“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
The Bible affirms that husbands should honor their wives as the weaker partner. Many strong black women will ask, “Why would women be considered the weaker partners.”
Let us examine some of the scientific evidence to determine why women are perceived to be inferior in the development of establishing and maintaining a “family.” Understanding how the future health outcomes for blacks are influenced by worldviews, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, societal norms through socialization, cultural convergence, and the development of black families is essential.
Uncomfortable Facts
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (2022) indicated that:
- More than 23 million children live in single-parent households.
- Over 14 million children live with single mothers only
- 63% of Black children live in single-parent families
The United States Census Bureau (2022) indicated that:
- 38% of Black Americans live with both parents
- 33% of Black children live with unmarried mothers compared to only 6.5% of whites
Those statistics highlight the significant disparities in family structures and living arrangements between Black and White families in the United States.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2024) affirmed and confirmed that there are over 70 MILLION abortions each year, and 60% are from unintended pregnancies. WHO also indicated that 45% of abortions are UNSAFE.
What does this mean? These findings indicate that more comprehensive sexual and reproductive health programs through education and contraception are necessary to reduce or eliminate unintended abortions. A potential Presidential candidate should be focused on intervention for unintended pregnancies—not keeping the same laws in place that impact these barriers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (2023), in the United States of America, there were no women between the ages of 40-49 that birthed any children in the year 2023. In addition, 55% of women between the ages of 20-24 did not have any children.
What does this mean? These findings indicate that there is a trend in declining birth rates in America, which is delaying childbirth for younger and older women.
For this reason, as birth rates decline, population control increases through declining birth rates.
According to KFF (2021) and CDC (2021) indicated that abortions in the United States per race were 30% for White Women,” 42% for “Black Women,” 22% for “Hispanic Women,” and 7% for “Other Women.”
What does this mean? The findings indicate that Black women are the highest in the country to support abortion and are disproportionately with disparities compared to any other woman in America. For this reason, reproductive education for Black women is necessary in order to combat racial inequality in America. A future president focused on reproductive health to help expand the black race is required in order to promote the life span of Black individuals. Therefore, as abortion increases, the idea and desire to expand black families decreases.
Pew Research Center (2016) study indicated that:
- 78% of white Democrats believe that racial equality is an issue between blacks and whites, and 56% of White republicans believe that enough necessary changes have been made to accommodate Blacks to have equal rights with Whites.
- Over 40% of Black Americans doubt America will ever achieve racial equality, 11% of Whites, and 17% of Hispanics.
- 36% of Whites believe that Blacks are struggling with discrimination, whereas 70% of blacks think they are struggling due to discrimination
- Financially, 60% of Blacks believe they are worse off than whites, and 47% of Whites blacks are worse off
What does this mean? These statistical findings highlight the disparities in demographics among White and Black individuals, despite the majority of white Democrats recognizing insufficient progress made with Black Americans. White Republicans suggest that progress has been made on the issues of racial equality, discrimination, and inequity amongst Blacks. A large number of Black Americans are skeptical of these issues improving.
For this reason, blacks need to really focus on a presidential candidate who would be beneficial in favor of advancing health and equity for black minorities. It is essential in the decolonization of segregation, resulting in a lack of education and equity for Blacks who endure disparities in America.
Government Impact on Blacks: Igielnik, Keeter, and Hartig (2021) indicated that Trump had 92% of black voters voted against him in 2020. Bailey et al. (2024) suggest that 47% of black voters believe that there should be a different Democratic nominee than Biden. A Pew Research Study by Cox (2024) indicates that 83% of blacks identify as lean Democrats and 12% identify as Republicans.
- Cox (2024) states that 70% of black Americans do not favor Trump, and only 27% of them favor him.
- Many Black voters view Trump as uninterested in their concerns and experiences with his continued attempt to rescind the Affordable Care Act and restrict healthcare to black voters.
- Do you feel Trump is out of reality with the concerns of the Black community?
- How has Trump appealed to the concerns and problems that the Black community is facing?
- If Donald Trump supposedly assassination attempt would have not occurred – would he have thrown his hand in a stance similar to the way blacks symbolize “Black Power” or “Power to the People”?
- Could the assassination attempt have influenced the support of 92% of black voters who did not previously vote for him in 2020?
- The “Power to the People” stance made by Trump even gained the full endorsement of Elon Musk, who had not endorsed him before.
- What lengths do you believe the United States political regimes are willing to take to control the perception through propaganda of the American people?
