“* Honest Question: What can we as Black Women in America do, to stop aiding in the emasculation of Black men in America?” the 52-year-old actor tweeted.

However, Black men in the comments rejected the notion that Black women should play a role in that effort.

“I appreciate the gesture Ms. Arnold, but I don’t know if that is your responsibility,” one user wrote. “In and of itself emasculation is a subjective construct. Trans women; gay men portrayed in media; independent black women…none of this emasculates me. My manhood isn’t that fragile.”

I appreciate the gesture Ms. Arnold, but I don’t know if that is your responsibility. In and of itself emasculation is a subjective construct.

Trans women; gay men portrayed in media; independent black women…none of this emasculates me. My manhood isn’t that fragile.

— C.K. Dexter Haven (@TheNEPAStory) April 13, 2022

Torraine Walker, founder and editor-in-chief of Context Media Group, wrote that the key is listening to Black men.

“Our sisters can understand that we’re each other’s natural counterparts and there is a clear agenda at work to keep us separate and Black men specifically a weak and permanent underclass,” he explained. “Listening to us is the beginning.”

One viewer argued that Black women need to turn away from feminist ideals to help Black men reclaim their masculinity.

“Reject feminism,” they wrote. “Reject the superiority complex the dominant society teaches y’all to have. We’ve be gravy in nooo time if those two things are done.”

Reject feminism. Reject the superiority complex the dominant society teaches y’all to have. We’ve be gravy in nooo time if those two things are done

— Tidbe Travels (@realtidbe) April 13, 2022

Some women added that it’s not their responsibility.

“What about us as black women? Where is the protection and respect for us??” one user asked.

“We, as black women are not responsible for the image that black men have created for themselves,” another added. “I wish people would stop placing this responsibility on us.”

 

We, as black women are not responsible for the image that black men have created for themselves. I wish people would stop placing this responsibility on us.

— Lacianiga (@LacianigaFlow) April 13, 2022

Another argued that Black men take advantage of their privilege.

“Black men use their PRIVILEGE as men in a patriarchal society as a battering ram against everyone in our community and it’s for US to aid in some imaginary emasculation of Black men?” they wrote. “This is the same tired narrative that creates pick me mommas and overworked daughters. STOP.”

 

Afterward, Arnold returned to Twitter to recap the replies to her tweet.

“*Still reading comments. Whew.. 2thoughts: 1)Despite all, I will never be fearful of asking ANY1 questions. 2)The Black Man & Woman needs to heal…together. We are up against a plethora of odds that are continually stacked against us..but it won’t change my love for ALL of us,” she wrote.

A few days prior to sparking a lively debate on Twitter, Arnold was seen at the Hollywood Walk of Fame supporting her friend Ashanti, who received her star, People reports.