Megan Thee Stallion’s much-anticipated music video for “Cobra” was released yesterday, and within hours, it was trending all over social media.
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While the video’s visuals and concept dazzled fans, it’s the raw and honest message behind the song that truly resonates. Megan Thee Stallion courageously opens up about her struggles with mental health, including battles with suicidal thoughts, experiences with domestic violence, and the profound loss of her parents.
As a Black woman who has navigated the depths of depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, hearing Megan Thee Stallion’s rap, “How can somebody so blessed wanna slit they wrist?” hit close to home. Growing up in the Black community, the narrative of gratitude for blessings often overshadows the acknowledgment of pain and loss. This mindset, while well-intentioned, inadvertently leads to the suppression of our emotions, pushing us to focus solely on achievements.
For Black women
For Black women, the weight of responsibility often rests squarely on our shoulders, yet the reciprocal support is not always there. Megan Thee Stallion astutely points out, “Every night I cried, I almost died / And nobody close tried to stop me / Long as everybody gettin’ paid, right?” The dichotomy of success and the lack of genuine concern for our well-being is a harsh reality.
While Black women are undeniably making significant strides in various arenas, we are not immune to the misogynoir that permeates our daily lives. Microaggressions, discrimination, and physical violence only add to the burden on our mental health.
Society’s expectation for Black women to exude unyielding strength and suppress vulnerability compounds the problem. This is reflected in the alarming racial disparities in mental health diagnoses, as highlighted by a 2022 New York University report. Additionally, 2021 research from the Psychiatric Times reveals that Black women are half as likely to seek mental health care compared to their white counterparts. The consequences are profound; in 2019, Black high school girls were 60 percent more likely to attempt suicide than non-Hispanic white peers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Megan Thee Stallion’s candidness in “Cobra” about self-medication, infidelity, and anxiety creates a space for Black women like myself to be truthful about our struggles. While we continue to break barriers and make history, we must also ask ourselves at what cost? How often do we prioritize our mental health amidst the pursuit of our goals?
Prominent figures like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Serena Williams have spoken out about their mental health struggles, yet the conversation remains somewhat taboo within the Black community. Megan Thee Stallion’s “Cobra” serves as a powerful reminder that success and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive. The song grants Black women permission to embrace the full spectrum of our humanity, transcending societal expectations.
In a world that often isolates us, Megan Thee Stallion’s “Cobra” reminds us that our experiences are shared, and our healing is intertwined. Megan Thee Stallion continues to be a beacon of strength and authenticity for Black women everywhere