Opinion:Don't Call Us 'Big Bad Wolves': The Unapologetic Power of Strong Black Women

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Lately, it seems there's a concerted effort to humble and humiliate strong black women, a reflection not of their intimidation but of the intimidation they invoke simply by being unapologetically themselves. Just because someone feels intimidated doesn't inherently make the other person intimidating. It's a critical distinction that often gets blurred in the narratives surrounding strong black women.

Everyone loves the strong black woman when she's the backbone, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, confronting injustice head-on, and fiercely protecting her own. But the moment she turns the "weapon of accountability" toward us, she's suddenly labeled as the big bad wolf, intent on blowing down houses of complacency and silence. It's a peculiar sort of admiration that celebrates her strength and resilience, yet criticizes her confidence or the sharpness of her words.

And here's the thing: 

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It's not solely about appreciating black women for their capability to be a strong presence and advocate for those in need. The issue arises when the very individuals who support their empowerment become dismissive as soon as these women encourage self-improvement, economic empowerment, or merely understanding their value and confidently occupying spaces without apology. 

Take Angel Reese, for example. Because she plays big and talks big, she's perceived as a problem by many. Emmanuel Acho's recent remarks on social media, where he attempted to strip the conversation of gender and race, underscore this point. By dubbing Angel "the villain and big bad wolf," he not only diminishes her experience but also subtly suggests that strong black women should dial back their presence to avoid backlash because nobody has sympathy for them. 

Similarly, Amanda Seales faces vilification for her outspokenness—whether it's calling out racial injustices or advocating for economic betterment. This backlash is a stark reminder of how society prefers black women: seen, not heard; celebrated, but only within the confines of what's comfortable for the audience.

For a long time, black women, particularly those in the spotlight within rap and hip-hop videos, have been celebrated for their physical appearance but faced criticism or neglect when they chose to express their opinions. It seems that the moment a black woman uses her voice for more than entertainment, she becomes less appealing to the audience that once admired her. Due to the misogyny and sexualization of black women in these spaces, through visuals and music created by black artists, we've unconsciously normalized the notion that black women should be seen and not heard.

This cultural script is too familiar and too restrictive. It's high time we rewrite it, not by silencing strong black women but by amplifying their voices, respecting their narratives, and embracing their multifaceted strength without reservation or backlash.

Put simply, it's inappropriate to label strong black women as "big bad wolves" and then attempt to leverage their voices to build your own confidence and houses.