The Attack on Black Masculinity: Defending Black Manhood As a Means of Restoring the Black Family
by Rick Wallace, Ph.D., Psy.D. | The Odyssey Project | Last updated August 10, 2023
A study of the history of military and political science reveals that in order to effectively subjugate a captured “people” and convert them into a conquered people, they must be disempowered through the emasculation of their male population.
I would argue that there has been no man in the history of this world that has come under greater attack, as far as his masculinity is concerned than the Black man. White supremacy has always understood that no matter how organized our women become, the Black race will only get as far as our Black men can lead us. Don’t get me wrong; it is our women that provide the elevation; however, it is our men that provide the distance and progression. The assault on Black masculinity has never been more vehement than it is currently, which is why I felt the need to update this article. The principles brought forth in the original article are timeless; however, the machinations and strategies being used have increased in number and intensity.
Why am I speaking of this? Because the assault against our men has left us without a clear sense of direction and purpose. The oppressive system that we are fighting against has gone to great lengths to minimize the effectiveness of Black men collectively. Through multitudinous educational processes, efforts have been made to criminalize, feminize, and even homosexualize the Black male image. Notice I did not simply say they were attacking the Black male, but that they were attacking the Black male image.
The Push to Feminize the Black Male Image
Since 1973, there has been a deliberate effort to homosexualize Black men. This campaign has run in direct correspondence with the gay agenda, but it is distinctive in motive and intent from the gay agenda. The gay agenda is a power movement. In fact, no group of people in the U.S. has gained more political and social power over the last 40 years than the LGTBQ community. On the other hand, The homosexualization of Black men is a movement of impotence — rendering a Black male image of weakness, femininity, and men suffering from an identity crisis. The idea is to interrupt the proper racial socialization of Black males and interpolate the hedonistic notion of being and doing whatever you want—subsequently abdicating our roles as protectors, providers, coverings, leaders, sources of identity for our progeny, and more.
My greatest concern is not for those who have succumbed to the machinations of the enemy, but I am concerned that many of our self-proclaimed leaders are more focused on political correctness than they are on taking a strong stand that may be diametrically opposed to that of public opinion. Far too often, I hear leaders make the claim that they don’t care about the sexual orientation of another person, but I must ask them how they cannot care when they know the negative impact it has on our people as a whole.
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The weakening of our male front subsequently leads to the weakening of our people collectively. Although I will not personally judge anyone, I will make a lucid and unapologetic stand against black homosexuality because I understand how it is being used to destroy our chances of rising from the pit of oppression. With this being said, I will love each and every one of my Black brothers and sisters regardless of sexual orientation. We must abandon this erroneous notion that to love someone; we must co-sign every choice and decision they make. The idea that to show you compassion I must abandon my conviction is absolutely gelastic.
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Every time one of our leaders addresses the gay issue, they lead with the disclaimer that they don’t care about the sexual preference or lifestyle of another. I don’t have the luxury of remaining neutral. I take a firm stand against homosexuality because I have seen what it has done to previous civilizations, and I am aware of the egregious force at which it is dismantling what is left of the Black family nucleus and the image of the Black man in particular. Speaking on my conviction is not a form of hatred, I have family members whom I will die for and friends who are openly gay. I can love them and not be in complete alignment with them. My stance is based on my belief that the Black race is least of all equipped to sacrifice its men to a lifestyle that allows them to abandon or ignore their inherent responsibility.
There is a reason that there are hardly any Black men in influential positions that represent true Black masculinity. Whether it is Hollywood or politics, the Black men that represent us are of lighter complexion, clean-shaven, and light-spoken or possess less bass in their voice. Even what most Blacks consider to be our greatest victory as a race of people, the Black man in the White House is a bi-racial man who was reared by his white mother while is Black father is absent. This diluted version of the Black man poses no true threat to the image of the white man or his coveted power.
I am not calling for the moral condemnation of anyone, but what I am calling for is for our leaders to take a stand against a specific issue that is literally wreaking havoc on our people. Simply take a look at where we were 40 years ago and where we are now, and examine the damage that has been done. This does not mean that you cannot have a personal love for those who have assumed this lifestyle; however, you, yourself, must take on a specific and clarified stance on the issue. “It doesn’t matter” is not taking a stand; it is the wiggle room created by popularity seekers. The middle of the road is the position of those who don’t want to get dirty by all of the gutter and curbside grit that will be tossed up during the battle.
