Unapologetically Black

3/4/2019

If you have ever watched the series, "Orange is the New Black," episode after episode, you'll see an Oscar-level performance by Danielle Brooks, also known on the show as "Taystee."

But wow. On the dawn of Black History Month, Brooks dropped her first single, "Black Woman," and oh, my did she come out swinging! After hearing her single and watching the video, I was shook! As I always do when something or someone intrigues me, I had to go research her background. It turns out, she's a Julliard graduate. *gasp* Her talent runs deep! I had no idea! She's amazing!

In several interviews, Brooks says the song represents her experiences as a black woman in America. So, after gathering myself and calming down from her Grammy-level performance and cinematic-feel of her video, I had to go listen again because the first time, I was too astounded by the vibe and rhythm to pay attention to what she was actually singing about.

I was not disappointed.

The lyrics to her song are powerful, yet disturbing, encouraging, yet unnerving. This is 2019. Why are black women still being made to feel less than when every life needle points to black women being more than?

An obvious anthem for black women, this song is both riveting and inspiring in that it pulls into light attributes that the world says are our flaws, yet that same world will damage their bodies and sometimes risk their lives to replicate and appropriate who and what we are. But even more empowering, "Black Woman" celebrates the resilience of black women, which I am positive is the reason for the overflowing aquatic symbolism. Water is resilient.

I am here for it!

Read the commentary above, click the image to listen to the song, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Mar. 8, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Marqueshia Richardson

3/5/2019 07:59:51 am

As a black female I dont think we should change how we look just to make others feel better I think anyone should change there skin color or hair texture just to be better in the eyes of this world.

j earl

3/5/2019 08:12:50 am

i totally agree with you becvause nit every one has curves and hips and pretty faces but we will never have to hide . keep your head up and guide through your journey.

Marqueshia Richardson

3/5/2019 04:48:25 pm

this is true the reason i agree with you is because when i think about skin color, hair texture,and race we should not have to feel uncomfortable for that, Since when is having beautiful melanin skin a bad thing. since when is having white skin a bad thing either? we are all humans lets treat each other that way.

Jniquea jackson 2

3/8/2019 08:49:35 pm

I agree every person is different. Every woman is different and have there own attributes. If those define you there’s no need to change..

M Taylor 1st period

3/5/2019 08:33:15 am

It shouldn’t be a thought.. we are not going to change how we look. we will not.. i won’t.. the eyes of this world need to adjust for us.. we are unapologetically born this way.. they just made them self believe the ignorance of making us feel inferior not forced to

L.Allen 2nd period

3/5/2019 08:32:08 pm

I absolutely agree, this world view us people especially women to have this perfect clear skin but some hide behind make-up or a certain skin tone that wasn't ingrain for us to have so that we can maintain a perfect image or look for the world to see that don't appreciate the organic look of our skin and ethnicity.

K. Allen 8th pd

3/8/2019 10:29:24 pm

I totally agree with you, we shouldn’t be forced to be something that we’re not just to please others.

a.ross

3/5/2019 09:34:18 am

i agree if you don't like the way I look than its really there problem not mines. no one should have to change themselves to fit in

Jniquea jackson

3/8/2019 08:51:37 pm

Definitely!! Now days of you not like this or that your not accepted. I learned for myself I’m not gone look like everybody else I’m not gone be like everybody else . I should embrace myself and no tell no one contemplate on who I am or who you are.

J. Griffith 2nd

3/8/2019 07:21:59 pm

I agree because you have to be happy with how you look and remember that no else’s opinion matters only yours.

K.phillips 6th

3/8/2019 08:12:14 pm

Changing out self is the only way we will get noticed tho and my changing our self I mean appearance and how we approach people

D. Gibson jr. 1st period

3/8/2019 11:09:47 pm

I agree black women should stay true to themselves.

j earl 1st period

3/5/2019 08:11:19 am

As my race i dont think we should have to change our self for anyone.i be they want to be like blacks but cant have the same impression as us.We are black women there is always space for us .nothing will change for us .black women power, We were raised to respect others but we cant get the same respect .But im a black women with a future ahead of me.

M. Hollywood 2nd

3/6/2019 07:20:14 pm

How are we expected to give respect when they don’t respect us? It’s the most backwards thing to me. We can’t be told to do one thing but not get it in return.

D.gadson 6th

3/8/2019 08:29:41 pm

That’s true now a days people want respect but don’t know how to give respect.