· Riccardi and Sanders (2023) indicated
- “71% of U.S. adults think it’s important for laws to reflect what most Americans want, while only 48% feel that is actually the case.”
- 53% of Americans do not feel like they are being represented in this country, whereas 12% feel like they are extremely represented
- 60% of Republicans feel unrepresented, and 40% of Democrats feel unrepresented in this country
This is why black voters continue to identify with the Democratic party, which appears to be turning into a one-party election this Fall of 2024, with Trump being the only Presidential candidate on the ballot who can recall certain events accurately this year.
It has never been a presidential election with one party being elected within the United States.
- What does this mean for black Americans not being able to vote for a democratic candidate who should, at least, be required by law not to display health signs of dementia, which Biden continues to fail to demonstrate?
Historical Scientific Evidence: Understanding Gender Roles
Biblical Misconceptions
The Bible asserts in 1 Corinthians 11:3 that the head of man is Christ, and the head of woman is man. However, the fall has caused widespread misinterpretation of scripture regarding women not being permissible to teach any man (cf. 1 Timothy 2:11) when, in fact, woman should not teach their husbands 1 Timothy 2:11-15:
“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet, for Adam was formed first, then Eve. Moreover, Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. However, women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.” (1 Timothy 2:11-15)
There is no mention of men in the plural sense. Instead, it is referred to as a man in the singular aspect. “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man” means not to teach her husband, which is followed up by mentioning Adam not being deceived but the woman. Women should not submit to MEN but to their husbands as they do until the Lord.
Ephesians 5:22 says, “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as you do to the Lord.” Although Eve was deceived, Adam was responsible as God returned to the garden after the fall, looking for Adam, not Eve. In Genesis 3:9, “Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?.” For this reason, the “Fall of Man” was Adams’s responsibility because God placed Him as head and searched for him after Eve was deceived. Therefore, the flesh will always attempt to fulfill its desires and pleasures, causing internal inconsistencies with the Spirit of God.
Furthermore, if 1 Timothy 2:11 occurs, women will learn silence, subjection, and submissiveness through obedience to the man in verse 12; she will not possess authority over the man who is her husband, which does not refer to men (cf. Genesis 2:24, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:5). This is not a mystery that God created woman to submit to one man.
Hurt et al. (2014) affirmed in a study of perceptions of married men that black women being single was due to gender relations of women being more independent, which made them less attractive as partners through personal goals that lead them to detrimental relationships. Those married men believed that black single women were not adequate in areas to maintain marriage and traditional feminine values, which led to a lack of preparation for partnership. In addition, black women were focused on self-improvement, which was prioritized over their relationships. Most importantly, homosexual relationships with other women seemed to be a large perception for black men in relationships with those women.
These findings highlight the complexities of gender roles, independence, and understanding how societal norms impact cultural factors and shape the perceptions of black women.
Complex Perceptions of Black Men
On the contrary, Andrasik et al. (2014) affirmed that black women perceived black men as untrustworthy, manipulative, engaged in infidelity, dishonest, and exploited them. That perception is likely generated from the marginalization of blacks, which has led them to be powerless and black women to resent them. Due to the shortage of eligible black men, short-term relationships have been inevitable. Engaging in emotional intimacy, mutual respect, and informed decisions lead to the prevention of contracting sexual diseases.
By acknowledging the complex interplay of systemic inequality, power dynamics, and individual behaviors, identifying interventions between black men and women is necessary to advance healthier outcomes and outcomes.
Carver and Michell (2022) indicated that black women in private universities endured labeling, biases, a lack of desires and expectations being fulfilled, and a lack of ability to thrive in relationships as black students. In contrast, Slatton (2012) suggested that white men perceive black women as being overweight, loud, uneducated, and unattractive. White men theoretically perceive black women through race and social class in order to critically assess the inclusion or exclusion of black women through colorism.
For this reason, the findings indicate that systemic racism highlights key intervention strategies to combat gender biases and provide information on how to avoid labeling and stereotypical worldviews that are harmful to marginalized populations of women.
Woolf, Masters, and Aron (2022) asserted that the life expectancy for “Black Men” and “Hispanics” decreased between 2019 and 2020 due to health inequities, systemic racism, and large disproportions compared to any other race and more than twenty-one other countries. For this reason, negative health outcomes should be addressed to promote health, longevity, and quality of life for Black American men. A President who focuses on combating these issues is essential for Black American men.
