Social Media is a PR Tool for White Supremacy

The great thing about social media is that it gives everyone a voice. The bad thing about social media is that it gives everyone a voice. White supremacists use social media to amplify their voices. They utilize current local news events in particular as anecdotal evidence to support their racist claims. Social media has become a PR tool for White supremacy.

I’m a news junkie and a social media fiend. I’ve observed that when Black people are accused a crime White supremacists flock to the comment section of the media outlet in order to point their finger and say see, I told ya. They particularly love to comment on crimes that Black people are accused of committing against White people.

The interesting thing about my observation is that there isn’t much sympathy for the White victim. The White victim is collateral damage. The focus is condemning all Black people for the crime of a Black individual. They also like to say it should be labeled a hate crime. They ask where BLM is. The racists also like to take that opportunity to make some sort of statement about self defense.

OK fine. But when a White person or usually any person that is not Black is accused of a violent crime there are very few comments made at all. The comments that are made focus on the individuality or the accused or sympathize with the victim. Very few comments are made referring to the race or cultural background of the perpetrator. It doesn’t matter how heinous or perverted the crime. The exception is when Black people decide to return insults. But those kind of comments are minimal in comparison. The White supremacists PR social media machine seems to be an organized and concerted effort.

A case can be made for or against anyone. White supremacists make their case by creating conversation around Black criminal behavior while completely ignoring White criminal behavior. In this context it can’t even be called White criminal behavior because the behavior is attributed to the criminal being White.

Social media can be a great tool. It gives everyone a voice which is valuable and detrimental at the same time. Be sure to discern between the voices. And remember that absolutely everyone that wants one has a voice on social media.

Americans Are Not Mature Enough for a Conversation About Race

“We need to have a conversation about race” has become a common cliche in this country in regards to race relations. This phrase is commonly heard when listening to talking heads discuss current events surrounding race in America. America has shown me that a conversation about race is a complete waste of time and energy.

Anyone with an objective point of view understands that White supremacy and racism is a one way street. Black Americans have done all they can to live in this country peacefully yet we are constantly condescended, vilified and degraded. That’s the real reason that people want to have “conversations on race”. They use it as an opportunity to tell Black people what they really think under the guise of peacemaking. Black people continue to try and make peace and compromise in order to go along to get along and be accepted.

Black Americans need to talk to each other about how to improve their lives in America and other voices need to be ignored. Black people need to have a more positive inner dialogue. When non Black people defend their opinion in regards to race it is usually an unflattering opinion of Black people. As far as I’m concerned they are welcome to it. They are also welcome to stay out of my space.

Positive interactions with non Black people are possible but if you need to sit down with them and conversation about racist opinions they probably are not worth the trouble. I have not interest in talking someone out of their racism. As long as the are not affecting my life they are they are welcome to it.

I have no interest in helping anyone understand my point of view nor am I interested in coming to a understanding as far as race. What is hard to understand about me wanting to be valued as a human being and a woman. I don’t think I benefit from a conversation with that starting point.

If America wants to have a conversation on race it needs to apologize to descendants of African slaves and vow to do better. So far America continues to make excuses and be self righteous. The concerns and complaints of Black people are not heard. I choose not to participate in conversations where the other party refuses to listen because of perceived superiority.

Painful conversations require maturity and America does not have it. There is no real desire to do better because racism works out well for most Americans. The majority of Americans have shown Black people for centuries that they are not interested in justice or opening their minds to new ways of thinking that don’t center White comfort.

Even in this age of BLM most Americans continue to minimize the extent and affect of racism. There have been protests, riots and conversations on race yet racism prevails. Black people need to pay attention to the deliberate attempts to drown our voices in disingenuous conversations. America will never be without racism. The best Black Americans can do is to use the opportunities made possible by those that came before us and improve ourselves, our families and our communities. Do better on your own. Don’t wait for anyone else to do better.

Unity Is Not The Answer

America has been in violent turmoil for more than a week after the death of George Floyd. The catalyst for the tumult was Floyd’s gruesome murder by a former Minneapolis police officer that was captured on video by a bystander. After a few days of the suspects no being arrested and outrage in the media Americans took to the streets in protests. Some of the demonstrations were peaceful but there was also property damage, looting, injuries and deaths.