The Use of Media To Paint Marred Image
Another way that Black men are being marginalized is through the pairing of Black leading ladies in Hollywood with non-Black male counterparts. While the message is subliminal, it is vivid in its expression. The promotion of bi-racial relationships supports the notion that a non-Black mate, especially a white male, is a better choice for Black women. This again serves to decrease the value of Black men in Black spaces. Furthermore, the celebration of seemingly successful Black men who choose to date and marry White women has to cease. We must also recognize how the media consistently parades that type of behavior in front of us all day, every day. The truth is that 89 percent of married Black men are married to Black women and carry on wholesome relationships. This is not the narrative they want to present, so you see very little of this in the media.
The Use of the Term Toxic Masculinity to Attack Authentic Masculinity
The term “toxic masculinity” is frequently wielded to characterize negative conduct in men, often singling out Black men unfairly. However, the reality is that the undesirable behaviors under scrutiny have no genuine connection to masculinity. In truth, toxicity stands in direct opposition to masculinity in both essence and consequence.
Genuine masculinity, the only authentic manifestation, compels a man to embrace roles of protection, support, provision, and leadership for those entrusted to his care across all facets of his existence. Anything that veers him away from this inherent benevolent nature is devoid of true masculinity; it embodies, instead, a counterforce that opposes and contradicts his very masculine essence.
It’s essential to recognize that attributing negative behaviors to masculinity not only misrepresents the concept but also undermines the fundamental qualities that define a man’s true strength and purpose. By acknowledging the intrinsic nature of authentic masculinity as a force for good and advancement, we can dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster a more accurate understanding of men’s roles and responsibilities in society. Let us strive for a world where men are empowered to uphold their genuine masculine traits and contribute positively to the well-being of all.
The Restoration of the Black Family Begins with Building Strong Black Men
The journey towards empowerment and unity within the Black community begins with safeguarding Black manhood and establishing a precise definition of Black masculinity. By doing so, we lay the foundation for the cultivation of resilient and empowered Black men – a crucial step towards revitalizing the core of the Black family unit.
Protecting Black manhood means acknowledging and cherishing the unique experiences, struggles, and strengths that Black men bring to the table. It’s about dismantling harmful stereotypes that have long plagued perceptions of Black masculinity and replacing them with a narrative that champions the virtues and contributions of Black men. This effort not only uplifts individual men but also paves the way for a more harmonious and productive community.
Defining Black masculinity with clarity is equally important. It’s about recognizing that strength can be shown through vulnerability, leadership through compassion, and power through collaboration. Well-defined Black masculinity empowers Black men to embrace their roles as fathers, sons, partners, and community leaders with authenticity and pride. It creates a blueprint for a positive and holistic expression of manhood that can inspire generations to come.
As we embark on this journey of redefinition and restoration, we breathe life into the Black family nucleus. By nurturing strong and empowered Black men, we create a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community. The Black family, which has historically been under pressure, finds new vitality as we redefine roles, uplift voices, and amplify the positive impact of Black men. This restoration begins not only within households but extends to schools, workplaces, and every corner of society where Black men contribute.
In embracing this mission, we embark on a path of healing, growth, and progress. By protecting and defining Black manhood, we set the stage for a brighter future where Black families flourish, communities thrive, and the legacy of strength and unity endures.
We need leaders who are willing to take a stern stance on the matter and be willing to absorb the negative fallout that is associated with it. I, for one, have no intention of backing down. And for those who are intent on misinterpreting my message as hate speech, I consider you to reread the message. Abandoning my conviction is not a requisite for my love and compassion. I will not be bullied. ~ Rick Wallace, Ph.D., Psy.D.
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Additional Reading
Claiming My Name: Embracing Identity and Fulfilling Purpose as a Black Male
I can definitely agree sith what your article says. I too have NO personal issue with gay black men, but I too refuse to let that be the image that represents our men collectively.
