I was stopped at a light while headed to work the other day when three high school-aged Black girls stood at the light waiting to cross. I was a few cars back, but noticed that the girls were talking loud. This loudness was very familiar to me, as it was similar to what I experienced visiting the local high school last year. It is also the same decibel level I witness with young ‘urban’ Black girls on BART trains. It is nothing like what I experience with my own daughter. As a note, Black boys can also be loud as well, but I have found that boys/men of all colors/ages tend to regulate themselves based upon the threat their behavior might bring from nearby males. This seems not to be the case with Black females.As a point of clarification, it is not lost on me that many ethnicities are louder than run-of-the-mill White or Asian folks. I have come to believe this is due to a polychronic communication dynamic that has group members competing simultaneously, via loudness, with each other for conversational air time. But I suspected that this Black girl/Black women loudness thing was somehow a bit more. It felt like these young ladies were purposefully raising the volume because of their surroundings.
Well I was right, and there is quite a bit of literature on the subject (here), much of it by Black social scientists. It seems that loudness is a mechanism of defense, as well as aggression, and just plain making sure that people do not take you for granted. Unfortunately the loudness comes with consequences as well, like the label of intimidating and unattractive.
I confirmed these assertions with a Black female co-worker, who described Black girl loudness as a way of putting everyone within hearing distance on notice that the speaker is not to be ‘messed with’. I am interested if her assessment fits with the perceptions of other Black women, and men as well.
James C. Collier
READ MOST RECENT POSTS AT ACTING WHITE...
Technorati Tags: #14 Why Are Black Girls So Loud?, Sex, Dating, Tyler Perry, Acting Black, Acting White
I happen to find it amusing and I love it AT TIMES..In a way it gives them a certain flavor...especially when everyone around them knows the topic is DAMN GOOD! Look, some times it makes them seem ghetto to others..thats the most common misconception I can think and know of. Whenever they are loud, people say...OH THEY ARE SO GHETTO or CLASSLESS...or DAMN THEY SETTIN THE NEGROES BACK...but I do not feel that way.
ReplyDeleteIt is something that in a lot of ways is very unique to black women and makes them...THEM! No matter what environment or social status a black woman has had, I notice that when they get together..ITS ON! PUT IN UR EAR PLUGS OR GET READY TO BE ENTERTAINED! lol
THERE IS A LOT OF LOVE THERE IN MY OPINION WHICH MAKES THEM LOUDER AND LOUDER BECAUSE THEY GET SO EXCITED TO BE WITH EACH OTHER!
What was the point of this? You seem to just throw out things you notice about black people. No conclusion, no insight, lackluster writing, half thought out theories, and a dash of hate. All kids are loud. I kinda sorta see where you are going with this but not really because of your half baked ideas. So you come off as a Tom. Nah, I take that back I'm pretty sure you are a Tom now. This/you is a joke.
ReplyDeleteYou never actually answered the question. The majority of the post was about some personal experience that you had which I'm sure was exaggerated by your hate for black people (yes I see it). And then you link us to some crummy PDF as your evidence. And had the nerve to actually say "Well, I was right". LOL. I could go on but I'm tired now.
And before anybody says "then don't read if you don't like it". I have already made that decision. But you know how us neck rolling, finger snapping, loud, have to get the last word black women are, right? We always have something to say.
You dont even see the irony. Do you. You DID have the last word. HAHA Point in case. Thx for making the point stand clear.
DeleteMs. Negro, while you were so busy deriding me in stereotyped fashion, you missed the point. It was about defensiveness. That crummy pdf is well written with many good references. Sorry if the subject hits a little close to home.
ReplyDelete"Why are Black girls so loud?" As a Black man living in London, England, this is a question I ask myself every time I board the bus on my way home from work.
ReplyDeleteI have an answer, btw, but I wanna keep it to myself. Black male insights into Black female behaviour are NOT welcome...so I'll just keep it moving.
Menelik Charles
London England
They get loud for the same reason an infant gets loud, to get attention.