Allen et al. (2020) indicated that reparations are a part of the solution for concentrated tackling of poverty for “Black Families” navigate through pre-pandemic continued job loss, debt accumulation, inequity, and a lack of financial security. For this reason, although reparations are essential in facilitating economic mobility for Black families in this area, it has been observed by every president who ignored it. When financial literacy continues to be ignored, as it can be a stimulant for Black Americans to have significant economic support and growth – financial security within Black homes will continue to be dissipated in America.
Bond and Herman (2016) suggest that disparities in life expectancy are due to biological factors (e.g., premature birth, low birth weight), lack of access to health care, and economic barriers for at-risk youth transitioning to adulthood. Therefore, intervention strategies need to be implemented to address systemic inequities and improve future health outcomes for black men. Addressing these barriers directly and not ignoring them will improve economic and health outcomes for Black men.
Empowered Black Women
AAUW (2020) indicated that in 2019, approximately 60% of Americans suggested that pay gaps were due to biases that were not caused by choice. In addition, black women endured pay disparities more than any other woman in America. The wealth gap contributes to the average income for black households, which is $24,100 compared to $189,100 in white households. For this reason, Black families struggle because 80% of “Black Mothers” are the sole providers in the family. These findings indicate that the cumulative effect of disparities in black families struggling is due to a lack of resources and a systemic cycle of poverty in obtaining the American dream. Who can deny the facts of income disparities? Anyone who denies these disparities supports black families’ continuous recycling of poverty. Period.
Rigueur (2020) suggested that black women vote and identify as democrats and promote their collective interests. In other words, black men support Republicans due to their ability to advance economic advancement, which hinders the unity of black families being prioritized in public policies and public interest. These findings indicate the different values that align between black men and women in prioritizing the collective interest, social justice, and family for future outcomes of black families. These findings demonstrate a need for intervention through education and representations to transform the black political party identity, which is beneficial in understanding their collective interests.
The National Archives (2017) indicates that Black women in power sponsored equality for black women. The “Black Power Movement” was facilitated by the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense and nationalist groups who overcame challenges and gained numerous victories to promote gender equality. Community control, social justice, and Black feminist activism paved the way to demarginalize sexism and encourage advocacy for black women to become more empowered. For this reason, the advancement of education, job opportunities, and leadership roles became available for black women than for black men. Therefore, Black men have become more dehumanized and marginalized in economic well-being. While black women were granted resources, black men became more dissimilar and disadvantaged in resources and advancement.
Undoubtedly, the liberation of black men in federal and state penitentiaries was one of the primary goals of the “Black Panther Party” during the 1960s and 1970s, which dissipated due to the movement’s goals being continually attacked through systemic racism, economic inequality, and social injustices. Continued resistance to revitalizing black men’s power has led to the complexities of black men’s being promoted to advance in society. In order to initiate collective action, addressing economic equity through rebuilding black men’s businesses and cultural expressions and dismantling misogynistic attitudes towards black men is necessary to combat structural barriers.
Black Women’s Submissive Values
Divisive Men and Women
Psalm 82:6 affirms that Genesis 3:5
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. This means that man is ONLY able to be like God through their eyes being opened to now have the ability to understand things LIKE GOD; in this case, it’s the knowledge of good and evil. Psalm 82:6
I have said, Ye are gods, and all of you are children of the most High.
Having His attributes and characteristics in the ability to understand and comprehend LIKE GOD does not equate to BEING EQUAL TO GOD.
Psalm 82:1
A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. God provides revelation to comprehend Psalm 82:1 in a way that He will be JUDGING all the ALL individuals that have the knowledge of good and evil as referred to Genesis 3:5 and Psalm 82:6/ No one will be exempt from the judgment, which will include magistrates and all humanity. Being able to demonstrate God through His attributes simply means to have His ability and advancement to demonstrate characteristics, attributes, and qualities.
Genesis 2:9
The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden was the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Therefore, we are not God in a sense to be equal to God Him— not ever— It simply means that God has allowed us to have accessed through the “FALL OF ADAM and EVE” to comprehend and implement The God-Like attributes of His knowledge wisdom and other qualities made possible through spiritual gifts provided by the HolySpirit as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. For this reason, Jesus came to save believers in the world
John 12:44-50
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him, for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
- There were two trees in the garden of Eden — have you ever wondered why Eve didn’t choose the Tree of Life?
- What does having the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden tell us about human choices?
Misogynistic and Misogynoir Attitudes
There is an actual definition of “misogynistic attitudes,” and there is an individual and public opinion of misogynistic attitudes. For the sake of pushing the facts forward, let’s explore how this attitude impacts families.
