This is good piece and, I agree that it’s better to identify SELF as the woman you are; not the woman a man puts on you based on your physical attributes. I’ve seen and spoke with many black women at my job on this issue and I would also add that “personality” is key, as a lot of people assume things based on what they see (specifically men); notwithstanding the fact that I’m a Black Man however, the real beauty of the Black Woman is on the inside and the skin tones, hair, nails, feet, clothes, jewelry, and other stuff just enhances that beauty.

In no way am I patronizing the Black Woman; I just think a lot of Black Men need to stop thinking with their D$#@S and wake up, educate themselves, and apply what they learn to/about the black woman and her beauty (MINUS THE TITLES); because, a person thinks, feels, acts/reacts to their environments and other people based on how they treat SELF FIRST. GOD’s word says it best: “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself”.

TOO MUCH DRAMATIZED MEDIA SENSATIONALISM THAT GIVES THE WRONG IMAGE OF ALL RACES OF WOMEN!!! Thus, a lot of men (ALL races); tend to look at women as “Hoe”, “dime”, “arm candy/eye candy”, etc. etc. etc. However, having learned the hard way; my view is now with another set of glasses although, I like the anatomy of the Black woman; that doesn’t make her who she is as a woman. I say that because I have a mother, aunts, and sisters whom I try to look at first and sometimes, I try to think of their recations to some of the lame phrases that come out a mans’ mouth: (hey baby; what’s poppin’ ma; damn you hot; yo shorty; and on, and on, and on). . . .

Yes, I’ve said some of these and other things too yet, these lame phrases are old news to me now and, a woman’s scorn is worst than taking a bullet.

How about a pleasant smile, a hello/good morning, holding the door for a lady, carrying her books to class for her, simple conversation, helping her with her car problems/groceries, (listening to her vent; non-judgemental listening—not giving her answers), etc. etc. etc. etc.

The list is long but distinguished.

“With age; comes wisdom—-With wisdom; comes age”. . . . .

Thanks.

James.