Social Stress and Black Women's Health: A 'Rejection Connection'?

I found this article to be very profound from the views of colored women, but stop placing the cause of SOCIAL IMPACT solely on color, which is what this article suggests. For example: EVERYONE, no matter the color, all have social impacts or "stressers" that affect them directly. Overweight women, of ALL colors, have a social stresser of the mainstream media craze of thin is in, thin to win, type of perspective. Do these women use it as an EXCUSE for leading a NEGATIVE life? I would certainly hope not. Some women become full of envy, others use it like fuel to power their own personal goals, all powers of perspective. It is how you look at the picture.

If you are driving in traffic and a white woman cuts off a Black woman, now there are simply only two ways to take it. One, getting mad and frustrated, maybe cursing (we've all done it); or thinking to yourself, "maybe they have an emergency" and be more compassionate and understanding.

Everyone is responsible, not only for their actions, but for their way of thinking. IT is your brain, no one controls it but you. We have negative influences EVERY WHERE attacking EVERY ONE, again not just the black community. These are not COLOR problems these are inclusions in our AMERICAN way of life. I don't wish to be anyone than myself. I love me, every flaw, every past altercation. These are learning experiences, and I continue to make the best choice for myself and others around me.

If you are unhappy with the social stressers in your life, stop complaining or making excuses, and find a place of peace within. They are never going to go away, and it is unfortunate that our society operates the way it does, but society doesn't live my life, I do. I CHOOSE to not be weak and surcome to the negative influences surrounding me on an everyday basis. I choose to be a positive role model to my family and others. It is a personal choice.

The black community is more prosperous now than EVER BEFORE IN HISTORY, but I rarely see Chingy or Nelly investing money in opening a new children's community center, or new homes for residents needing them the most.

The black community simply needs to know the world is not perfect, and learn how to live a positive influential life. In a world that is negative to everyone. Thin people VS big and beautiful, rich people VS poor, short VS tall...get the idea?

My favorite role model is Christopher Paul Gardner. He was homeless, with his son, and with a plan and a positive future outlook has risen to the top, and how helps others to do the same. He is an amazing influence, for everyone.

Ever race has its complexities, and problems. Stop segregating, start rebuilding, and be stronger than ever. If you are unhappy with your life, it is up to YOU to fix, not others to do it for you.

I could go on and on about this. I think this is good for now. I wish happiness to everyone and anyone no matter if you are Black, White, Brown or Avatar Blue. Be blessed and be happy :-)

I don't see where she's complaining or making excuses as you say, MV. As a black women I totally understand that there ARE unique circumstances that we face that others in our society do not.

I doubt that Dr. McCloud is expecting the world to be perfect, etc. her piece didn't say anything about calling for that. I'd venture that certainly as a physician, and pretty and stuff she's got going on, she is likely not hurting for too much and is not a negative-spirited person. I'd say she's broadening the analysis to aid in remedies.

I work in hopsital social service, and minorities do have statistics that are worse than others. I think you need to realize that the column is saying that for this body of folk, certain stressors play a role. For other bodies of folks, they have their own.

In fact, if you look at the earlier post re: INTERNAL BLEEDING, she mentions other communities ills in there and calls all of us to tend to our own ills to be the best we all can be.

I think this piece is information, not indictments, not "complaining or making excuses". I see the column as more than half full, some people see things as half-empty, looking for negatives. Looking at all factors that affect our health and some of what she calls stressors are often overlooked by doctors. Peace.

Thank you for the article. I am happy that you shared your expertise with us and gave us a view into the lives of Black women that others might not even be aware of.

You know, I feel that black women love to have pity parties too much, and they make life seem worse than what it really is. They should try to figure out beyond race, what it is about them (as a person) that could be a turn off to someone else. I know I don't like people that draw attention to themselves through crazy, loud behavior and attire or who apparently doesn't care about her health. I would socially reject someone who was this way because they have issues that I don't want to deal with.

I'm a black woman, and I do not live in a social hell. In fact, I pride myself on being extremely intelligent socially because I can draw a crowd, make people laugh and enjoy my company. These people I engage are various races and different genders. So, that should prove that people are less concerned with race, if at all, when they like you as a person.

Try to focus on you as a woman and don't think too much about race because you really don't want to attract racists and not a lot of people aren't genuine racists. They may have some prejudices but that means the ball's in OUR court to lead them in either direction.

I keep hearing the same tired things but statistics don't determine my life. In terms of marriage, I am in control of that. I need to do my part in ensuring my weight is healthy, I have an attractive style, I can engage someone well and that I am emotionally healthy, such as not walking around with a chip on the shoulder or crying victim because everyone has obstacles. When I meet these requirements then love and marriage aren't out of reach but they are if you don't have them to offer.

With people showing disrespect, well, most of the time people disrespect those who don't respect themselves. As a group, we need to show more of an effort in this area because I don't see a lot of decency and healthy pride in us either. I see weak, victimized, and complaining women who have no clue they they have power to change their situation.

Healthwise, again, stop eating bad food, workout 4 days a week, and foster healthy friendships. Take control of your well-being and you will feel better about life.