Misogynistic attitudes can be best defined as behaviors that express hatred, prejudice, disdain, feelings, and negative beliefs about women. Hale and Ojeda (2018) indicate that misogyny is an overlooked concept in the homosexual queer gay community. For this reason, heteronormative expectations and gender norms are being enforced through LGBTQ communities that perpetuate harmful gender norms to heterosexuals by promoting gender inclusion in homosexual communities to internalize their gender norms.
Misogynoir is a term derived from misogynistic attitudes coined in 2018 by Moya Bailey and Trudy to demonstrate an understanding of hatred and prejudice against “Black Women” develop into stereotypes implemented in online platforms such as “Twitter, YouTube, and Tumblr.” Black women’s explanation of their experience is perceived as harmful ideologies within those spaces. Black women’s digital activism through mainstream media allows them to reclaim power in the face of online intimidation that attempts to silence their voices.
Fleming et al. (2018), Brogaard (2015), and Jagoo (2022) indicated that misogynistic behaviors occur when a man demonstrates some or all unconscious symptoms that contribute to misogynist behavior:
- Depressive symptoms.
- Engage in substance use.
- Reject women’s ideas and blame women for conflict
- Be flirtatious, exciting, fun, and charismatic
- Abrupt changes in personality similar to Jekyll and Hyde
- No respect for time will be late for women and punctual for men’s appointments/schedules
- Favoring men and being extremely competitive with women
- Cocky, controlling, and self-centered with women
- Unconsciously or unintentionally make women feel powerless and put them down in public
- Borrow money from women and not pay them back
- Ignore or speak over women
- Favorite sexual position: avoid looking in the eyes and will continually cheat and will disappear on a woman suddenly and may return 3 months later to lure her back in
The main causes for misogynistic behavior are childhood experiences or misogynistic role models, exposure to domestic violence, emotional abuse, sexism towards women, and cultural factors such as mistreatment, religion, and sin.
Women who experience misogyny experience depression, distress, poorer health outcomes, and lower satisfaction in life.
For this reason, in order to overcome misogynistic attitudes:
Do not ignore it.
- Make it clear that it will not be tolerated or accepted
Report it if it occurs at any time in your life.
- Talk to your family and friends, or seek a counselor, talk to the manager and human resources department.
Leave the situation, refer the person to counseling
- Implementing boundaries will stop continued behaviors. Refer the person to seek help from family, friends, and professional counseling services.
Protect environment.
- Uplift others who have endured misogyny and challenge ideas that support it.
Self-care practices.
- Take care of yourself first. You cannot help others or succeed in life if you do not care for yourself. Cope with overcoming vulnerabilities by seeking support systems and not calling that person.
Most importantly, the findings indicate that misogynistic attitudes and behaviors impact the black culture through oppression and violence by fostering a culture of silence, which causes intergenerational trauma passed down to subsequent generations.
Therefore, Perry, Harp, and Oser (2013) indicate that behaviors that reflect misogyny and misogynistic attitudes project negative ideas that cause gender discrimination, increased vulnerability (e., g. poverty, unemployment), and health disparities among black women. Solutions include prayer, the development of intervention programs for black women and men (e.g.,., health assessments, screenings, stress management), and promoting equity for men and women to reduce discrimination and help sponsor programs that target interventions for men experiencing these negative effects towards women,
Misandry: Feminist Ideology
Some believe that feminists are considered misandrists; however, according to Jane (2019), feminists believe in promoting social equality of the sexes, which supports justice for women, and attempts to degrade them through hostility, aggression, and personal attacks. Although feminists suggest that they are not anti-feminizing, the consequences of feminizing have led to dogmatic conflicts in religion and academics and perpetuated hatred and discrimination against men.
Feminism through Misandry
Marxist and queer theories were incorporated into the “Black Feminist” groups that challenged heterosexual relationships between men and women. As a consequence, black men became less desired through the exchange of gender roles, and black men began to feel their power dissipate. The goal of the Black Power Movement was to challenge resistance to civil rights, gain political momentum, and improve economic opportunities for blacks.
Peterson (2019) affirms that black women’s experiences of racism, sexism, and classism are a direct condition of black feminism. Therefore, although black women have strong reasons to support women’s activism, it should not be at the expense of causing the development of families to be extinct.
Most importantly, there was a gradual shift in systemic racism that emerged into a comprehensive discussion of debates through activism to eradicate police brutality and mass incarceration of blacks. Feminist approaches stayed ahead to advance their ideas and movement by integrating ideas that sought to emasculate the gender of black men. Gender identity can only be changed through the free will of an individual.
