You have a big butt.
Relative to these women, the butt that little boy thought was remarkably big was actually rather small.
For African women West Africans in particular theres an expectation to have an abundance of nyash.
Illustration by Ana Jarén
This idea is highly emphasized all up and through African culture, especially in our music.
As an adult, Ive frequently sensed this in my day-to-day interactions, especially with men.
Though that felt great in many ways, it came with even more self-critique of my body.
Nicole Sarfo
It didnt help that around this time, American culture began to idealize and appropriate Black body types.
I startedbreaking out, and that’s when I decided to stop.
Fatphobia is alive and well in Africa; it just has different, more subtle branding.
Carolyn Asante-Dartey
Carolyn Asante-Darteys upbringing is a great example of this.
The idea of the quintessential African womans body is rooted in classism with a sprinkle of colonialism.
Muhumuza recalls a time when her mother gained weight and her father became very fatphobic toward her.
Simi Moonlight
I also did martial arts when I was a kid but not by choice.
In her household, the consensus was, dont be too fat but dont be too thin.
This is the exhausting reality with which a lot of African women living in the U.S. have to grapple.
I think now in my 30s, I don’t even give a shit, Kwarteng says.
As someone who does fit the ideal African body standard, Muhumuza feels the same way.
In her travels across the continent, Muhumuza felt her body was most accepted in East Africa.
Although it was affirming, shes tried to move away from desiring affirmation that is shaped around my body.
That mental and emotional practice hasnt been easy, she says, but it has been beneficial.
[I’ve] tried to move away from desiring affirmation that is shaped around my body.
That was something I had to let go of entirely for me to really heal.
Our bodies will change over time, but our cultural identities wont.
I don’t want any of us [African women] to feel that way, Muhumuza says.
You should always be reminding yourself of that and giving yourself love and validation.
Read more from Learning Curve:
Now, watch Madison Reed break down her most iconic videos:
