Since black history month is around the corner.
Let's talk about it.
When it comes to discussing any racial topics, one has to come at it with a grain of salt- in the sense you have to be open-minded and willing to listen and understand what both parties are trying to get across.
However, in this case, black culture is seen as somewhat more ‘mainstream’ compared to other cultures such as Asian or Arab.
The consumption of ‘blackness’ refers to the way that elements of black culture are taken up and used by non-black people. This can include things like fashion, music, and language. In some cases, the consumption of blackness can be a form of cultural appropriation, where elements of a culture are taken without any understanding or respect for the people who created them. This can be especially damaging when the culture in question has been historically marginalized and oppressed.
One example of this is the way that black hairstyles and fashion have been co-opted by non-black people, often without any acknowledgment of the cultural significance of these styles.
The hatred of black people, or racism, is closely tied to the consumption of blackness. It is rooted in the long history of oppression and marginalization of black people, dating back to the era of slavery and colonialism. This hatred has manifested in various forms throughout history, including slavery, segregation, and discriminatory laws and policies. Today it continues in the forms of racial profiling, police brutality, and discrimination in the workplace, housing, and education.
It is important to note that hate towards Black people is not always overt, it can take the form of microaggressions, structural discrimination, implicit bias, and lack of representation, just to name a few.
One of the key steps in addressing the consumption of blackness and the hatred of black people is to raise awareness of these issues and to promote understanding and respect for all cultures.
This means listening to and learning from black voices, supporting black-owned businesses and organizations, and working to dismantle the systems of oppression that have allowed these issues to persist for so long.
It is also crucial for non-black people to recognize their privilege and use it to support the Black community, rather than participate in the marginalization and oppression of Black people.
It’s a continuous learning process and one that requires constant self-reflection and a willingness to challenge one’s own biases and prejudices. Every person has a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society, and it’s important that we all take responsibility for our actions and work toward change.
The Media
The way that black people are portrayed in the media can have a significant impact on the way that they are perceived and treated in society. Historically, black people have been underrepresented and misrepresented in the media, often being depicted as violent, criminal, or hypersexualized. These stereotypes can reinforce harmful prejudices and contribute to the marginalization of black people.
It is important to ensure that black voices are included in the production and representation of media, in order to create more nuanced and accurate portrayals of black people and culture. This includes increasing the number of black creators, writers, directors, and producers in the media industry, as well as promoting the works of black artists, photographers, and writers. Jordan Peele as well as Marsai Martin are some of the few black people creating names in the movie production industry and creating a safe space for lead black actors and actresses.
It’s also important to remember that the consumption of ‘blackness’ and the hatred of black people are not isolated issues. They are intertwined with other forms of oppression such as sexism, classism, and homophobia. It’s crucial to approach these issues from an intersectional perspective, recognizing that people can experience multiple forms of marginalization at the same time.
In conclusion, addressing the consumption of ‘blackness’ and the hatred of black people requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes listening to and elevating black voices, promoting accurate representation in media, education, and dismantling systemic racism.
