for black women they cant be both strong & vulnerable at the same time 
is not only inaccurate but also damaging 
that perpetuate stereotypes and limit our full range of human emotions 
her reaction was so inspiring 
i wish more people would call out this kind of behavior instead of staying silent 
. We need more diverse representation and inclusive training in media, stat! 
and I'm so here for it. We need more Black women in leadership roles, period