BET's Twenties: What IF

"What if for a whole day we acted like Todd's? What if we walked into every room like we belonged there? What if we took up space? What if we made sure our ideas were heard?" Twenties, Ep. 7

A few months ago, I stumbled upon a series called Twenties. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into but the trailer caught my attention because the issues they raised peaked my interest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc9fEZycMm8

Now, I have had quite a journey in the first six years of my twenties and I have sought so much solace in seeing my experiences in coveted television shows. Watching women (characters) I admire go through life lessons I’m still learning makes me feel seen. This particular episode stood out to me because I have had my fair share of difficult situations in work and business environments and this character was struggling to navigate the work culture of “The Boys Club”. Long story short, I can relate.

Let’s break down the quote.

“Ain’t I a woman?” Black woman.

Women are powerful beings and we deserve respect. In fact, I demand it. I’ll admit, it is so easy to assume it’s necessary to make yourself smaller because people always make comments about women in the workplace as if we are incapable of doing out jobs at the same level as the opposite sex. I believe men know exactly what women are capable of becoming and the only way they can truly show up for women is by supporting in the places where it matters most.

The goal is to dismantle sexism and oppression in American society, but we small changes can make a big difference when you start with those women around you. Women are guilty of this as well because we often judge other women on their attitude instead of their work ethic. Men are just as emotional as women in the workplace, but we disguise it by attributing their impulsion or mismanagement to ego and testosterone. Step into your power and use it to your advantage every single day.

Photo Credit: Twenties poster, BET+

Sense of Belonging

As a woman of color, I haven’t always felt welcomed in many environments where my identity was a minority in the space. It’s not easy feeling like your actions represent an entire community, and it could be a lot of pressure to know that your input can impact that same community in a negative way if you misrepresent. With that being said, its important to have a sense of belonging when you are expected to be a productive and contributing member to any environment. Knowing how to establish your own sense of belonging is an important skill as you grow and evolve as a young professional.

I’ve learned that setting boundaries is the best way to start a working relationship off right. I’ll get into that later. I completely empathized with the character in the show not feeling like she belonged, but wanting to excel in her career so bad that she learned that its always necessary to speak up for yourself. My first rule in a work environment is to start out taking credit for your own ideas. If presenting your own work makes you nervous, start practicing now or else you’ll always feel helpless. Make a name for yourself with your work and establish relationships that help you grow and reciprocate the effort you put into them. 

Take Up Space

I used to be afraid to take up space. Honestly, sometimes I still am. Take a moment to think about the worst-case scenario. What would really happen if you didn’t feel the need to be perfect before taking a chance, applying for the promotion, or quitting your job? A lot of men make more money than women because they simply negotiate. Stop being afraid to take up space. You deserve to that raise, you deserve more resources, you are more than qualified to make things happen. I believe in you!

There are no rules when it comes to taking up space. As long as you’re not bringing someone down while trying to pull yourself up. Men don’t second guess their worth in the workplace, even if they are mediocre. Channel the audacity of mediocre men and add tax, sis.

Speak Up

Use your voice to empower yourself first. Then, take that positivity out into the world and share it with the next woman. We’ll all be better because of it.