By Demetrius Dillard, Northend Agent’s
Black masculinity is a concept that, over the years, has morphed into a point of controversy and contention among scholars, entertainers and other influential figures, especially in Western society.
Particularly in the 21st-century, masculinity is an ever-changing, fluid notion that has nearly reached the point of ambiguity, considering the advent of contemporary movements, ideologies and practices.
Black masculinity is not necessarily under attack, but seems to be heavily scrutinized. And depending on how said Black masculinity is expressed and applied, some even deem it to be “toxic.”
As the headline of the article suggests, Black masculinity is disparaged to a large extent, it is indeed useful nonetheless – meaning that it is profitable for the advancement of the Black nuclear family, institutions and structures. These essential components are foundational to the success of any civilization.
The pushback against traditional notions of Black masculinity and manhood is understandable; but that shouldn’t make it null and void, or outdated, or useless.
Widely considered to be a complex idea, Black masculinity sums up the experiences, identities, and expressions of Black men across various cultural, social and historical contexts, according to The Oxford Review. It represents a variety of traits, beliefs, and behaviors that defy monolithic stereotypes, reflecting the diverse realities of Black male experiences, Oxford researchers say.
Scholars Waldo Johnson and Jonah Norwitt have extensively researched masculine identity as it relates to Black males. While defining masculinity in general, they also seem to identify Black masculinity as a social construct.
“Masculinity, also referenced as manhood, is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with boys and men, though it is distinct from the definition of the male biological sex, as both males and females can exhibit masculine traits. Masculine traits in Western society include strength, courage, independence, leadership, and assertiveness,” says an introduction to one of their scholarly works.
“Masculinity is closely associated with male roles, of which traditional or hegemonic masculinity is grouped in White culture. African American masculinity is also implicated because aspects of African American masculinity, such as sexism and homophobia, are central components of hegemonic masculinity.”
Johnson’s and Norwitt’s construction of Black masculinity as a spinoff of White, oppressive hegemonic supremacy is a contradiction of documented history. Interestingly, there are numerous Black feminist scholars, bloggers and commentators who share similar sentiments – some of whom hold the assertion that the emasculation of Black men is fictitious or a “myth.”
Doechii, whose real name is Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, is an award-winning hip-hop and R&B artist. Several months ago, she joined DJ Miss Milan and the “First We Feast” pop culture platform for a conversation about dating.
When answering what her “biggest dating red flag” was, her response set the internet ablaze: “A Straight Man,” Doechii responded, seen as a deliberate, utter insult to heterosexual men.
“Strike one, you’re a man. And you’re heterosexual,” she continued, as DJ Miss Milan snickered along with her.
As expected, Doechii’s unsavory sentiments garnered a flood of criticism from Black men in particular. And while the occurrence struck a viral chord for all the wrong reasons, it reflects a more troubling issue facing masculine, straight Black men who hold traditional beliefs.
The very group of men who are expected to protect Black women, lead, provide and be the backbone of the family – are the ones Doechii antagonized. This is problematic, and the subsequent vitriol she received was warranted.
As aforesaid, the fallacious claim that accepted notions of Black masculinity are derived from White patriarchal manhood. How is this true when the system of White supremacy, from the days of slavery, set about to strip Black enslaved men of their humanity, dignity and manhood.
Black men were sodomized (a practice known as “buck breaking”); they were sodomized; they were castrated; they were forcefully separated from their families.
“Perhaps one of slave owners’ more innovatively cruel strategies concerned the ways they sought to completely emasculate enslaved boys and men—by denying them the right to wear pants. By forcing young African American boys and men to wear dress-like shirts, the owners of flesh attempted to feminize and humiliate enslaved males on a daily basis,” says an article by historian Keri Leigh Merritt published by the African American Intellectual Historical Society.
“According to scores of interviews with the formerly enslaved, denying black boys and young men the right to wear pants was a relatively widespread practice throughout the Deep South.”
Taking Merritt’s research into consideration, is it a coincidence to see Black male entertainers cross dress, and don wigs and make-up? Or is it just “harmless comedy?”
“By feminizing African American males, slave owners likely reassured themselves that they were the most masculine men on the plantation,” Merritt continued.
In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge one of the most outspoken advocates of Black masculinity: Dr. T. Hasan Johnson.
An unabashed Black masculinist, Johnson is an associate professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Fresno. He also founded The Institute for Black Male Studies, where he is the lead scholar.
Johnson regularly delivers commentary, written and spoken, on masculinity, misandry, feminism and other controversial issues facing Black America.
A blog he wrote in 2024 entitled “Misandrist Feminism Is An Unchecked Nationalism” implies that a certain feminist ideology – or position rooted in an ill-reputed form of feminism – has spread without any substantial criticism or push back.
“Extreme nationalisms are usually barred from mainstream media. Even white nationalism in its direct form is considered distasteful by a mostly white-run media system. The one extreme form of ‘nationalism’ that’s not only acceptable to mainstream media but is also considered ‘just’ and necessary is a sort of ‘feminist nationalism’,” Johnson wrote.
“Feminist nationalism is clearly not meant to depend on a specific nation-state, but one that subtly implies a fantastical notion that a society without men would be a Shangri-la. A tenaciously consistent (and nigh religious) idea that purports female superiority across contexts while presenting male inferiority as a default given. This virus has spread across race and implanted itself in many people’s worldviews.”
The abovesaid viewpoints are simply observations, though they could be perceived as misogynist expressions.
Of course, there are some who take manhood to the farthest extreme, which is why morally sound direction and guidance is needed (for boys especially). Regardless of the emerging schools of thought that seek to redefine manhood, traditional Black masculinity is especially needful today and will never go obsolete.