Once the protests became violent and the president responded with the threat of more violence there have been calls for unity. But unity is not the answer. I live in Kansas City, MO and there is a Unity March scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. The mayor and police chief will be there along with demonstrators. This is simply an opportunity for a photo op and a heartwarming headline and hashtag in the media.

The Unity march that is scheduled in an area Kansas City park tomorrow is an attempt to appease White people’s feelings. Whenever there are racial tensions in America White people call for unity. However they want unity on their terms. Calling for unity in America is not genuine because White Americans typically flee diversity in order to concentrate their resources in their communities. Those in power want submission, not unity.

The words unity and coming together are used to pacify Black people and silence frustration and anger. Americans love segregation and Blacks shouldn’t forget that. The mayor and police force know what the problems are. They need to get to work, find solutions and implement policies. They have been empowered by citizens to do so and they shouldn’t be wasting time at picnics while the country is in crisis.

Black Americans also need to focus on getting our houses in order so that people outside of our community don’t matter as much. Fortify yourself, your family and your community spiritually, financially and physically. Taking care of ourselves and families will make us less vulnerable and we’ll be better able to defend ourselves.

Black Americans often seek out White validation in order to gain social standing or take advantage of opportunities in other communities. We need to build our own opportunities and wealth. We need to seek validation from each other. We need to learn to value one another. In other words mind your own Black business.

I’m not saying there is anything wrong with having a relationship of any sort with any person who is not Black. We live in a multi cultural society and friendships, romances and work/business relationships will develop. But if you are a Black man or woman that is confident and proud of yourself you will more of an asset in any liaison with any race.

White supremacy is not going to change. If anything it is going to become more extreme. Black people need to learn to rely on themselves and develop a stronger infrastructure within our own community. Start small and set small financial goals for yourself such as getting $x in the bank, cleaning up your credit or maintaining good credit and repaying debts. There is no need to make a spectacle of it. Quietly secure your future and mind your Black business.

I hope Black people don’t fall for the okey doke about the ruse of unity. Don’t hug or cry to cops. Don’t make having a White friend group or lover your goal because you think it will increase your social standing. Be confident and proud of who you are. Value your own culture and your own family. It will make you a better friend or lover to whomever you choose. Move quietly and secure a future for yourself and your family.

I have no interest in fighting racism. I am interested in seeing Black people develop their own economic engine and vibrant social network. This would make us less vulnerable to attacks and gives us more leverage to fight attacks against us. Mind your Black business and build prosperity for yourself and your family. That’s the only way to fight the power. Unity with racists helps the racist. It does nothing for you.

Pro Black You Tube is a Scam

There are a lot of You Tubers that I watch that would fall under the so called Pro Black umbrella.  I think that every last one of them is a scam artist and they should not be taken seriously.  Not only should they not be seen as leaders they should be seen as scam artists or at least opportunists.  Pro Black You Tube is simply for entertainment purposes and I don’t think that any of them are interested in Black empowerment.

Any good hustle has an element of truth to it.  A lot of pro Black You Tubers have interesting thoughts but their messages often gets lost.  My first problem with pro Black channels is that they are very White centered.  Whiteness is always the measuring stick for them.  At the beginning of any journey I believe that one needs to define success.  For most Pro Black You Tube philosophers White standards are success which is a problem within itself.

They are very focused on racism which at this point is stupid.  Racism is kind of like gravity.  It’s just there.  It’s a problem is you drop your phone or fall down the steps so you need to learn to avoid the pitfalls of gravity.  Racism is not going to ever end in America.  It’s too deeply ingrained in our culture and mindsets.  It’s such a part of American life that we take it for granted and don’t even notice it a lot of the time.  Learn to live with it and how to avoid it’s pitfalls.

I  wish that Black You Tubers simply discussed problems in the Black community and ways that we can make improvements.  It’s rare that any of these people discuss matters such as finance, health, self acceptance or healthy families.  They also don’t discuss matters of spirituality unless they are making disparaging remarks about Christianity.  I believe that those are the kinds of issues that would make a difference in Black lives in America.

