With the official news of Trump’s presidential win, the air thickened with a sense of impending battles—both on social media and in our minds. The political discussion, already filled with tension, took a more personal turn. As the country stood on the brink of another crucial election, the stakes were even higher with Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate. Harris, a Black woman and a woman of South Asian descent, had undoubtedly become the focal point of intense scrutiny.
This long-standing tactic aimed to undermine opponents was amplified by modern media channels, intensifying its impact on public perception and individual mental health. Such tactics were directed at Harris, amplifying the character assassination she faced. The portrayal of Harris—and, by extension, all Black women—was filtered through lenses of racism, sexism, and xenophobia.
For Black women, the 2024 election season presented a unique challenge. The narratives and media portrayals did not merely focus on policy issues but delved deeply into the personal. The portrayal of Harris—and, by extension, all Black women—was filtered through lenses of racism, sexism, and xenophobia. The implications of these portrayals went beyond politics; they seeped into the way Black women were viewed and treated in everyday life.
Therefore, Black women had to exercise vigilance in their content from campaigning, to voting to now. The constant exposure to negative and often biased portrayals affected mental and emotional well-being. The impact of media portrayals on the mental health of Black women is still profound. As Mary Curtis discussed in her article, “It’s Time to Cover Black Women as the Norm and Not the ‘Other’” (2020), the challenges of biased and harmful narratives underscored the need for careful media consumption and self-care to counteract these negative effects.
With this major let down of an outcome, how do we guard our minds in such a charged atmosphere? The first step is to curate our media consumption intentionally. We sought out diverse perspectives that prioritize facts and thoughtful analysis over sensationalism. We follow platforms that uplifted and empower Black women rather than tearing them down. It’s also crucial to engage in self-care practices that help mitigate the stress and anxiety that comes from consuming toxic content. This might include taking breaks from social media, engaging in community support networks, and prioritizing mental health.
Moreover, Black women must be mindful of how they engage with political discourse. While staying informed is essential, it’s equally important to recognize when the content becomes harmful. Discussions focusing on solutions and positive change, rather than merely reacting to negativity, helps to maintain a sense of agency and control.
Today, lets remember that the narratives we consume could shape our perception of ourselves and our community. By being deliberate about what we allowed into our minds, we could protect our mental health and maintain a clear, focused perspective amidst the chaos. It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to be disappointed. It’s okay to cry. In the end, we chose to guard our minds, uplift our voices, and stand strong against the onslaught of negativity that may come. In doing so, we protect ourselves and contribute to a healthier, more informed discourse that honored the complexity and dignity of Black women.
About the Author: Thursday Currence is a writer based in Atlanta, GA, with a passion for exploring culture and highlighting the importance of mental health and emotional well-being within the Black community. Through her work, she sheds light on the impact of long-standing struggles and offers insights on navigating them.