#KeepItReal: How the 'Stay Classy' Mentality Is Forcing Black Women To Remain Silent

This Christmas Movie (2007)

As Black women, we often hear "Stay classy" or "Girl, that's ghetto!"

Too many times, Black women fall short of receiving their karmic justice because they've opted for the classy and silent treatment in order to protect their self-image, public image, and avoid falling into the "ghetto" and "ratchet" stereotypes.

Meanwhile, many men have gotten away with a lot of embarrassing public scandals by taking advantage of this underlying stigma which no one talks about. Often times, Black men empower themselves and indulge into unhealthy behaviors and situations which affect Black women and, in turn, forces us into predicaments where we are pushed to make the ultimate choice in a split second between:

A) Should I beat her ass? *takes off earrings*

B) It's not worth it, girl. Stay classy!

Ultimately, would you believe me if I told you that choice A is the healthiest choice?! No, it's not the "strong Black woman" in me speaking! It is a legitimate psychologically proven fact. According to an article by the University of Kansas Health System on "Why Is Emotional Expression Important?":

When we fail to express our emotions, our brain can often go into the fight-or-flight state. This is a physical reaction to stress that sets off a chain of events throughout our bodies. It increases our heart rate, slows digestive functions and makes us feel anxious or depressed.

Now, I'm not telling you ladies to get in that ass on this beautiful Sunday right before Juneteenth. All I'm saying is: Handle your business, baby girl! Stop worrying about what people say or think of you in order to make a move. As Black women, we're always told we need to be 10x better than others to be considered half as good. We cannot carry an extra burden within our own community!

Know who you are!

Express yourself, be honest, and be yourself.