According to Messner (1993), the development of the feminist movement has led to implications of transforming masculinity to emasculate men. It highlights the important aspects of feminism’s influence in political governments to influence social change and order for Americans to adapt to feminist ideals and roles. For this reason, in the early 1990s, feminism attempted to emasculate men. Even though masculinity and politics overlap with feminist movements, feminism dominated the cultural shift to emasculate men from masculinity. Therefore, this has been an implication in the black community of black women leaning towards ideas and values that emasculate black men through feminism.
Contrary to misogynist, misandry is defined by Russ (1972) as a feminist ideology due to men abusing women through domestic violence, injustices, the shame of emotions, and harmful patriarchal oppressive hatred for women. Therefore, misogynistic men are viewed as powerful, and women are perceived as weak, which causes systemic oppression and prejudice towards women.
Kort (2016) affirmed that misandry hatred towards men stems from bigotry, racism, homophobia, and microaggressions and is blamed on the idea that it is generated from misogyny. In contrast, Young and Nathanson, P. (2010) state that the “Fall of Man” is due to male oppression, and the concept of power and privilege of men leads to misandry in power dynamics between men and women. For this reason, religious narratives through feminist concepts indicate the “Fall of Men,” not just a man through goddess ideology, which promotes female patriarchy as a way to encourage feminine powers through complex movements and powers.
Opposite traits of misogyny do not characterize characteristics of misandry; instead, it is the equivalent complex of the role of oppressive men causing resentment of women. Some traits of women with misandry include:
- Resentment towards men
- Support for women’s roles instead of men
- Continued dialogue and mistrust for men
- Hostile actions towards men as a hate crime
- Sometimes viewed as a justified response to misogyny due to the nature of violence against women, which causes misandry
Steuter (1992) suggested that some “Women Against Feminism” dismiss ideas initiated by feminists that are not socially acceptable. Those women believe that equality is a moral principle that should be provided through inherent values for dignity in life. In addition, women against feminism believe that promoting equality and social justice is comprehensive in diminishing discrimination for all individuals. Many of the women who are against feminism share inequalities with those who practice feminism; however, they maintain dignity through human life by promoting equal rights and opportunities for all.
Most importantly, to move forward from the paradigm of being a “victim” or maintaining the “victim mentality” through unconscious (e.g., unaware) misogyny and misandry – men and women both that suffer from those attitudes and behaviors need to have dialogue that recognizes shared community. They need to acknowledge wrongs and address inter-sexual dialogue, which can foster empathy and compassion for each other. In addition, establish and maintain a willingness to listen long enough to, at the very least, understand the voice of the “other” opposing ideas and perspectives in order to respect others.
Nathanson and Young (2014) asserted that men and women with both concepts of misogyny and misandry are victims. Those who practice misogyny have experienced some form of exclusion due to adverse experiences that caused them to compete with women. Moreover, misandry is the victimization of women who approach men as adversaries due to negative experiences they endured with them. Mental health influences the behavior of black men and women to be influenced by each other, which causes social systems to maintain unconscious biases and cultural standard implications.
- How does mental health lead to the mass incarceration of Black men?
Mass Incarcerations of Black Men
“We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”
God advised Moses to send some men to Canaan, which is the “Promised Land,” and they affirmed that it had milk and honey in Numbers 13:27. However, they were afraid of being defeated by the giants that lived in the land. Even though God promised them that they would occupy the land, they were still scared Numbers 13:31 and viewed themselves as grasshoppers.
For this reason, if you see yourself as being defeated, you will be defeated. If you see yourself as being great, you will be great. Perception of self impacts the future outcome. The Bible affirms in Proverbs 23:7 that as a man thinketh in his heart, so does he.
- What does that Proverbs 23:7 Scripture mean to you?
Williams, Wilson, and Bergeson (2020) reveal that black men’s experiences with incarceration are rooted in mental health and conceptions regarding masculinity, health disparities, complex communities, violence, recidivism (e.g., Housing, employment), and their education level. To combat recidivism equity for black men through health access, employment, substance use mitigation, positive masculinity, and re-entry, supportive programs need to be promoted for black men.
Cooper et al. (2015) indicate that mass incarceration of black men has led to black women being put at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and infections. This can also lead to women negatively perceiving themselves as wanting to be in a relationship with a black man.
