A few years ago, a colleague made a comment that left me at a loss for how to respond. They told me, “Well, you’re not really Black, Christine.” It was a painful reminder of the microaggressions that Black people often face. It also hit me on a personal level, triggering a feeling of racial imposter syndrome. This is the belief that there is a specific way to be Black, and that if you don’t fit that mold, you are somehow falling short.
Discussions with other Black women have revealed that this is a shared experience, particularly for those of us who were raised in predominantly white spaces. We often feel the need to prove our identity, either in response to the judgment of white people or the scrutiny of our own community. This pressure to conform to a narrow definition of Blackness can be emotionally exhausting.
For me, this struggle was particularly evident during my upbringing in a predominantly white suburban environment. I felt judged for the music I listened to, the clothes I wore, and the friends I associated with. This drove me to make a conscious effort to embrace aspects of Black culture and surround myself with Black friends in college. However, this did not erase the self-consciousness I felt when navigating social situations within my community.
It’s important to note that there is no singular definition of Blackness, just as there is no singular way to be of any ethnicity. We must dismantle the stereotypes and expectations that limit our ability to fully embrace our cultural identity. Embracing who we are, regardless of the judgment of others, is the most powerful form of resistance against racism and prejudice.
I would love to hear about your own experiences with identity and culture. Let’s start a conversation in the comments!
