“I don’t have a lot of female friends. Women are just catty!”

You ever heard this phrase from one of your friends or family members? Many women have subscribed to this notion for years. Young women, as young as elementary age, have lived by this statement. As much as it may seem like a ragingly truthful stereotype, it’s a false narrative. But before we debunk it, let’s explore more.

Nicki Minaj and Cardi B are the most recent examples of woman vs. woman. The beef that lingers among the two rests on the hinges of “here are two more women [of color] who cannot get along.” No one really knows the real truth or root of this beef. However, it is one that exists seemingly based on too many players on the same field.

Nicki and Cardi both are talented in their own ways. While there may be some similarities among them, they are both uniquely gifted and bring their own artistic perspective to the culture. There is room for both of them!

What one must take note of is Nicki’s tattered path of having beef with several other women in the entertainment industry. Time after time, she sparks a fire that shines a greater light on her controversy rather than her music. This begs the question of whether or not Nicki and Cardi are proving an age-old narrative right, or if some people (Nicki) are just problematic. The latter seems to be more truthful.

As much as the woman v.s woman narrative, especially among women of color, is pervasively thrown around, there are counter-narratives that show how women are consistently supportive of each other. At the crux of every significant movement is the influence and support of the black woman. Even when white feminism is crying loud and sparing not, women of color are front and center rallying for rights (and the same support is often not reciprocated, but I digress).

Toxic masculinity, media pressure, gender biases and an extended range of problematic crap has contributed to this egregious narrative. So much so, that we as a culture in many ways expect it. That’s the saddest part.

As a lover of hip-hop and rap culture, it would be dope to see both of these ladies win without the drama that is attached. How about we stop we stop fueling the fire, and celebrate these women for who they are and what they contribute to the culture.