Mass incarceration, according to Blankenship et al. (2018) and Wertheimer (2018), The profound impact of black men’s continued adversity in poverty, unemployment, and social isolation on black men. They are addressing the issues of rehabilitation and treatment through job training, counseling, mentorship programs, housing opportunities, and policy changes. Promoting equity through homeownership, as well as reintegration, will promote values and community assistance. Therefore, no one should be condemned for life after serving lengthy and short-term prison sentences. Obtaining suitable housing should be a right, like drinking water is a right and not a privilege. Every human being deserves a place in society when they demonstrate their ability to overcome stigmas and adversities. Is redemption possible for black men?
For this reason, the evidence indicates that mental health struggles have implications for black men to obtain long-lasting relationships that can positively impact the development of black families and relationships. Mass incarceration has a ripple effect of the continued negative perceptions of black men, which disallows them to have housing and employment. No one should be condemned for life after being released from jail for serving a sentence. Recidivism is necessary and can provide longevity in maintaining continued health improvements for black men and their families.
Identifying the Head of Household
Self-Reflection: Equal Self-Care or Self-Destruction
Abrams, Maxwell, and Belgrave (2018), in a study, indicated that 61% of black women perceived black men as strong, possessing physical and “mental toughness” and strength. Even though they experience a lack of respect in society, some women allow their black husbands to assert more dominance in their homes to make them feel comfortable and confident. However, black women perceived black men as having a lack of commitment to family and being untrustworthy and unreliable. Those reflections identify challenges that can provide intervention strategies for black women and men to view each other differently through improved education.
These findings can lead to an understanding of how perceptions of historical trauma can transform expectations in roles and responsibilities for black families to become more advantageous.
McClinton (2019) suggests that colorism influences dark-skinned women from high-status husbands, and creating a better understanding of internal qualities of beauty can help redefine and shape societal expectations and preferences regarding dark-skinned women. On the contrary, Dent (2016) indicated through her racial identity that she will not date black men due to 1) Ongoing tensions between black men and women and guilt; 2) The desire for progressive values to regress behavior and values; 3) Fear of sharing romantic connections with black men; and 4) A sense of disconnection from her community and her role as a primary supporter in black relationship. Self-reflection, race, and identity are important in maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that black men and women endure as they advance in society.
Therefore, internal qualities should pave the way for redefining relationships, preferences, and prospects for interpersonal relationships.
Political Power Structures
Perry (2020) affirms that supporting and electing black women such as Kamala Harris would have led to new perspectives for black women in leadership. Therefore, electing black women into power would help suppress inequality and drive change through progress that addresses systemic issues and breaks inequity in society.
On the contrary, Flake (2022) affirmed and confirmed that white men find black women’s power offensive, which makes it difficult to accept their success for several reasons: 1) Black women challenge the “White Male” status quo and power dynamics; 2) Some white men fear losing their historical sovereignty to Black women who have been marginalized and oppressed causes triggers and fear; 3) Some white men fear losing privilege in the world regardless of their contribution; 4) Lack of representation towards Black women concludes mainstream media’s goal to erase the voice of Black women through some white men sexist and racist perceptions about Black women.
The evidence in the findings indicates that black women’s rise to power and autonomy threatens and undermines certain white men’s ability to maintain privilege in society.
Promote Masculinity: Eradicate Black Men’s Emasculation
Sileo and Kershaw (2020) confirmed in a study between 18-25-year-olds in the US that masculine norms of status, toughness, and anti-femininity provided insights into the relationship between mental health service utilization. It indicated that masculine norms of maintaining their status limited depression symptoms, and masculine toughness was connected to hostility and substance use. For this reason, men who practice masculine status employed mental health services compared to men who demonstrated masculine toughness and anti-femininity demonstrated symptoms of depression. Men who show masculine norms may benefit from mental health services that target emotional expressions and vulnerabilities to reduce depression and increase mental health utilization.
For this reason, combating the stigma surrounding mental health utilization and services can help improve men’s mental health outcomes. Therefore, more research is needed to develop interventions and policies that can help provide healthier future outcomes for men’s health intervention strategies.
Ricketts (2023) suggested that slavery and racial oppression led to the destruction of black men for marriage and family formation, leaving women to lead households through transitions of welfare policies for single women. In essence, urbanization caused black men to lack employment opportunities to maintain stable families and cultural factors that led to black men becoming disadvantaged compared to white men.
Waytz, Hoffman, and Trawalter (2015) indicated in an experiment that some whites perceived blacks as having a stronger body and being more powerful than them due to “implicit bias,” which is a stereotype of aggression, sexuality, and cultural factors. This experiment demonstrated that whites’ perception of blacks indicated that they could endure pain more than them. Most of the time, whites view Black people as possessing extraordinary abilities, including possessing superhuman skills more than they can demonstrate. The bias leads to the dehumanization of black individuals and harmful stereotypes that can influence some whites to believe that blacks require less medication to alleviate pain, which can lead to racial disparities in healthcare outcomes. For this reason, discrimination and oppression due to the dehumanization and superhumanization of blacks quantified a lack of resources for blacks. Most importantly, these findings indicate that implicit bias impacts social interactions, employment, education, and healthcare disparities. Acknowledging these implications can lead to individuals being judged through individual merits instead of racial stereotypes.
Income Disparities
Vink et al. (2022) indicated that “gender culture,” which maintains traditional roles between women and men, has more negative consequences for women who surpass their partners and become empowered. Women who surpass their partner’s income can interfere with shared relationships and social support systems in their current relationships. Therefore, when women surpass their partners, it significantly influences the quality of their current and future relationship outcomes with how women perceive and understand their partners.
Similarly, Dempsey (2002) stated that as women gain more similar roles as men in society, their mating preferences, relationship desires, and behaviors shift due to expectations being influenced by preferences and dominating positions. For this reason, when women become more empowered through employment opportunities, they feel equal to men in their choices and dominance.
Fertility and Conception Values
Hammarberg et al. (2017) confirmed that as women age, they reject the notion and desire to have children. Furthermore, men’s desire to have children is influenced by culture in those who have higher incomes; their desire to have children is influenced by socioeconomic status, network, and education. Men are not likely to anticipate pregnancy. However, they will still have unplanned children. Therefore, when men have children, it is often influenced by their knowledge, attitudes, income levels, and social and cultural factors, which are their values, worldview, religion, identity, and interactions with women. For this reason, a man’s motivation to have children is largely due to several factors.
In contrast, McCutcheon (2020) indicated that “pronatalism,” which is defined as the fear of population decline that threatens diverse perspectives, should encourage individuals to have children, promote religious beliefs, and stimulate economic growth. However, women without children endure stigma, shame, and blame that is linked to stress and are perceived as “biologically deficient.” Many women without children are not motivated to reproduce due to societal pressures that make them feel as if they are not contributing to society by having children. In addition, with the redistribution of wealth, non-parents are treated unequally within the workplace compared to parents, causing them to become disadvantaged.
Analogously, Delbaere, Verbiest, and Tydén (2020) suggest that reproductive life and conception have some implications on fertility awareness with the aging population and require more understanding of reproductive health. To make informed decisions, women and men need more awareness regarding the development of families through routines and traditions.
Family Values
Each time there are many wives, there are problems in the marriages. Solomon, Lamech, Abraham, David, and Jacob, who are mentioned in the Bible, had issues with having multiple wives.
Deuteronomy 17:17 “He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.”
Just because it’s described in the bible does not mean it should be prescribed and applied to your life. Polygamy or polyamory is not the right thing to be doing. God emphasizes and changes the trajectory of marriage and relationships, which are only between a husband and wife in the New Covenant.
Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife? What did Moses command you? he replied. They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away. It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. But at the beginning of creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’[c] So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Emadi (2021) affirms that God allowed polygamy in 1 Samuel 1:2 cases; women were Barren, 1 Kings 11:3 to form alliances with Kings and to continue family legacy and inheritance. Although God allowed polygamy in the Old Testament, it does not mean he approved and supported it. The New Testament affirms and clarifies God’s design for marriage to be monogamous between a husband and wife see 1 Corinthians 11:3.
Most importantly, Lang (2020) indicated that Duvall’s Family Development Theory suggests that individuals who overcome critical periods of “family relationships development” become more structured and closely aligned with stronger intact families. Specifically, navigating relationships through repeated dialogue strengthens an understanding of defining roles, including individuals who embrace critical aspects of “family development.” Continuously educating children, collaborating with the community, developing a sense of belonging, and caring for elderly family members will enable children to adapt to these traditions over time, which will help to strengthen family values.
Conclusion
Overcoming Implications of Expansion of Black Families
The struggle of the black mind has ongoing implications that cause a lack of equity, homeownership, discrimination, and marginalization. Black individuals can develop resilience by reshaping and restoring family values through marriage and commitment. Allowing blacks to advance in society through homeownership and financial literacy will enable individuals to recognize obstacles that cause disadvantages while also confronting fears and limitations. Focusing on goals that can be accomplished and not ones that cannot be performed should be the goal in every black household. Getting rid of negative talk and taking small steps at a turtle pace may be necessary to pave the way for personal growth and transformation. Allowing God to lead his infallible truth through the Scriptures and prayer will provide success to black families.
