Melanated Superwomen

Just about any black person reading this can relate to the tiring performance known as “Code Switching”.

For those of you that don’t know the Google definition of code switching is to “alternate between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation.“ Which, in my eyes, is almost like living multiple lifestyles for the comfort or happiness of other races, sexes, and social groups. Being able to address 3 different types of people in 3 different ways during 1 conversation is definitely a thing I have to do on a daily basis at work alone, but it’s not just at work either; it’s a life practice.

Code switching is a way of life that we, as blacks, must learn from a very young age to be accepted in a world built for the success of the white man, and is ridiculously detrimental to the success of black women. I’m still young in my career endeavors but even now at 5 years out of college I find the obstacles we have to jump through to “prove” ourselves to our white counterparts ridiculous. There have been plenty of times I’ve walked into a room with more to bring to the table than those that actually run the company but because I am a black woman that happens to be a millennial I am looked upon as though I have no idea what I’m discussing… but then they hear me speak and think my ideas are great.

The fact of the matter is code switching is more than just being able to switch your dialect; it’s manipulating your environment to favor you and your goals by altering your dialect, attire, thought patterns, body language, and patterns of interacting with others. We as black people are amazing to be able to do it so effortlessly.

The funny thing is, I know white people don’t understand why code switching is a thing, but then when we, as blacks, connect with other black people and watch their interactions we completely understand why it’s necessary. When I watched Amanda Seales’ HBO Special “I Be Knowing” I was so amazed at how accurate she depicted my life at work. From the emails, to the hairstyle changes, all the way to preparing myself just to speak to white people at work so I’m not the “angry black woman”. It’s exhausting, but it’s funny, especially when you think about the Becky’s and the Hannah’s in your life. Thank you miss Seales for all the amazing ways you represent us as black women, and for giving us an example that “they” (in case you don’t know what I mean… white people) won’t win as long as we keep pushing towards the goal.

Now, white people don’t have to code switch. Which is why they don’t understand the necessity of it. White people don’t have to change to be “accepted” because, as I said before, this world is made for their success. This is how the cops get called on black people for dumb things because instead of adjusting to the environment they’re in and accepting the fact that BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T GOING ANYWHERE, they choose to feel “unsafe” and see “suspicious activity” in harmless situations, getting INNOCENT black people harmed, attacked, and KILLED. It’s really ridiculous yet they see nothing wrong with it. Just think if the white lady that always calls the cops on the blacks in any park having a cook-out decided to code switch instead… she might make a friend or two and get a plate of food.

Now let’s be clear for those of you that are white reading this… this is NOT a call for you to ACT BLACK. All I’m saying is learn how to interact with different types of people in the world because your skin tone is not superior nor is it the only one on this planet. I don’t hate to say this, the same way you stereotype blacks, you create stereotypes for yourself and THAT is why there are so many blanket statements for white people as a whole. The majority of you do not operate in a world with stipulations, glass ceilings, justice, or consequences the way the rest of us do.

I… and I am speaking for myself here… I do not have a problem with white people. I have a problem that white people don’t want to be held accountable for the tragedies their ancestors committed, and don’t want to take responsibility for the tragedies they are currently committing. Again, not all white people, but those that don’t use their white privilege to fight for equal rights, call the cops on anything they don’t understand, and complain about simple luxuries we have fought generations to still not be able to attain, you are the problem and the reason the problem cannot be resolved. And just because you have a black friend does not excuse you and mean you are not a part of the problem.

The reality for the situation is we have to protect ourselves to maintain our jobs, to protect our families, and to protect our lives. Code Switching isn’t just a thing we do it’s a tactic for survival, and it’s a shame that we are still trying to survive in 2019. I think that’s a great reason to move forward with supporting black businesses and creating black businesses to build wealth within the black community. Take a chance on something you think may not do well or you’re worried about failing at, because the world has told us we aren’t enough because of the color of our skin and the fact that we’re women. The truth is we are more than enough and fuel the dreams and pursuits of everyone other than ourselves, and that needs to start with us. Don’t encourage and uplift somebody in your friend circle, at home, or at work before encouraging and uplifting yourself and your dream first. Don’t attempt to teach something you don’t first live.

Be a Melanated Superwoman.!

Be your biggest supporter!

Code Switch with yourself and speak positivity even when you feel negativity coming around the corner.

I believe we are the answer to love in the world and the reason so many people try to keep us down is because it’s not easy being a blessed child of God. Take your purpose, chase your mission, and give the world a taste of who you are.

The only reason we are overlooked is because they’re afraid of the power that will awaken with us being praised and uplifted.

We are D.O.P.E.!

If you want to succeed in this world, you have to play by their games until… you make your own path adjacent to what society has deemed successful or acceptable for us as powerful, motivated, and ambitious people.

And that’s my two cents on that…

Be D.O.P.E. Black Girl!