Self-Silencing as Protection: How the “Angry Black Woman” Stereotype Influences How Black Graduate Women Respond to Gendered-Racial Microaggressions

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines how Black graduate women respond to gendered-racial microaggressions at a historically White institution. Using Critical Race Theory and Critical Race Feminism, this study also explores the social and psychological factors that contribute to their responses. Data suggest that participants’ responses are influenced by stereotype threat and a fear of perpetuating the “angry Black woman” stereotype. Findings show that this fear caused participants to self-silence as a form of protection. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are provided.