The Crisis Killing Black Women: Misogynoir and Suicide

Suicide deaths among Black women and girls are on the rise. However, there is little research exploring why. This article by journalist Kali Holloway explores the relationship between suicide and the intersection of anti-Black racism and misogyny, known as misogynoir.

Many psychosocial factors affect the mental health of Black women and girls and contribute to their suicidality. Black women often face racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. These can intersect to cause what Black feminist scholar Moya Bailey termed misogynoir. Misogynoir contributes to the development of tropes such as the strong black woman, the welfare queen, and the jezebel. These stereotypes harm Black women and they shame Black women.

Misogynoir can also manifest as harassment and violence.

In discussing misogynoir, Holloway focuses on the experiences of two celebrities: Megan Pete, who is known by her rap name Megan Thee Stallion, and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. Pete faced misogynoir after she was shot in the foot by singer and rapper Tory Lanez. Meghan Markle faced misogynoir after she married into the British royal family. Both Pete and Markle faced criticism and harassment that targeted both their gender and race. These experiences contributed to them contemplating suicide.

Holloway argues that we need to take the rise in suicide rates for Black women and girls seriously. One way we can do this is by recognizing how misogynoir shapes Black women’s lived experiences and mental health.

Of course, there are highly personal reasons for every life that is lost to suicide. But, as long as the psychology and mental health fields continue to ignore the intersecting harms of anti-Black racism and gender, and the damage they cause—including the way they can make life seem unworthy of living for an increasing number of Black women and girls—they will fail to create culturally competent interventions that adequately serve Black women and girls’ mental health.

Read the full article

SOURCE: The Nation • AUTHOR: Kali Holloway • LAST UPDATED: February 3, 2023

People at a Black Lives Matter march. A woman holds a sign that reads: "The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman. - Malcolm X."

"Protect Black Women" by Fibonacci Blue/Flickr CC BY 2.0