The Social Construct of Black Women: The Myth of the Strong Matriarch

Abstract

This study focuses on the commercial and media aspect of the oppression of black women in America and perhaps all over the world. It looks at the caricatures of Mammy/Aunt Jemima, a Sapphire, and a Jezebel. These were invented during times of slavery and they are continuously being used to misrepresent black women and discredit any efforts to liberate ourselves and others. The myth of the strong matriarch was created to oppress the black community using it as an example that everything will fail if black women or women were put in charge of the household or community. This study was created to debunk the myth, expose the caricatures, and alter people's bad idea of black women. Also, I provide a solution to groups of people who are currently helping young black girls and afro-latinas to have high self-confidence and self-esteem.