Pro Black channels are very focused on Black celebrities.  The lives of Black celebrities are irrelevant to circumstances of the average Black American.  I don’t mind listening to the trials and tribulations of rich Blacks on channels that brand themselves as gossip channels.  But channels that brand themselves as wanting to make Black communities better should ignore all celebrities.  Black celebrities are completely out of touch and most of them seek to exploit their popularity with average Black people.

Pro Black channels tend to speak on sensational matters and they are clearly looking for views in order to increase their subscribers and make more money.  They like to discuss things that push emotional hot buttons and shocking viral videos.  Most of their topics are simply clickbait and don’t hold any real substance.

Pro Black You Tube channels love to talk about problems in the Black community but they rarely offer solutions that are realistic to every day people.  They claim that they just want to wake people up.  I find this to be very condescending.  I don’t need a has been rapper from the 90s informing me on anything.  Based on their topics of conversation I was so called woke long before they were.  They also like to say things like “Black people don’t read” and “simple minded Negroes”.  There is no reason to listen to someone that thinks so little of you.

The most detrimental problem in Black American neighborhoods is violence but this matter is rarely discussed on Black You Tube.  Nothing can be accomplished in communities that have been turned into war zones.  No one will invest in commerce, home ownership isn’t likely to be established and healthy children can’t be raised under the threat of drive by shootings, property and sex crimes.  Relationships and trust can not be built among neighbors when there are killers and thieves in the neighborhood not being brought to justice.  But Black You Tube channels don’t discuss this matter.

I think that Black You Tube stays away from this issue because it would ask men to take more responsibility for the community.  Women and children can’t stand up to street thugs.  African Americans have a hard time setting standards and guidelines for boys and men.  For thirty years or more Black boys and men have been treated as charity cases and porcelain dolls to be pitied which has not been productive.  The way the Black community treats Black boys and men is disrespectful and insulting to them.  It’s as if we think they can’t do and be better.

A lot of Black You Tube is just plain delusional.  A common topic is “divestment”.  Those that follow this foolish theory believe that if you don’t take interest in issues that affect Black Americans, socialize with, date or marry or spend time in areas with large Black populations you have divested.  This is mental illness to me.

If I move to Montana and marry a White guy and cut ties with my Black family and friends I’m still going to be affected by racism when I cross paths with a racist because I am clearly Black.  Those that preach divestment are foolish.  While I am alive I am going through the world as a Black woman so the way Black women are perceived and treated will always be a concern of mine.  I will divest when I am dead.  It’s not really even my choice.

Pro Black You Tube is also completely obsessed with inter racial dating and marriage which I don’t think is a big problem for Black people.  I agree that many Black people choose to date and marry outside of their race because they think the union will gain them and their children access to White privilege.  But that’s why these You Tube channels should be promoting self acceptance.

I can’t be bothered with anyone’s dating or marriage choices when babies are being killed in drive by shootings.  Loni Love’s boyfriend should be of little importance when we consider that Black people are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes.  If the average NFL player wants a blue eyed blonde then he simply isn’t for me and I need to move on and find a man that prefers the dark eyed, dark skinned girl, dark, course haired woman.  It’s as simple as that.

I also think it’s stupid the way pro Black You Tubers criticize the Civil Rights movement.  They say that integration didn’t benefit Black people.  Who’s fault is that?  The Civil Rights movement gave Black people more opportunities and freedom to move about society.  If idiots decided to turn their backs on communities and institutions that Blacks built and flock to White communities and institution because they perceive it as superior that is not Martin Luther King’s fault.

Civil Rights leaders put everything they had on the line for a change and they were successful.  Meanwhile Black You Tubers who conceal their identities criticize their efforts.  In fact, Pro Black You Tube spends a great deal of time criticizing anything and anyone that is successful and Black.

Pro Black You Tube can be good for a laugh and at times they make good points but they are superficial and lazy.  They just want to make a quick buck off of monetizing their You Tube site and they use the emotional matter of racism to do it.  They aren’t doing any real work that doesn’t enrich themselves.  They use celebrities and viral videos to sensationalize their sentiments but they are reluctant to talk about something as pedestrian as saving money, meal planning, exercise and the best ways to raise healthy children.  Pro Black You Tubers are all scammers.