ReplyDelete"LOOK AT ME I AM ONE LOUD OBNOXIOUS BLACK WOMEN SO STAY OUT OF MY WAY AND TALK TO DA HAND!"
Same thing with the thugs with their BOOM-BOOM-BOOM stereos going down the road.
To get attention.
Then again maybe they are loud too because they can't HEAR from being in the thugs LOUD cars.
So how many hearing aids will Obama care have to buy when these people get older?
So true you're either loud or half dressed lol
DeleteHumanly speaking, what is wrong with a need to be attended to? The need doesn't go away after birth
DeleteI won't comment on the subject. However, I WILL say that it might be a good idea to disable anonymous comments. That is another reason I usually don't read your comment section. There is almost always some anonymous coward saying something racist.
ReplyDeleteRacist? It isn't about being black.
ReplyDeleteIt's about actions. These people act that way and those are some of the reasons why. Being black has nothing to do with it but identifiable black culture does.
The truth hurts doesn't it.
Cite some evidence none of that is true.
Same thing is true about many cell phone users. It isn't about needing a cell phone as much as it is about everyone seeing you talking on it because that's the "in" thing these days.
How many times do we hear, "hey, what are you doing?"
Where's the need in that statement?
And how much money is thrown away on cell phone plans by these people when they could get a cheap prepaid plan?
What idiocy.
Yeah plenty of white folks doing the same idiotic things too including being loud but black women can do it sooooooo well.
Two things: 1) You mention that you notice this behavior on BART trains, presumably in an urban centre. I've noticed that "city people" are, on a whole, 'louder' than their suburban counterparts. Age is also a factor -- you mention that the girls are school-aged. Immature people often engage in socially frowned-upon behavior, but it doesn't mean that All Kids are Bad, nor that All Black females are loud.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there may be a class element in there as well -- "loud" seems to be a lower-class signifier at times, too.
2) I'm black and female, and Southern. I am *not* loud -- and neither are any of my black female friends. I think we get excited when we see each other, but so do groups of women of any race. Excited, high-pitched laughter and/or talking by Native, white, Hispanic and Asian women can be found at any bar or restaurant or hen night around the world. I think that for us, though, we are quite studious to keep our volume levels down much in the same way we try not to show anger or displeasure -- even when it is warranted -- in public: We don't want to confirm the negative stereotypes of black women.
If I may add: I've noticed that white guys get particularly obnoxious in groups,with the noise and rudeness levels proportionate to their numbers -- and exponentially so if alcohol is involved.
However, I do not think all white men are rude and obnoxious; though I do make it a point to avoid large numbers of fratboy types and football game/sports-bar kinds of activities where such behavior is likely to occur.
Gina, I accept (and spoke to) the non-unique reasons Black girls are loud, except for the situation personified by the character played by Tasha Smith, in Tyler Perry's "WDIGM". FTR, I did not say all Black girls/women are loud. I am specifically interested in loudness as a defensive posture.
ReplyDeleteA defensive author and hateful commnents from readers...including the "unfortunately non aborted spawns" comment....Not sure how this blog is benefiting anyone but the author who will use it to publish a book purchased by those who share the same biased thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think it's just a matter of upbringing. Unfortunately, a lot of parents are lax and just don't know how to instill good manners into their children. They might just convey the idea that respect sums up to greeting and expressing gratitude. However, there is a whole range of social behaviours and attitudes who must be taught to children. There are also a lot of people who confuse assertiveness with having little care for people's feelings or reactions. I can see why some would call that a defence mechanism. However, it's just plain rudeness to me and I have no problem calling it the way it is.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteA defensive author and hateful commnents from readers...including the "unfortunately non aborted spawns" comment....
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Lol :)
Why are you calling the author defensive ? He's simply arguing his case and you and some other people aren't.
As for my comment : I feel it's completely appropriate to feel hate towards some people whom i consider social refuse. Since you probably need it spelled out : social refuse = among others, violent criminals whose moms cry on tv about what great kids and good boys they are.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
ReplyDelete"I feel it's completely appropriate to feel hate towards some people whom i consider social refuse."
