Do Morehouse Men Love Black Women?
The Question Everyone Wants To Know
A few days ago, red and black paint was sprayed across an open alley on the Morehouse College, a Historically Black College, that cautioned the question “Do Morehouse Men Love Black Women?” Some students were startled by the question and didn’t have words while others were adamant with a “hell yes” as Morehouse is an institution known for high educational standards and even higher social ones. Although this shouldn’t be, truth be told, it just may depend on the kind of black women you’re talking about.
As an all-male school, Morehouse College view of the world and women in it is increased as being a gentleman is intertwined with their DNA from the first day of orientation. Throughout freshman year, there is a brainwashing that takes place as men of Morehouse understand loving black women isn’t based on chivalry, but opportunity. Yes, some take pride in this, yet others not so much as this view doesn’t necessarily hold their complete interest of standard for certain women.
“I’ve met some men of Morehouse that genuinely love black women,” Spelman student, Crystal Banks said. “Whereas others treat them as objects, fetishize them, and degrade them.”
Banks’ idea is central to the possibility that many men of Morehouse are biased in regards to black women as some were raised by single mothers so a black woman is all they know. There was never a sight of a father figure around, therefore their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other strong black women in their family is all they know. They were taught how to love and appreciate the black woman as their guardians so degrading them would never happen.
Some Morehouse Men learn from their mothers in regards of treating other black women. They look at their future wives and expect some part of their mother to be in their wife. Rather it be the similar personality, beauty, or throwing down in the kitchen, it is always apart that comes with that appreciation of other black women.
These men understand appreciation is not limited to pulling out chairs, opening doors, or the other chivalry deeds that are showcased daily. It is the opportunity and equality of knowing that women have just as many rights that you have and should be treated with dignity and respect because of them.
Although, this could be for up for debate as well. In a household with a father, most hold women to the highest standard of women since patriarchy play a role in this most times. The woman is to be delicate so the thought of hitting a woman, unless seen, along with other terrible actions are usually absent from the mind. When a young man is around women often, he began to treat them as other men so abuse could come into place as fighting them is no different than fighting another man.
Therefore, this could be the reason why some Men of Morehouse don’t love black women in the way they should. Nothing with them is internally related, but it is usually about biology and external attraction. During 2015, a Morehouse Student posted a “Hoe Contract” on social media that stirred up Atlanta University Center students and other people across the city.
When we think about dehumanizing, degrading, and other forms of abuse, the clarity of some Morehouse Men love for black women is obsolete. The conversation of rape, cheating, scheming, and misogynistic views all shape this horrible reality, though this could be for women in general rather than black women only. Spelman Student, Courtney Marshall further explains:
“As a Spelman woman, I have yet to see the fetishization of women of any ethnicity as an issue,” Marshall said. “However, as it pertains to assault and abuse, I don’t think that it’s a race issue. I think it’s a psychological thing. For example, if a Morehouse student that is also a rapist was around a white girl, he probably would rape her too. I do think the language and attitude about abuse needs to change; for example, we as people in general need to stop blaming women when they get assaulted. But I can also say that that’s a construct that will take time to be broken down, since it’s been socially acceptable to think that way for so long. With that thought, I think some of you love black women, in the sense that you all are willing to protect and stand for us. And some of you don’t.”
The only accurate answer comes from Banks and Marshall, some Morehouse Men love black women and some don’t. However, all should love black women and everyone else that is contacted with them. It is the Morehouse thing to do.
Demarcus Fields is currently a senior at Morehouse College. He majors in English and minors in Journalism.
