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We’re All Fighting a Stereotype
Are You Wearing a Mask?
I recently became interested in Law Roach, the famous Image Architect who has styled stars such as Rihanna and Zendaya.
I watched Law Roach’s interview on The Sherri Show, and he discussed putting on a “diva” persona because he didn’t want to be invited to people’s parties. He wanted to be taken seriously for his work.
For those who have watched seasons of reality shows that star women, such as the Real Housewives of Atlanta, the gay, fashionable male sidekick is usually seen as the person who styles the ladies’ hair or helps put on extravagant events. Their wit, flamboyant persona, and sassy personalities make them the “life of the party” type of people.
That stereotype is what it seems Law was trying to avoid as he set the boundaries on how people perceived him and respected his work.
Similarly, Black professionals in office environments work to fight stereotypes, as well. Sometimes, we are labeled as not being personable and too quiet; so, we play up our personalities with phony smiles and forced laughs in conversations that naturally don’t appeal to us.
I just find it interesting that on both ends of the spectrum — from concealing to revealing in Hollywood circles and everyday workplaces — we all seem to wear masks to…
