The earliest I remember my attraction for hood dudes was in 2005 when Destiny Child released their track “Soldier” which exploded tremendously hitting #3 on the Billboard charts.
Nearly every girl was singing it. I specifically remember singing the entire song with my friends in P.E. What was unforgettable about this song was not just the beat, but how intricately the music video elevated hood dude status. From the Ice Chains, bandanas, air forces, tattoos, and gold teeth; the “hood dude aesthetic” convincingly appealed to girls’ eyes. For many, this video created an image of what a man was to look like.
As I’ve matured, I now understand that black entertainment (B.E.T) never promoted good, hard-working, stand-up guys in front of the cameras.
Street dudes continue to be elevated as the standard for men in the black community. As a result, many women continue to fall for the finesse. But why?
In this post, we’ll examine 3 Undeniable Reasons You’re Attracted To Hood Dudes.
Dope Boy Swag Aesthetic
The first undeniable reason you’re attracted to street men is their irresistable “dope boy swag” aesthetic.
I mean, let’s be honest. The dope boy swag is extremely sexy. And no, I’m not talking about the swag of nappy-headed, dusty-booty men, no.
I’m speaking about the street dudes with their alluring cologne, fresh j’s, neatly trimmed fades, or well-managed dreads.
I’m talking about their smooth appeal; how they walk and talk. The dope boy swag is a trap many women fall into
Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting…..
The unspoken truth about the swag of hood dudes is their looks will eventually fade which has never been enough to sustain a relationship. This is a natural desire you believe you can achieve with a street dude; a long-term relationship. But regardless of how much you may desire it, it’s only a man’s character that will sustain it, not looks.
Hood Dudes Promise A Glamorous Lifestyle
The next undeniable reason you’re attracted to hood dudes is due to modern culture elevating luxurious lifestyles.
The glamorous lifestyle is a cultural norm amongst the black community to earn respect and admiration. This is apparent with influential rappers like Yo Gotti with Angela, Gucci Mane and Keyshia, Offset and Cardi B, Lil Baby, and Jayda. Numerous women (and men) walk behind these “higher-ups” and consider them as goals that people aspire to be.
Since the 70s with Pam Grier as “Foxy Brown” or sweet Daddy Williams in “Good Times“, a glamorous lifestyle has always existed with street dudes. It’s the same repetitive marketing strategy to mislead and destroy. Sure, you may not necessarily be balling out to possess fancy cars, a closet full of designer clothes, shoes, and handbags. But you enjoy believing the delusion that acquiring a street man means you can have these things.
For instance, it would be no different if I gave you a false testimonial claim about a skin care product featuring false”before-and-after” photos from satisfied customers who don’t exist. It’s fake, misleading, and creates unrealistic expectations that lead to disappointment.
HOOD DUDES PROVIDE PHYSICAL PROTECTION OR SECURITY
Hood dudes have street credibility, which is the ability to protect and provide for their loved ones. Indeed, as women, we may feel an emotional connection because they can provide a sense of safety and protection. I mean, what woman wouldn’t want a man to stand up for them the moment someone crosses that line?
The truth we can no longer ignore is that even though hood dudes can provide some cases of physical protection, they cannot provide it in all cases.
Particularly, the media fails to address the negative impacts while promoting street dudes. Like the negative impacts of exposing yourself or loved ones to violence and danger, the emotional distress that accompanies absence and jail time and the fast life that eventually becomes insignificant creating more financial and emotional instability.
And might I add a man behind bars cannot protect or provide security for anyone.
Conclusion
Although your attraction to hood dudes may be strong, it’s more important to acknowledge the negative impacts accompanying dating one.
By recognizing the personal and cultural factors that contribute to your attraction, you can better make informed choices about the relationships you pursue.
References
Photo’s from Destiny Child ‘Soldier’ featuring Lil Wayne &T.i., ‘Yo Gotti’ photo credit from CMG, Gucci Mane & Keyshia Kaoire photo credit ‘Ground up radio’.
