Self-Silencing as Protection: How the “Angry Black Woman” Stereotype Influences How Black Graduate Women Respond to Gendered-Racial Microaggressions

ABSTRACT

This study examines how Black graduate women respond to gendered-racial microaggressions at a historically White institution. Using Critical Race Theory and Critical Race Feminism, this study also explores the social and psychological factors that contribute to their responses. Data suggest that participants’ responses are influenced by stereotype threat and a fear of perpetuating the “angry Black woman” stereotype. Findings show that this fear caused participants to self-silence as a form of protection. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are provided.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

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Notes on contributors

Angel M. Jones

Angel M. Jones is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. Her research explores the impact of racism on the mental health of Black students and faculty with a focus on racial microaggressions and racial battle fatigue.