M. Cain 2nd

3/8/2019 10:19:22 pm

I completely agree. Black woman don't get respect we deserve until we demand it ourselves.

S. Sanders- 1st Period

3/8/2019 11:14:40 pm

Not only black women, but women in general are disrespected by men in some situations. It is good though for women whether black or another race to lift or inspire one another. Black women are strong and implies herself to strive and achieve.

M. Mason 1st

3/5/2019 08:15:04 am

Being a black woman in America is special. Having melanin is a blessing. We are beautiful black people who can do amazing things. The world likes to shape our mind to think that we are not good enough, but we are. Society has filled our heads with mess like wearing weave is the only way to go or wearing pounds of makeup is the only way to show our beauty. Danielle Brooks has created a song that will leave a mark and empower black women in America.

a.ross

3/5/2019 09:41:45 am

I agree it will also make other black women come out with similar songs and be confident

L.Allen 2nd period

3/5/2019 08:37:25 pm

I respect your comment and encourage your perspective 100% on black women in America. I highly agree on women wearing weaves and make-up as most of the time unnecessary because of our own gifted hair we should express more and take pride in.

A Crow 5th period

3/8/2019 04:20:28 pm

I agree with you this song is most definitely going to empower black women to love themselves for who they are.

K.phillips 6th

3/8/2019 08:10:41 pm

I agree ! Us black woman are black beautiful & educated

D.Gadson 6th

3/8/2019 08:37:19 pm

Oh yes forreal , women always complain they don’t have a wig r their makeup done just to go out somewhere simple.

T.Falls 6th

3/8/2019 09:30:00 pm

Your saying “The world shapes are mind to think that we are not good enough” hits home because this is a completely true statement.

N. Medina 6th

3/8/2019 11:11:59 pm

As a person of color I agree with you, we are so much more and we are taken for granted.

T.Harris 6th

3/8/2019 11:22:42 pm

Right black girls rock why not be yourself in public instead of what others what you to be.

M Taylor 1st period

3/5/2019 08:25:37 am

*adds songs to playlist*
black women are thought of to have many of flaws according to our melanin.. our melanin is our flaw.. because of that.. we are damaged and as far as most people were and are concerned we will continue to get and be damaged whether it’s emotionally or physically but why.. we should not be ashamed of our natural beauty.. a black woman is a beautiful woman.. gorgeous.. astonishing... we shouldn’t apologize nor will we apologize for our body shapes.. or our skin color.. we are NOT less than we will never be less than and if you feel so.. baby check yourself because that ain’t it . You are a black woman .

M. Mason 1st

3/5/2019 08:29:07 am

I agree. Black women should embrace their flaws and show it off because black is beautiful.

Marqueshia Richardson

3/5/2019 05:12:44 pm

black is beautiful i just wish we could all understand that and walk in it accepting our skin this world has created a thought that the mos liked skin is the only importance truth is absent from that.

J. Griffith 2nd

3/8/2019 07:23:54 pm

I agree because black women have to take their own opinion into consideration other than any else.

T.Falls 6th

3/8/2019 09:34:29 pm

We are not less than others and will never be black woman are capable of amazing things and have contributed so much to the world today.

T. Jones 2nd

3/8/2019 10:10:17 pm

I agree. It’s like us black women walk around with a big bandage over us and our skin color being the scar.

T.Harris 6th

3/8/2019 11:25:30 pm

Agreed this is just what back women stand up for to be like anybody else round.

asiah.r

3/5/2019 08:26:03 pm

i truly loved her song its not like most actors that rap about nothing. i think she saying that its okay to be black its nothing to be ashamed of. and i agree i love being black. i wouldn't change for anybody or anything.

L.Allen 2nd period

3/5/2019 08:55:54 pm

A millennial black women ourselves we struggle to fully embrace the term "Black Girl Magic"as our society already pushes these black girls to grow up to soon. And many "girls" and "women" lost sight in the value of our natural hair and natural skin tone. In today society or social media you will always see a female looking luxurious with intentions,foundation,eyelashes,etc but rarely a natural bare face. As a "Black Women", I believe we are beautiful in every shade and size. Being a black women is like being apart of something exclusive that holds powerful value and knowledge about our own culture and who we are which is something I will never take for granted.

M. Mason 1st

3/6/2019 07:30:29 am

I completely agree with your comment. You can’t change your skin color. For example Caucasian people want to look like us without actually being us.