I would hope this hate is spread equally across, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines.
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Oh really ? I'm not saying that my antipathy and hate is directed exclusively at the aforementioned groups, but i have to say that i don't believe for 1min that i have to spread my hate "equally".
You sound like someone on the left. Don't you hate the wallstreeters much much more than the underclass criminals? You have your own reasons, right ? Then i have my own reasons to focus my hate.
Professor Collier
ReplyDeleteIt all goes back to the antebullem culture of slavery, and ANON comment about a lack of love, respect and worth! So the volume comes from their Whoville mentality...We Are Here, We Are Here! Remember the Dr Sesus Fable!
Its all attempt to be recognized, because of society treating them as an invisible stigma!
I found what "Good Morning Bluez" said interesting. I was going to say I can't stand their loud, screechy, obnoxious bratty behavior, that I consider it a poor reflection on the parent (without the "s" usually) but from what GMB said, I realized that it can be a pleasantly unique characteristic of young black girls, all talking at the same time over each other excitedly and laughing, wisecracking, on the bus and there are times when I do like it and have a chuckle at the subject matter and their antics. I guess it isn't all "loud" behavior that I feel is annoying but moreso the "quality" of the loud behavior, if that makes any sense. I kind of like loud people, and loud, excited conversation by black girls (or any kids, or even adults) can be joyous, depending on what they are animatedly discussing. But unfortunately, for the most part, it is either mean, threatening, foul or attention-seeking and has a hollowness to it. And they usually leave all their trash and food-droppings on the seats and floor of the bus. Kind of sad, really.
ReplyDeleteJael
Thank You Jael!! It is a very complex at times but unique characteristic so there is no way to fully call it. they are just the way they are at times...you must listen each time to really understand whats going on. I wish more people would just pay attention..even if you are annoyed to find out what at least is going on before labeling it as GHETTO or trashy...
ReplyDeleteTHIS BRINGS ON ANOTHER TOPIC! I HOPE MR COLLIER BLOGS ABOUT THIS..
WHEN FOLKS LABEL ANYTHING BLACKS DO AS GHETTO OR LOW CLASS! UGH!! I HATE THAT...seems like time someone finds out something is black owned or black sponsored, they are already talking about they better not start on CP time and they know its just going to be uber ghetto! I hate that! try to do something positive, and folk still dont want to be apart of it!
Sorry about my language and punctuation...I am a lot more well spoken..but very informal when typing my opinions...
thank you again,
DELLA aka GOOD MORNING BLUEZ
Maybe they are not trying to be attractive, and why should they be attractive towards you?
ReplyDeleteYes most young people are loud not only black youngsters, maybe your area is different from mine and others. But they are just young and enjoying their conversation. People should mind their own business and let others be free.
Tasha B, I agree that volume has its place, but I think you are missing the point - the loudness of these girls is too often intrusive on those around them.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Collier
ReplyDeleteAdd Nicey Nash to the list, why do i have to turn down volume on my tellie, everytime this sista opens her mouth!
I agree with the comments about loud, young white men. Can be VERY obnoxious.
ReplyDeleteAlso, many young people of various ethnic backgrounds call attention to themselves by using high decibel levels and attention getting behavior. "OH MY GOD! HE DRUNK DIALED ME AT MIDNIGHT! HAHAHAHA!' or, 'AMBER'S GOT AN STD! EVERYONE IN SCHOOL KNOWS ABOUT IT!'
The young people in question are, in effect, saying: 'Look at us. We are young and attractive. You are less attractive, so you will sit quietly while we monopolize this social setting.' Attractive behavior? Not really.
In my experience, it's not so much based on skin color or ethnicity... people who live in bigger cities generally tend to be cockier, louder, and ,ore obnoxious.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered this. I am a very soft spoken person, and so are my mother and sister, but father is louder ( he is also from NYC). Oddly enough I've rarely heard a woman with a quieter voice than my own. I actually have trouble being heard in loud places...
