Behind the Genes of Black Perfectionist Women
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Yi'Sheika Lawrence
Abstract
Throughout my life, I've tirelessly strived for perfection, catering to the expectations of my mother, family, and teachers. This relentless pursuit of an ideal imposed by others left me chronically unhappy, as my heart yearned for fulfillment that contradicted external expectations. However, with self-discovery over the years, I've come to realize that prioritizing my own desires over societal expectations doesn't make me "selfish" or "senseless." Instead, I am living authentically according to my personal values, breaking free from the confines of a "perfect" image crafted for others. The pressure to be perfect has deep roots in the history of Black women, stemming from the perception of their strength during times of enslavement. While the intent was to foster resilience, it inadvertently instilled a belief that perfection was necessary for acceptance and love. As a young Black woman in 2023, I recognized the need to break this generational curse of perfectionism. The constant drive to be the best left me drained mentally, physically, and emotionally, a burden passed down through generations. Finally, I've reached a point where I understand that, regardless of the outcome, I am already an amazing, intelligent, strong, and powerful Black woman. I've liberated myself from the shackles of perfectionism, acknowledging that my worth is not contingent on success or failure. Each day, I gaze into the mirror, proud of the woman who persists in trying her best, embracing the journey, and acknowledging the resilience that brought her this far. In my own way, I am perfect, and that realization brings a profound sense of pride.
Start Date
27-3-2024 11:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 11:08 AM
Location
Arts and Sciences 2-75
Behind the Genes of Black Perfectionist Women
Arts and Sciences 2-75
Throughout my life, I've tirelessly strived for perfection, catering to the expectations of my mother, family, and teachers. This relentless pursuit of an ideal imposed by others left me chronically unhappy, as my heart yearned for fulfillment that contradicted external expectations. However, with self-discovery over the years, I've come to realize that prioritizing my own desires over societal expectations doesn't make me "selfish" or "senseless." Instead, I am living authentically according to my personal values, breaking free from the confines of a "perfect" image crafted for others. The pressure to be perfect has deep roots in the history of Black women, stemming from the perception of their strength during times of enslavement. While the intent was to foster resilience, it inadvertently instilled a belief that perfection was necessary for acceptance and love. As a young Black woman in 2023, I recognized the need to break this generational curse of perfectionism. The constant drive to be the best left me drained mentally, physically, and emotionally, a burden passed down through generations. Finally, I've reached a point where I understand that, regardless of the outcome, I am already an amazing, intelligent, strong, and powerful Black woman. I've liberated myself from the shackles of perfectionism, acknowledging that my worth is not contingent on success or failure. Each day, I gaze into the mirror, proud of the woman who persists in trying her best, embracing the journey, and acknowledging the resilience that brought her this far. In my own way, I am perfect, and that realization brings a profound sense of pride.