M. Hollywood 2nd

3/6/2019 07:16:55 pm

We have been conditioned to wear makeup to cover our “flaws”. No one feels comfortable in their own body anymore.

T. Jones 2nd

3/8/2019 10:11:20 pm

I agree. We often try to cover up or hide the things we were blessed with.

S. Pirzada 6th

3/6/2019 10:26:34 pm

It's sometkmes a girls' nature to enhance her beauty, but it's not really hiding anything unless she lack self-esteem for her looks.

M. Hollywood 2nd

3/6/2019 07:15:22 pm

This song is the embodiment of “Black girl power”. Her message was strong and delivered perfectly. The message wants black people to embrace their beauty and not to listen to America’s standard of beauty. Her song will live on a empower women all over. It will be a significant turning point to how black women view themselves and hopefully change the societal idea of beauty. Every woman should believe they are beautiful regardless of their color. Every woman should feel comfortable in their own skin without being judged.

A. Green 3

3/8/2019 06:32:11 pm

I love that she could make us look beautiful. Without even bringing out just our physical. She brought out our mental and emotional worth.

Z. James 8th

3/8/2019 08:37:11 pm

The song is a anthem for “Black Girl Magic”. Every young Black girl should listen to this song. This empowers Black women from young to old.

N. Medina 6th

3/8/2019 11:15:03 pm

Women have come along way in history and we as women of color should embrace it and show what we have to offer the world.

S. Pirzada 6th

3/6/2019 09:28:25 pm

The media and specific standards does play a big roles to where a point that we have to adjust our traits. Filled with discrimination and labelled unprofessional, yet being imitate characteristics to get desirable features. I have to hear another black women praise to my mom that my sisters and I that she want our "that good hair." When I recall in my days in 5th grade I was teased by classmates which influenced me not to appreciate having conspicuous curly hair. As goes for an average black women gets criticized for their distinctive looks, I see through social media that white girls would try model out their beauty, try out cosmetic modification, fetishizing mixed black babies and more for aesthetic purpose. It's disappointing to see a bundle of people hate themselves for their inheritance but should be happily encouraged to self-love.

R. Leal 2nd

3/8/2019 04:21:45 pm

I've seen a lot of white people fetishise black women online. They get tans and wear extensions so much that they start to resemble someone of color. I'm not against mixed babies or interracial marriages but it does seem to be trendlike on the internet.

K. Brown 8th hour

3/8/2019 07:58:20 pm

Sometimes doing something just for the fact of a trend and not the fact that you actually enjoy it or want it is pretty annoying to watch. I have seen interracial couples that have faced backlash by even their families and they have to fight for their relationship. Then there are some that date a different race just to say that they have, it's a very strange clash.

A. Green 3

3/8/2019 06:31:23 pm

It’s true many things today discriminate against black people. But we must take that and wear it as a shield. Not letting it push us back anymore than we already are.

F. Aleman 8th

3/8/2019 09:43:52 pm

Media plays a huge role in almost everything now. And it is sad that people don't understand their worth. However, their not to blame. Again with media playing a huge role in our generation. People follow trends and we always talk about beauty standards and how having straight hair is better or lighter skin is better. It would make someone feel bad about them self if they didn't fit the standards

K. Allen 8th pd

3/8/2019 10:32:25 pm

I honestly agree with you 100%, media place a homogeneous roll in how we see ourselves.

A crow 5th period

3/7/2019 10:43:52 am

Black women are constantly downgraded because of our natural features and praised when we modify them. Women are harassed everyday for embracing who they are. Which makes them insecure about the features they should be proud of. Being black is truly a beautiful thing

K. Brown 8th hour

3/8/2019 08:00:03 pm

I think that everyone should be proud of who they are born as, and embrace their given features. And for black women they should wanna go against the grain and change the standard for what is considered beautiful in their mind and others.

S.Johnson8th

3/8/2019 10:28:38 pm

It makes no sense people want to see us with thousands of dollar renovations to our body rather than a natural feature.

J. Griffith 2nd

3/8/2019 07:44:46 am

Black women often get downgraded based on how they look to others. Black women should be free to express themselves in any way. However, when it comes to wearing makeup or other beauty products, they often get praised. Black women should be able to show their natural beauty and be praised. If there is a way, they are sure to find it.

R. Leal 2nd

3/8/2019 04:18:39 pm

I agree. Natural beauty should be shown proudly and not seen as ghetto or ratchet.