ReplyDeleteI find loud voices to be distracting and uncouth- perhaps there is also a class distinction? Whenever someone is inordinately loud I feel defensive and slightly anxious.
Well, I just wanted to prove that not all Blacks are loud. Perhaps it is a social adjustment made for those who grow up in large families (where it's a struggle to be heard), and obviously vocal pitch is genetic.
I have to comment on the part where you mentioned that it tends to be black women and not usually men. I have to disagree. In every black neighborhood I've been to (which has been quite a bit)the black men are just as loud, rude and arrogant. "Yo, what it do?" "Get the F away from my car, n****!" & arguing are some of the things I've heard from black men specifically. Numerous times, might I add. As for the rest of your artical, I agree. Black women can be loud and in your face.
ReplyDeleteLike one time when I was pushing my son's stroller across the parking lot, this black women swears I 'eyeballed' her wrong. She cursed me out in front of my kid and said, "You shouldn't have your d*** baby in the street!" I've had similar run-ins with black women. Most tend to be loud and rude. I try to steer clear of black people when possible. Too many bad apples make the whole bunch look bad.
I personally don't have any problem with black people.but its natural for people to notice the others's behavior.what I have noticed about black people particularly black women,they really are kind of rude and loud.If not all,at least majority of them are loud and rude.
ReplyDeleteyou will find out most of the white,asian middle eastern,south asian girls quite at library,but black girls will always make noise,talk loudly on phone.even,If you indirectly show a hint which means that you are offended.they will not care about that and continue with their stuff.
3 black ladies live in the house I am living in,and 7 white people.you can clearly undestand who came inside just by the way they close the door.black women push the door that the 2nd neighbor can hear the noise.loud music,loudly speaking,yelling,irritating laughter.these all are what they are known for.
I hope black people,specially women try to change their behavior,sometimes it becomes really difficult to bear them.
@Good Morning Bluez
ReplyDeleteYou are severely delusional. There is no excuse for the volume and half assed broken english most talk with when in that setting. It's not about love it's about the need for being heard. You can deny it all you want. Everybody who encounters this ridiculous behavior knows it to be true. Hopefully word gets out that it doesn't make them attractive, intimidating, classy. Quite the opposite actually.
PS. For more on this, read the abridged version of "Race Behavior and Evolution" by Rushton which explains the different studies, the traits they documented, and the evolutionary reasons for the differences.
ReplyDeleteOk, so I'm a black female. I grew up in a middle class family and hung out with upper/upper middle class friends. Since then (about 10 years ago; in high school), I've had quite a variety of experiences involving very poor (economically) people. I have noticed the loud talking that tends to occur with black women who have lived a disadvantaged life. However, this is not something exclusive to black women. It really sucks that all black women have to take the rap for a few black women. It makes me wonder if you notice the black women who fit this stereotype. I know that being loud is not socially acceptable and that you must further yourself to change the overall impression of your race/gender. But, most of the time these women are not taught these things about the society we live in. Instead, they feel by being loud, they can be seen as a whole human. Society does not view them as "whole". And another thing, the black women that do talk loudly and seem rude, they're speaking with passion and sincerity. No blinders, no fakeness.
ReplyDeleteOverall, to me, loud talking isn't a big deal. I wish I were that expressive. People ask me all the time why I always look so "sad". It's because I don't want to perpetuate the loud black woman stereotype. I don't understand why people can't just be themselves without being judged. It's only because black people are at the bottom of the totem pole and people feel more comfortable blaming us for their problems because it makes them feel better. Black women who try to succeed in life and uphold family values are often ignored and overshadowed by negative stereotypes.
I think it's a poverty connection. For complex societal reasons (many of which need challenge and change), black people tend to be poor, or at least from poor backgrounds. I've noticed that poor people of every race tend to be louder and more "obnoxious" than those from upper or middle class backgrounds. Some sociologists (like the author of "the Hidden Language of Poverty") say isn't that poor people have no manners, it's because generational poverty is a culture of itself, and the "rules" are different. Speaking with proper grammar, for example, while considered proper for the middle class, is seen as snooty for people from generational poverty. There may also be hidden culture rules for how loud someone is supposed to talk.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I've noticed: This is a black AMERICAN thing. I live in a very diverse city, and the black people I encounter who are actually from other parts of the world, but most especially from Africa, are actually very soft-spoken. So much so that at work, when my African customers ask questions, I often have to ask them to repeat themselves. Therefore, any "racial" or "genetic" explanations are, imho, BS.
