The impact of Western standards of beauty and femininity on black women is a topic of deep significance, affecting how they perceive themselves, how others view them, and their mental health. For centuries, black women have been subjected to harmful stereotypes and societal expectations that have shaped their experiences and perceptions of femininity.

From the time of slavery in the United States to the present day, black women have faced unique challenges and pressures related to Western standards of beauty and femininity. These standards, rooted in a history of colonialism and racism, have had a profound impact on how black women view themselves, how they are viewed by others, and their mental health.

One of the most enduring stereotypes about black women is that they are masculine based on Western standards of femininity and beauty. This stereotype has its roots in the colonial period, when slave owners justified their rape of black women by describing them as having insatiable appetites for sex. This dehumanizing portrayal of black women as hypersexual and lacking in femininity has persisted over the centuries, contributing to a culture that devalues and marginalizes them.

The legacy of slavery and discrimination has also shaped the way black women are viewed in relation to labor and work. Black women have never had the luxury of being damsels in distress or solely dependent on black men to take care of them. During slavery, black women worked side-by-side with black men in the fields and were expected to produce as much as their male counterparts. Even after slavery ended, societal structures were put in place to force black women into domestic work to support their white counterparts.

Despite these challenges, black women have always been at the forefront of the labor market, with higher levels of labor market participation compared to white women. This can be attributed not only to societal expectations of black women's gainful employment but also to labor market discrimination against black men, which resulted in lower wages and less stable employment compared to white men

These experiences have had a profound impact on how black women view themselves and their place in society. Many black women feel that normative femininity places them at a disadvantage, both in comparison to white women and in the eyes of men.

The lack of support women of color receive from white women, exemplified by the experiences of writer Mikki Kendall who developed the hashtag #SolidarityisforWhiteWomen. This lack of solidarity underscores the challenges faced by black women in navigating femininity within predominantly white feminist spaces.

Research has shown that black women who internalize these negative stereotypes have lower self-esteem. Furthermore, the perception that lighter-skinned women have more and better access to social, professional, and educational opportunities has influenced the way many women of color view themselves. This belief, rooted in colorism, has a direct impact on their psychological well-being.

As clinicians, it is essential to be aware of these issues and to support black women in unpacking their thoughts and feelings about beauty and femininity. This may involve helping them challenge harmful stereotypes, build self-esteem, and develop a positive self-image. It is also important to create a safe and inclusive space where black women feel heard and supported.

In conclusion, the impact of Western standards of beauty and femininity on black women is profound and multifaceted. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, clinicians can play a crucial role in supporting black women in their journey towards self-acceptance and mental well-being.