R. Leal 2nd

3/8/2019 04:16:37 pm

Black women always get portrayed as being loud, violent, or ghetto on TV and media. They are often seen with weaves and most girls believe thats how it should be. Their natural beauty and potential is often held back because of the media. In recent years, black women have stood out because of their new found self confidence and creativity. They have battled their oppressions and did not let society groom them down. We can now see more girls with their natural hair and embracing their body's.

Z. James 8th

3/8/2019 08:34:43 pm

Yes, the sassy, sexual prowess, angry, ghetto Black woman stereptype is extremely derogatory. Black women should be see from all aspects of life whether it’s Black women Education, Politics, Entertainment and etc.

T. Young 2nd period

3/8/2019 09:09:29 pm

I agree with you that black women are portrayed very wrongly due to the on going reality TV shows of loud and ghetto women and not shining on their true personality and character,also, putting every other black girl in that stereotypical box

S. Pirzada 6th

3/8/2019 11:54:33 pm

I see it as it enforces a big reputation for black women, because there's not that many big decent roles of trendy films for them play out.

M. Cain 2nd

3/8/2019 10:16:33 pm

I completely agree with you about black woman finding this new self confidence. Unfortunately media does control the way they are portrayed but with more and more black woman showing their authentic self it will get better.

S.johnson8th

3/8/2019 10:27:10 pm

Unfortunately social media and reality TV has held its position in portraying black women as to be loud,ghetto,unprofessional etc. We have to learn to push those stereotypes back and be who we truly are.

A crow 5th period

3/8/2019 11:21:21 pm

I have to agree with you social media has been an outlet to a lot of stereotypes towards black women for years.

A. Green 3

3/8/2019 06:30:19 pm

I agree with this 110 percent because black girls need to have an appreciation for themselves. So inspritational songs can help us overcome and problem be might have. Also although the world doesn’t value us we must value ourselves. And also know the beauty and grace we bring to this world.

H Aleman

3/8/2019 08:25:20 pm

I love that. As long as we value ourselves and each other, we won't need to seek validation from anyone else. :)

K.phillips 6th

3/8/2019 08:08:54 pm

Women quickly gets judged based of there appearance. We have to look a certain way for others approval. We rarely get the credit we deserve . most people barley even think to give a woman a thank you or even a good job your working hard . It takes at lot for us to be truly noticed . And one day all eyes will open and realize woman are the future.

D. Gibson jr. 1st period

3/8/2019 11:12:05 pm

I agree women are the most powerful of mankind delivering babies growing them to be the best they can be in life.

H Aleman 8th period

3/8/2019 08:23:54 pm

The song brings awareness to the significant issues that come with being a black woman in modern day America. Brooks did an astonishing job in getting her message across about the resilience and beauty of black women. The song appeals to me personally because as a black child in a fully Mexican family, I understand what it's like to be different. My family never let my sister and I forget that we are different from them. In their eyes, we were and still are beneath them because of the color of our skin and the texture of our hair. When we were younger, we were so ashamed. But now, however, we own these features. Danielle Brooks is one of many black women that serve to give other black women and young black girls a voice about the true extent of their worth.

T.Tate 8th

3/8/2019 09:14:26 pm

That’s one thing us black women have to Learn today ,own who we are it’s nothing to be ashamed of we are beautiful.

I Jones 6th Period

3/8/2019 10:40:55 pm

i agree, amshe surely did a great job writing this song, it bring so many things to light about black women .

Z. James 8th

3/8/2019 08:31:41 pm

This song executed the condition of a Black woman. Whether it’s discussing how Black women carry the world on their shoulders or when it says how you want Black women features, but don’t want the problems that come with them. The great Malcolm X once said that “The most disrespected woman in America is the Black woman” Sadly this is still true. Black women are the gems of the Earth. Additionally as this International Women’s Day comes to an end I hope Black women are able to see the beauty and magic within themselves. Black women are the world.

T. Young 2nd period

3/8/2019 09:06:00 pm

I agree with you on the subject of black women being the most disrespected and still having to carry the world on their shoulders.

T.Tate 8th

3/8/2019 09:19:25 pm

I love it , we are the world and I can’t wait until everyone realize this . We are different and it’s some many people out there that are trying to become us or be like us .This shows the magic we have and the beauty .