My grandson is actually going through an incident as we speak. A threat was called in to the school he attends , after school hours . The following day the principal heard the voice mail and decided it was my grandson. She never notified me , but she did notify the fire Marshall ( whom also did not notify me ) . They proceeded to play good cop bad cop with my 10yr old until they coerced a tearful confession . He was completely cleared the same day . But it has left him broken . I have a petition on causes.com to have the principal removed . I don’t feel she has the children’s interest at heart , especially not mine .
I am a straight black man and this notion that black men are made weak by potrayals of gayness within the black population is absolutely and utterly stupid. What the fuck is he talking about. Reality does give a flying f*#k what you feel or think or wish. Homosexuality is in nature and is in all races. What are you so afraid of? Look at the black men that have succeeded!King?Mandela?
To atangpasky@gmail.com, I very rarely come back to my articles to respond to comments. Dr. John Henrik Clarke once said, I only debate my equals, all others I teach. Adopting that philosophy has reduced my stress levels exponentially. Your response to my article reflects severa things.
1. You did not read it in its proper context. This was not a diatribe about homosexuality, and the funny things is that the gay people that I work with got it immediately, and they agree with me. They understood that I was addressing black masculinity not sexual preference. What people need to understand is that there is a difference in gender confusion and homosexuality. Homosexuality indicates that a person is sexually attracted to people of the same sex. When a man says he is gay, but is mated with a man that has all the characteristics of a woman, that is not homosexuality — it is a different issue all=together. My article is about the designed attack against black masculinity.
2. You have done no research on the topic, and your response is one founded upon emotion and ignorance (the lack of knowledge) on the subject. There is a wealth of pragmatic and empirical evidence that, not only is there an explicit machination designed to emasculate the black male image, but that it has been the goal of the goverment and the powers that be fore decades. The sad thing is that the fact that blacks don’t read and research, they tend to see all media mechanisms, TV, Radio, music and movies as entertainment instead of the tools of propaganda warfare that they are. I would suggest reading Brainwashed by Tom Burrell, one of the most respected marketing executives over the last 50 years — a black man. To give you an idea of how well he is respected, the firm he founded was recently hired by Hillary Clinton to handle the PR for her campaign. You should also read Propaganda by Edward Berneys. You may want to ask your question: If this is only entertainment, and it has not impact on reality, why do companies spend millions for a 30 second commerical spot on the Super Bowl? Imagery is immensely powerful in conditioning the subconscious. For good measure, you should also read Black Skin, White Mask by Frantz Fanon.
3. As long as Dr. King, Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama are the anomally, we have made no progress. We have only fallen for the illusion of progression. I simple study of all the key area of human existence in the black community would reveal that we are worse off now than we were 50 years ago, and the respect for black men is at an all time low — not to mention that black masculinity has been distorted and it has left many confused as to what real manhood is. I could go on for days laying this out.
It is important that we learn to stop responding to things from the platform of emotion, and start to conduct research and analyze what we are reading and seeing. We are at war, and most of blacks don’t realize it, because they believe the lie that has been presented to them that one of the greatest weapons being used against them is nothing more than entertainment.
Dr. Wallace, as a black man with a black wife I find this article timely even though it’s now over five years old. I was recently having a spirited discussion with my wife over this very subject. There is a concerted effort to erase not just black men. There are so few examples of black masculinity being shown in today’s world. That goes for movies, television shows, television commercials, print media and advertisements, etc. It seems that the only way that black men can be shown is to either be asexual or homosexual. I have no problem with gay men (or women), but why are black men depicted in this manner so often, especially when compared to relatively low number of gay white male characters?
For instance, Marvel has been taken to task by progressives for their lack of gay representation in their movies. Their answer? The first openly gay character in the upcoming Eternals movie will be Phastos and naturally he will be played by a black male actor. There are numerous other examples, but that was the first one off the top off of my head.
I think you missed the other part of the equation (though you have probably covered it in articles since this one was written). While there has been a proliferation of black male homosexuality in popular media, there has also been a corresponding uptick in the portrayals of black women with white men. Honestly, I don’t see how the two issues cannot be discussed hand in hand as they are two sides of the same coin.
Evan, you are so correct. I have taken note of the introduction of Black women with non-Black men, especially White men. This is not a by accident and should not be dismissed as coincidental.