ReplyDeleteI came to the web to specifically look up "Why are blacks, specifically females, are not too loud but with a tone of an argument. I loved "The View" once upon a time. Once menopause set in my senses became sensitive, including noises. I had the TV tuned to Hallmark's Friends and Family as background noise this morning. Out of the blue, I heard arguing and assumed someone had changed the channel to Winfrey. Nope, they had a new black female comedian - WOW. I took the time to listen to her. She was referring to great times, her mentor and love of engineering. She fooled me sitting and watching her.
ReplyDeleteI'm moving out of the nice room I've been renting because of the black girl in the house. We have 2 white, 2 black and a Muslim in the house. The black girl has destroyed the dynamic in the house due to her non-stop YELLING when she's on the phone. It goes on for hours and she is incredibly ignorant, and now I'm looking for somewhere else to live because of her. Never again will I rent a room in a house where a black girl lives. The black man in the house is not loud and very respectful of others, total opposite of the black girl.
ReplyDeleteSean in Canada.
@Sean in Canada, I think your resolve should be to not rent a room in a house with inconsiderate people - regardless of their ethnicity, religion, sex, orientation, or otherwise. Topic aside, your general misassignment of your roomate's loudness will very likely prove itself arbitrary with your next set of roommates, sans black females. With all the individual diversity in the world you are in for a tough go.
ReplyDeleteI am white and am currently working with a black girl who is so obnoxious. Granted, within my office there is a black manager -- one of the finest, most gifted I have encountered - along with a very professional black lady, who is Christian, takes pride in her work, and is respectful.
ReplyDeleteThis black girl -- and I say "girl" as she is in her early 20s -- fits the stereotype to a T. During the whole shift, she needs to bring attention to herself, me me me! laughing, carrying on, being a clown, easily distracted.
She tells the mixed race off that on weekends she protests "white privilege" and "male supremacy."
She has lost many jobs, she said -- over accusations of mishandling money, theft, "drama." She explains that she gets fired because of "racism" and "issues with my hair." She claims that employers told her they didn't like her frizzy hair. Turns out this was a lie, that the statement came from a boy she was trying to date who told her he would prefer her to straighten her hair.
She has thrown herself at men in the office, causing one to get fired. She has also thrown herself at women, including me, pronouncing herself bisexual.
She has no standards, laughs and carries on in the office -- her voice is the one that can be heard talking nonsense throughout the entire office, all down the halls in our otherwise quiet office.
She has created one disruption after another. Dare you say anything and it's "white privilege" and "racism" or "I'm a gonna hurt someone!"
I have asked her to be quiet when I am trying to work -- she will be quiet for one minute and then start up again, just can't control herself.
She reminds me of those toddlers at McDonalds who run around knocking things over, screaming, laughing without restraint while other children are being respectful and quiet and the parents do nothing. She is an out of control toddler.
I know she enjoys making me uncomfortable as this is her way of establishing dominance and if anyone dares say anything they are "racist."
The whole tenor of the office has changed from comfortable, respectful, working as a team to disruptive, with this drama queen causing problems everywhere and being loud and obnoxious.
How she has not been fired yet is beyond me but I suspect her activist parents have called in to the employer and threatened them if they even dare. She brags that they do this, by the way.
After bragging about how easy it is to rob banks while she was working as a teller, she bragged about how a local car dealer robbed her employer and that her mom then went over to that dealer and was "given a free car."
Even the black men are appalled by this new hire. She's loud, crass, and disruptive -- but considers herself a "strong, black woman."
You can't do anything about this disruption otherwise you get called "racist" or she will threaten to "hurt someone."