D. Tonche 8th

3/8/2019 10:01:32 pm

I remember watching an episode of Dear White People in which one of the characters stated that black women have to deal with everything that the world throws at them while receiving backlash from a patriarchal black community.

I Jones 6th Period

3/8/2019 10:37:52 pm

I totally agree, black women make the world and they do carry the world on their shoulders.

H Aleman

3/8/2019 08:32:20 pm

I also want to add that in the near future, I hope that black women and black girls will learn their worth and assert it. There's people that pay for the features we're born with. There's people willing to go so far as to find ways to profit off our skin. Black is a beautiful thing to be.

I. Florence 8th

3/8/2019 11:06:03 pm

I agree, But we also need to know that we are more than our physical attributes. We are talented, intelligent, resilient, and the list goes on.

K. Brown 8th hour

3/8/2019 08:38:55 pm

I have never been ashamed of my skin, it's me, and if others hate it I am not going anywhere any time soon. But I always found myself comparing my features to my other family members, causing self hatred to grow inside of me. I felt that I didn't have beauty, or even that 'black charm' that all black women supposedly have since birth. I felt my nose was too wide, my lips too fat. It was always something, never just a "Hey, I look nice".

Jordan b

3/8/2019 09:21:56 pm

I know how you feel

D. Tonche 8th pd

3/8/2019 09:57:44 pm

It is natural for you to compare yourself to others, it is one of the first steps towards distinction from others and finding your identity.You just have to remember that not everyone can be the same and appreciate who you are.

I. Florence 8th

3/8/2019 11:03:23 pm

I can relate to your experience. Although I have never been ashamed of my physical attributes, I have felt that I was not deemed pretty enough because I was deemed too skinny for people's liking, and because my nose is wide.

I Jones 6th Period

3/8/2019 08:43:35 pm

I listened to the song the first time, i loved it and i listened to it again to actually hear what she’s saying and it’s very empowering and inspiring. I can actually see myself putting this in my everyday playlist. I also watched orange is the new black and i love her character as well. I love the fact that she is so i love with her skin and who she is .

Jordan b

3/8/2019 09:26:45 pm

I know how you feel. I've felt as if the quality of how I look wasn't good enough or what ever but now it's what every some one says about how my pigment is and the futures that I hold as a black young man doesn't bother me anymore at all

Jniquea jackson

3/8/2019 08:54:20 pm

Black women black women !! Those two words hold just so much power. Black women are caster ass under dogs. Today society are just comfortable putting us not . But we can’t complain when we black women put other black women down . Just as this young lady made a song to uplift black women we all should do the same.

Jordan b

3/8/2019 09:20:10 pm

I see that a lot and it's kinda irritating because we've been through to much to just be dissing and hurting each other

T. Young 2nd period

3/8/2019 09:03:22 pm

We have to remember that we're no longer living in a society that thinks,"the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice". However, we now live in a society where they have the mentality of slavery time. Where there is a competition between shades of melanin,"lightskins vs darkskins". As black men or women, we need to live in our truth and embrace the glorified skin complexion that others despise. Furthermore, we need to stop comparing each others shade and remember "The black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness".~ Marcus Garvey

Jordan b

3/8/2019 09:15:25 pm

we're are in the year of 2019. Women shouldn't feel of a lower standard. There are so many women who has done great things for themselves and this should insire more of us to ignore the hate or criticism people point towards us.

F. Aleman 8th

3/8/2019 09:39:26 pm

Even though it's 2019, there's still many problems wrong. For example, racism. It's hard for people to ignore hate. Especially when many people feel that way.

T.Tate 8th

3/8/2019 09:26:03 pm

The video was amazing , I never faced problems with being ashamed with my figure or Complexion as black women . But the video made me feel so powerful and made me love my myself 10 times more than what I already do , it just gave me life. It showed me it’s not a problem with me loving myself as much as I do.We are beautiful and magic. And no one can tell me different . No matter how the world see us , we need to own who we are because we are the world .

F. Aleman 8th

3/8/2019 09:37:40 pm

In our society, black women are seen as nothing more than loudmouthed, angry or sassy. These generalizations can hurt someone self-esteem. Instead of generalizing, we should recognize, and celebrate every form of black womanhood and identity. I personally never felt that way. However, To anyone who felt like their skin was too dark or they felt ugly because they didn't look like anyone else: know that you matter. Know that your beauty is not and should not be based on others.

D.Gadson 6th

3/8/2019 09:47:07 pm

Brooks song was strong n powerful. She stand for all women. She embraces all women to be theirselves. Also that black women should show their natural beauty no matter what. Now a days women have to change their whole look just to be in public.

I. Chancellor 8th period

3/8/2019 10:40:44 pm

In agreement, because it sends a message to us and others, to love ourselves and our culture. With all honesty, she does because they are the most unappreciated being in the world. To be honest, she speaks for everyone, not only women, because even guys pretend to be someone they are not. That is an amazing point, because not a lot of black women will go natural. Which is very sad, because they do not get the chance to showcase their heritage.

D. Tonche 8th pd

3/8/2019 09:52:13 pm

I remember seeing posts of Danielle Brooks in which she was strove to give inspiration to her audience. For this I find her admirable. She knows who she is and her confidence is unsubdued by others. Various of other celebrities attempt to conform to the norms of today, but not Brooks. Instead of changing herself for the acceptance of others, she respects herself as seen in the music video "Black Woman." This makes Brooks a diamond in a rhinestone world.

C. San Roman

3/8/2019 10:34:36 pm

As of now, this video is still in obscurity, I just hope more people find this gem and share this beautiful message

M. Chavez 2nd pd.

3/8/2019 11:13:44 pm

I agree, she has such an inspiring personality. She herself, as well as characters she plays, fights for what she believes and that’s one of the most admirable characteristics one can have or do.

M. Cain 2nd

3/8/2019 10:12:54 pm

Black woman are disrespected and under represented in society. I feel like society isn’t empathetic towards black woman their experiences. We are always seen as the aggressor unfortunately. But thankfully more and more black woman are recognizing their beauty, and with the help of people like Danielle Brooks more will become confident in who they are. Hopefully after listening to the song and watching the video black woman feel a new sense of empowerment.

T. Jones 2nd

3/8/2019 10:17:39 pm

Black girl power at its finest! This song is very inspiring & well put together. Black girls should be more proud and thankful. We are one of a kind. We were blessed with beautiful skin, hair, shape & body features. We have start believing in ourselves and be more comfortable with how we look. Once you accept yourself for how you are then every one else have no other choice but to accept you. We have the power to change how people view us and it begins with how we outnumber ourselves out there. “Love yourself girl or nobody will!”

C. San Roman

3/8/2019 10:31:20 pm

Preach! Do not let anything get in your way, and never ever let someone decide for you if you are beautiful or not

S.johnson8th

3/8/2019 10:23:55 pm

This video speaks volume to the max. Black people are THAT community of people. We have the beautiful skin, hair, hips, facial features and many more. It’s a shame people around try to downplay the natural beauty some hold. However that’s how it’s always been. We have to start believing in ourself and make a bigger and better statement that we aren’t the people to play with or look down upon.

C. San Roman 2nd

3/8/2019 10:29:42 pm

It's sad that people still believe that black women are not beautiful unless they wear weaves and lighten their skin tone. This song, is all about the beauty of having a darker skin tone, so ladies, flaunt what you got, because God does not make mistakes

J. Perez 6th

3/8/2019 11:10:59 pm

The beauty standards we set to make our women feel inferior but times are changing which is great. Weave and light skin tone are a thing of the past. We're moving on to a more natural and even more beautiful approach.

M. Chavez 2nd pd.

3/8/2019 11:17:09 pm

I agree, embracing who you are is the key to happiness. Even if other people don’t accept you, that’s their problem, and it can’t, and shouldn’t stop you from your goals, passions, etc. Although it may be hard, it’s achievable.

S. Sanders- 1st Period

3/8/2019 11:19:41 pm

Well put response. I believe since the slavery days we black females strive to stand strong because even a Caucasian female feels intimidated at times by a black woman. Black women strives and have to push for our remaining wait of power in the workplace.

K. Allen 8th pd

3/8/2019 10:36:36 pm

Honestly, it’s 2019 it is time for the world to see black women for who they really are. We should know longer have to change nor hide who we really are just to please society. The song is so motivating , she encourages and lifts up black women. She shows them that they are beautiful and should not have to change themselves.

I. Chancellor 8th period

3/8/2019 10:55:48 pm

With all honesty, people who have outdated ideas of blacks, need to grow up. To be honest, that is sad that we have to change our appearance to fit society’s likes. In agreement, she does because she teaches black women to love and appreciate themselves. To tell the truth, no one should have to change their appearance to be accepted by society. However, she also teaches them that the people who judge you, want to be you.

