The Problem With Making Every Black Woman's Story About 'Everyone'

Why does sharing a Black woman's story often lead to others trying to generalize your specific perspective? When you share a Black woman's story, it is common to encounter people who feel the need to broaden the narrative scope of your words. This tendency to shift the focus away from your reality is often an attempt to make your experience palatable for a wider audience, rather than listening to what you are actually saying. Understanding why this happens allows you to maintain your focus on centering experiences that matter to you. By recognizing social generalization for what it is: a way to dilute the impact of your voice, you can stop feeling the need to apologize for keeping your perspective intentional. Protecting your narrative starts with refusing to dilute it to make others comfortable. Subscribe for weekly perspective breakdowns and let me know in the comments how you handle these conversations. 0:00 Centering the Black Female Gaze 1:11 The Trap of Generalization 2:55 Setting Boundaries for Your Space 5:38 The Resistance to Being the Main Character 9:47 Finding Your People Through Specificity