Girls Gone Wild
Beauty standards constantly evolve, yet femininity remains confined within Western norms of the meaning of womanhood. Deeply rooted in Eurocentric ideas, these norms have long promoted a narrow view emphasizing delicacy, warmth, and restraint. However, they fail to account for the vibrant, strong, and diverse ways Black women express their femininity. Femininity carries an unspoken strength, allowing women to carve out their paths and rise above the structures that seek to define them.
Black women face resistance and judgment when they embrace their femininity. Society’s flawed lens scrutinizes and labels expressions like natural hair textures, bold fashion choices, or cultural heritage celebrations as “aggressive” or “unfeminine” whenever they deviate from these established norms. This scrutiny reflects a deep discomfort with allowing Black women the freedom to define femininity on their terms—a discomfort that runs as deep as history.
The suppression of Black femininity traces back to colonialism and slavery, where Black women’s identities were controlled and manipulated. Stereotypes like the hypersexualized Jezebel or the maternal Mammy were designed to limit and erase the full spectrum of their expressions. As scholar Bell Hooks notes, these harmful narratives justify exploitation, and they still resonate today. Though societal norms may have shifted, the dominance of Eurocentriv beauty standards in fashion and media remains evident.
Despite these challenges, Black women continue reclaiming their right to define femininity for themselves. The natural hair movement, which gained momentum in the early 2000s, is an iconic example of this reclamation. The movement rejects societal norms that equate straight hair with beauty by encouraging Black women to embrace their natural textures. This bold stance has reshaped the broader conversation around beauty and self-expression.
Fashion has also become a platform where Black designers and influencers celebrate cultural heritage. From brightly patterned fabrics like Ankara to hairstyles adorned with beads, Black women’s fashion choices are often deeply rooted in history and symbolism. As scholar Tanisha C. Ford notes in Liberated Threads, Black women throughout the 20th century used fashion as resistance, closely tied to social and political movements. Today, Black-owned beauty brands and influencers challenge mainstream beauty norms, amplifying diverse expressions of femininity.
Even with these strides, the perception of Black femininity remains challenged. Society often assigns meaning to their appearance, projecting harmful stereotypes that frame their confidence as “too much” or “aggressive.” These stereotypes are rooted in the same societal logic that has historically sought to police and control Black women’s bodies. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, though, Black women are shifting the narrative— their confidence is unapologetic and their beauty undeniable.
Despite societal constraints, Black femininity remains a powerful act of resistance and self-love. Black femininity is proof of the strength in standing firm amidst efforts to erase individuality. This resilience shows that femininity isn’t about conforming to someone else’s beauty ideals but about owning one’s identity unapologetically. Black women demonstrate that their femininity is layered—soft yet fierce, bold yet understated, powerful yet vulnerable. These layers refuse to be confined, unfolding a narrative that embraces the full spectrum of what it means to be feminine. Young Black girls grow up receiving negative messages about their natural traits—traits that are a beautiful inheritance passed down through generations. Embracing these traits is a fundamental right that Black women have historically been denied.
In this context, femininity for Black women becomes more than self-expression; it becomes a form of resistance. It’s about reclaiming the narrative and rejecting societal pressure to conform. Like roses growing through cracks in concrete, Black femininity is both delicate and resilient, thriving in spaces that once tried to deny its existence. In doing so, it redefines beauty and femininity itself.
In an era where inclusivity and representation are non-negotiable, the most compelling act for Black women is to exist authentically. Femininity is a force, alive and unbound, revealing itself in every choice Black women make to express their truth. As they continue pushing against societal boundaries, they are reshaping beauty standards and creating a legacy of strength, empowerment, and self-defined femininity that will inspire future generations.
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Strike Out,
Digital Director: Kate D’Amario
Assisted by: Katie Perdomo
Digital Staffers: Lauren Orie, Owen Hill, Jordan McAvin, Sean Fuchs, Cameron O’Brien
Model: Brooke Dixon
Photographer: Katrina Oro
Video: Ella Denny
Writers: Salette Cambra
Editor: Lindsey Limbach
Styling: Dalton Lain, Bella Puleo, Daniella Acosta, Kat Davis, Isabella Jahnes, Eva Carbonara
Beauty: Em Ezerski
Tallahassee