J. Perez 6th

3/8/2019 11:08:10 pm

Theres no reason to hide the natural beauty of anyone. Its great to see more and more individuals express their natural beauty. More are getting confident and its great to see this.

M. Sanchez 6th pd

3/8/2019 11:44:09 pm

I agree, this world has not been kind to blacks especially women, they deserve respect no matter the color of the skin. Hopefully the song will help many more people see that as well.

I. Florence 8th

3/8/2019 10:56:20 pm

In society, everything black looks good on everyone who is not black. Black women's bodies are over sexualized, yet women spend thousands of dollars to have the body of black women. our hair is perceived as unprofessional, yet white woman have created tutorials on how to make an "afro". Our personalities have been deemed ghetto, yet internet comedians use the same "ghetto" personality for social and financial gain. Black girls and women have been culturally and socially conditioned to repress ourselves out of fear embodying a stereotype while the world is embracing the same things we have been taught to repress. Danielle represents all black women who are no longer hesitant to embrace their womanhood and blackness.

J. Perez

3/8/2019 11:06:14 pm

We should never have to change for anyone or any social standard. We need to celebrate ourselves for who we are. Seeing artists embrace their culture and background is refreshing. We have so many celebrities trying to be who they're not and toss their true selves aside in shame.

M. Sanchez 6th pd

3/8/2019 11:42:28 pm

I agree, people should be more accepting these days considering everything that is going on in society. Everyone should be happy with themselves yes we all have our insecurities but we should learn to embrace them.

D. Gibson jr. 1st period

3/8/2019 11:08:43 pm

Black women has always been treated not as equal or have as much rights or privileges as men do. Its not right in my opinion some women have to work harder den a man to get the same job description. Its 2019 i feel as if females should be more involved in things and recieve the recognition they deserve instead of being shunned away.

M. Chavez 2nd pd

3/8/2019 11:12:15 pm

Danielle Brooks got her point across in such an amazing way, although she should not have to. Everyone should know black is beautiful by now. We’re living in a society where standards are set way too high and natural is “outdated”. It’s a shame having such beautiful skin tones be told they’re unacceptable, or too dark, or not dark enough. Being black or darker skin toned, isn’t something one should be ashamed of, it’s something to embrace and be proud of.

J Mills 2nd pd.

3/8/2019 11:28:28 pm

I agree and Im sure this is why many black woman hide their natural beauty because they feel like they’re hideous or it is outdated.

T.Falls 6th

3/8/2019 11:13:33 pm

First thing first who knew that taysyee was this talented to spread a message this powerful. One thing I love about her song is that it contains many messages that black woman can learn. People have failed to realize that black woman have contributed many things to the advancement of time with human life being one. Being black alone should be a confidence booster because you have power no matter what others say. Lastly we should be in a era in time where the color of your skin should not make a difference but sadly racism will never truly end.

K. Banks 6th

3/8/2019 11:59:38 pm

People don’t acknowledge that black women have contributed many things to society, showing a lack of appreciation.

I. Chancellor 8th period

3/8/2019 11:14:13 pm

With all honesty, she has a point, that the people who judge you for being you, want to be you. In the 21st century, black women are starting to rock their natural hair, meaning they are starting to love and appreciate their heritage. People who still discriminate against blacks for being them, need to grow up. People who are like that, stop the growth of a country, because of the outdated ideologies they still hold on to. Danielle Brooks did a wonderful job, because she sent a message to everyone and not just women, to love their heritage.

J Mills 2nd pd.

3/8/2019 11:33:00 pm

Although I am also starting to see black women wear their natural hair, I feel like a lot women rappers that black girls listen to are trying to push wearing weave. Since these female rappers are so popular, the girls that listen to them try to be like them and wear weave.

Lloyd Trimble

3/8/2019 11:38:39 pm

I agree completely especially with that fact that people who judge you want to be you. The same people who judge black women for their looks will be the same people some time down the road copying their style

K. Banks 6th

3/8/2019 11:58:02 pm

Black women are starting to embrace their natural hair showing a positive direction in appreciating themselves.

N. Medina 6th

3/8/2019 11:21:37 pm

Although I may not be African American I am still a women of color and I believe what she is doing to our society is great. She is encouraging the females of today to embrace who they are and never be ashamed about it. Especially if those people who judge you want to be you. We have to be confident and strong in order to be recognized but do it in a way someone will remember forever. We women don’t have it easy but we can make the absolute best of ourselves and love ourselves.

