Word Play

in·tim·i·date
inˈtiməˌdāt/
verb
gerund or present participle: intimidating
frighten or overawe (someone), especially in order to make them do what one wants.
“she tries to intimidate his rivals”

All of my life I have heard this word used to describe me and I think people have a misunderstanding of what the word actually means. In no way do I or feel I frighten or manipulate anyone, so it is pretty disheartening to have that placed upon me. I don’t think people really understand the little battles Black women have to face on a daily basis. Who will touch my hair today, who will say the N word in a song, who will think I’m too loud, who will think I’m not capable. We are taught to put 110% into everything that we do because people will constantly underestimate us and will set the standard low in anything we do. But the moment we speak our mind, make great shit, let our voices ring throughout rooms and just have our mere presence recognized, we’re intimidating. Not role models, not go-to’s, barely friends…Because people are scared to approach me because they’re afraid what I might do or say next, well what exactly are you planning on saying that you feel will get a negative reaction from me? I don’t want to be intimidating, I want genuine interactions and relationships that stem from generosity not fear. A battle I know I’ll continue to face but I’m channeling my counterparts to not build walls between Black women but to build bridges. It gets lonely on the other side, now can you ask me about something other than my appearance today? 

Tylynn Burns.