The phrase “we’ve all lived the same lives” is popular on social media. It references how our seemingly unique life experiences are actually really quite common. For Black women some of those common experiences include getting burned with a hot comb, hearing the click-clack of hair barrettes and having your face and body covered in vaseline. There is one shared experience, however, that seems to be nearing its end. That is the concept of being “too grown.” It appears the concept is facing a transformative reevaluation.
The restrictive norms that once dictated how young Black women expressed themselves are now encountering a paradigm shift, thanks to the interconnected world of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The question arises: was being “too grown” ever a universal reality for Black girls, or did it emerge from a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives?
“Too Grown” for Who?
For generations, young Black girls found themselves navigating a narrow path of acceptability. Their expressions were often stifled by societal expectations and parental restrictions. Dressing a certain way, wearing their hair in specific styles, or experimenting with makeup often triggered the label of being “too grown.” It was a term that seemed to uniquely impact Black girls while their white counterparts faced far fewer limitations.
The dawn of social media, however, has brought about a significant change. Today, there is an increasing number of young Black girls confidently sharing their makeup tutorials on platforms like TikTok, embracing diverse hairstyles, and challenging the traditional norms that once confined them.
Being Sheltered from the Real World
Perhaps the notion of being “too grown” was a product of its time, deeply rooted in a lack of exposure to varied cultural practices. With social media connecting individuals worldwide, young Black girls are now exposed to a multitude of perspectives that challenge the previously accepted norms. The once seemingly universal concept might have been an unfortunate consequence of a limited worldview.
On the other hand, the evolution of societal attitudes within the Black community plays a crucial role in redefining these boundaries. As young Black girls, once constrained by the notion of being “too grown,” grow up and become parents, they may find themselves challenging what restricted their own expressions. The generational shift could be seen as a conscious effort to break away from outdated norms and allow their children the freedom to express themselves authentically, with parental consent.