Lloyd Trimble

3/8/2019 11:37:16 pm

I agree women should not have to be ashamed of themselves to be their self. They should do all they can to love their self for who they are

M Martinez 3rd

3/8/2019 11:59:02 pm

We should all be strong and united instead of apart like you said. Feel confident in your own skin instead of listening to others.

J Mills 2nd pd.

3/8/2019 11:26:34 pm

The song was great! The lyrics were very powerful and representitive. She was saying that how people wanted her physical attributes, but not her color, and for many black women this is true. I feel like she acted as a voice that black women. The imagery in the video was very simple, but it had great meaning behind it.

Lloyd Trimble

3/8/2019 11:35:31 pm

I’m not a black woman so I won’t pretend I know how it feels to be one, but a person shouldn’t be afraid to be themselves. Women of color shouldn’t feel they need to conform to what everyone else deems to be “normal” in terms of how they dress or look.

T.Harris 6th period

3/8/2019 11:36:00 pm

The topic is beautiful and it all piece together to say one thing we are beautiful how we are and don’t need any changes. Why not was to be black beauty with brains people hated we that combination. When everybody went through the phase of wearing natural hair everybody was embracing their true selfs. Now everybody wants long weave that goes pass their butt Why when you can get your own hair that long . Taystee was messed with treated wrong and hateful because of her hair.

M Martinez 3rd

3/8/2019 11:58:14 pm

We should all be ourselves no matter what, be happy being us. Not having to worry about others relieves stress.

M. Sanchez 6th pd.

3/8/2019 11:39:50 pm

No one should have to change who they are and what they look like to feel accepted or to appease others. However that’s what this society has turned to, trying to please everyone else and not really worrying about their mental health. I like the empowerment that was in the song. We need more songs like this so people can open their eyes and noticed that we don’t have to change anything at all.

S. Sanders- 1st Period

3/8/2019 11:48:29 pm

Black women are still felt to believe less then but more than a conqueror as she allow her worth to be identified. Black women are tested in society by women of same color, opposite race, and opposite sex. As Danielle mentions for reflection in her song a black woman must speak out speak up, stand strong to be respected and display her worth, and even prompts empowerment. This makes me think about noted black females in society today who have stood up and push through regardless of black as it is a skin color of beauty. Those females to name a few are Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Shonda Rhimes, and Oprah Winfrey. Chance the Rapper, a black male acknowledges his black female fiancé with high regards as she is who helped him recognize his faith and belief in God. Interesting subject as I am unapologetically a black female woman too.

K. Banks 6th

3/8/2019 11:56:12 pm

This song should make every black woman feel powerful. It’s a motivational reminder to love yourself. Majority of other races want black womens physical traits, but don’t want the entire package. This can create a feeling of doubt or embarrassment. Either way black women shouldn’t be ashamed of their features, but should embrace them.

Keiyana E 3rd

3/12/2019 11:36:14 am

Yes. We are born with features that millions of people spend thousands of dollars on trying to get. I think we should have more respect than we get.

M Martinez 3rd

3/8/2019 11:57:16 pm

We should all just be ourselves no matter how we look to others. Social media as a whole plays a big role in todays society based on looks. Having to deal to a certain image puts so much pressure on young girls. We all need to learn to love ourseleves instead of caring of others. Being yourself is the best you can be in todays world.

K Moore

3/9/2019 11:03:56 am

Black women are always being judged on our style, our hair, especially our skin. Other cultures hate on us but constantly take it and revise it and try to call it something different. This is something I find to be contradicting cause don’t talk about me then go and copy me like where they do that at.

K Eagans 3rd

3/12/2019 11:32:46 am

I definitely agree. People use to shame black women for being themselves, but now every race has women that want to look like a black woman.

K Eagans 3rd

3/12/2019 11:30:59 am

Yeah, black women arethe most disrespected person in America. From some reason everybody see us as bitter and ratchet but that’s not who we are at all. Even if all of us were bitter and ratchet we have a reason to be. I think it’s funny how black women get treated so foul and everyone expects us to be happy and bow down to them.

Comments are closed.

Mixed Ink

Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated.

Bridge Builders

All subjects are vital to learning, but English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...

Grading Rubric

Learning Objectives

Communicate effectively
Be aware of current events
Write concisely
Boost critical thinking skills
Be accountable
Follow directions
Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you