Interrupting Biases
Nathanson (2018) indicates that the spread of hate violence through rhetoric by political leaders escalated conflicts and suppressed marginalized systems, harmful stereotypes, and biases, causing social problems. It focuses on Hosea 8:7, where God indicates that Israel has sown the wind and will reap the whirlwind from what they have sown. For this reason, when groups and individuals focus on their issues in justifications and dialogue, they will cause social unrest and even violence. Dogmatic ideas emerge from the left and right that dehumanize others by promoting their opposing viewpoint. Helping to reap the whirlwind by fostering a dialogue that interrupts biases and promotes democracy and values will provide equity and facilitate peace.
Embracing Biblical Guidance
By embracing biblical guidance, husbands can develop stronger, more loving, and more prayerful marriages as they honor their wives as co-heirs of the gracious gift of life. Additionally, a potential presidential candidate should prioritize addressing the root causes of racial disparities in family structures and living arrangements, such as poverty, lack of access to education and job opportunities, and systemic racism, which causes a lack of equity and access for black underserved communities.
Electing Officials that Advance Deconstruct Stigma
Interventions should focus on increasing access to reproductive health services, including contraception and abortion, particularly in underserved communities. Voting for a president through the power of the Holy Spirit will allow black families to vote for a presidential candidate who will help sponsor their careers and economic growth and empower them to have equity in society. Donald Trump and Joe Biden have already had that opportunity. Give Robert Kennedy a chance to demonstrate his support and concerns for the Black underserved community, which Trump continues to ignore.
Policy changes should aim to dismantle barriers to care, such as restrictive laws and lack of insurance coverage, and promote patient-centered care that addresses the unique needs and experiences of Black women.
Reproductive education can provide pregnancy intervention specifically for black women with distinct healthcare experiences, which can focus on intervention strategies for reproductive health and well-being. In addition, to advocate for black women to improve autonomy through a reduction in racial disparities by promoting more equity for black families, not just black women.
Address Unconscious Behaviors
Most importantly, unconscious misogyny and misandry are complex and generate issues that require a thorough understanding and recognition in order to resolve. By acknowledging these prejudices and working to address them, individuals can create a more equitable and respectful society for all men and women.
- Unconscious biases are often rooted in societal and cultural norms, making them difficult to comprehend and change.
- Internalized attitudes, microaggressions, and stereotypes can cause both unconscious misogyny and misandry.
- Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to promote gender equality and reduce harm.
Black women need to recognize their role in expanding the black family by understanding Sarah’s Scriptures, which serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt. Black women contribute support for black men to maintain masculinity and promote better health outcomes. In addition, God requires women to listen through submission to their husbands. Emphasizing the role of gender relations and traditional gender norms in shaping their perceptions between men and women is important in maintaining a successful marriage. Submission is a key factor in promoting black families and promoting healthier perceptions of the black man in the household.
Collaboration to Promote Healthier Future Outcomes
Although societal norms support the dissipation of power for the black man, it does not mean that black women should support those approaches even if they fail. Black men should not have to continue to feel inferior because traditions and cultural norms continue to demote them from advancing in society. Support for black men helps to sponsor the success of black continued development, including promoting healthier future outcomes for both black men and women.
If you would like to add intervention strategies or any additional concepts or ideas to this article, please email lawslifehealth@suddenchangescorporation.org with your requests.
Pray this prayer.
Father God, please allow me and the rest of the people in America to have discernment through your comprehension, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and perspectives so that no man and no spirit shall deceive me because I have the mind of Christ. Therefore, no weapon formed directly or indirectly against me shall prosper. Therefore, God, please reveal to me and the rest of America the next steps to support this country. Father God, your word says in 1 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Therefore, God, please give us and the rest of your children a double portion of your Holy Spirit, your love, mercy, and grace, and do not let no man, spirit, or circumstance deceive us. Please, God, keep our hearts and minds sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit so that we will be obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit without delay or procrastination in every situation and circumstance. Provide us with restoration and healing for everything that has been broken and shattered in life. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, it is sealed in your blood. Amen.
Remember, you can’t change what you don’t identify, and God will never change up on you; He is the same today and forever. He remembers everything, including all the plans He has for you.
Questions to Blogs Can be Discussed during @Laws, Life & Health: Let’s Talk About It!!! Podcast
Deanna Watson, CEO of Sudden Changes Corporation Chicago, IL