 

#teambreezy/Confessions

Chris Brown shot his mouth off in a recently released new track and it’s got the Black gossip blogs on You Tube in a tizzy.  He said something to the affect of he only has sex with Black women with nice hair.  How sweet.  Lucky them.  That song lyric has started a poop storm.  I’m glad because #teambreezy needs a wake up call.

Before I go on about how stupid I think #teambreezy is I must confess my own problematic favs.  I make no excuses.  I’m just admitting to my hypocrisy but I’m still going to talk trash on #teambreezy and their idol.

My problematic favs:

The Kansas City Chiefs – There have been some very special people that have played or currently played for the Chiefs and by special I don’t mean exceptional athletic ability.  I’m mean menaces to society.  I saw a Facebook comment calling all Chief fans scum bags for defending our star receiver despite his current controversy.  I got nothin’.  That commenter is correct we are scum bags.

Anyone that’s been to a Chiefs game knows that we are scum bags.  Guilty as charged.  I won’t argue.  But heck, we want the Chiefs to make it to the Superbowl next year and my man Tyreek runs with the speed of an animal.  I’m still mad, sad and shocked that Party Boy Hunt is gone.

The NFL as a whole – I never once considered boycotting the NFL.  I don’t enjoy much but football is one of the things I actually like.  The NFL is problematic from the owners, to the players, to the fans, to the refs.  But I’m not going to stop watching.  I will continue to watch and just complain about everything.

R. Kelly – The debate is not whether Robert is guilty or not.  He’s guilty as all hell and should have gotten a jail sentence.  He beat his charges in a trial that was crooked as a hairpin.  So what am I supposed to do about that?  I wasn’t on the jury.  That’s the question I have for the #cancelrkelly folks.

tyrese

The debate is whether we should continue to listen to his music.  I’ve owned 12 Play since 1993 and it’s downloaded to my mp3 player.  I promise I will turn him down at stop lights when I have my windows down OK.  And if I ever get married I will instruct the wedding DJ to wait to play Step in the Name of Love late in the evening.  Me not listening to his music isn’t going to undo anything that has been done.

I’m sure that I could think of more problematic favs if I really thought about it.  But like I said earlier I don’t really like very much.  But now that I have confessed my sins back to #teambreezy.

Of all the annoying fan bases I’ve seen on social media #teambreezy is honestly the worst and that says a lot.  They bother me more than the idol worshipping, bullying Beyhive. They need therapy worse than self depreciating, chronically depressed Dallas Cowboy fans.  #teambreezy irks me more than Trump supporters.

#teambreezy has been out here looking stupid for years.  These women publicly fawn over a man that is as well known for beating the living hell out of a woman than for his music.  This goes beyond having a crush on a bad boy rock star.  I really think that there is something wrong with these girls.

So why are any of us surprised by Chris Brown’s brash behavior and rudeness towards women?  He’s already proven that he is a horrible man with bitterness in his heart towards women.   And women have proven that they don’t care.  He still has plenty of willing female companions and a legion of fans.  This is why women and feminism don’t get taken seriously.  Women don’t even demand basic respect and kindness such as don’t severely beat a woman in the face.

Chris Brown did his time under the law so he is free to further his career.  I can understand #teambreezy positively critiquing and enjoying the music.  But these psychos are in love with him.  If they had the chance to have an abusive relationship with Chris Brown they would jump at the chance.

#teambreezy reminds me of the episode of The Office when Jim was talking to Dwight about his dream life.  Dwight mentioned his boss.  Jim stopped him and asked him why he had a boss in his dreams.  Dwight defended having a boss in his fantasy life as opposed to being the boss or being independently wealthy.  #teambreezy is in love with a man that is a known abuser.  Of all the celebrities they could have a fantasy relationship with they choose the one that beat a woman in the face.  Some people can’t be helped.

The Black drama channels love to expose colorist attitudes of Black male celebrities.  I’m tired of that and don’t care anymore.  It’s beating a dead horse at this point and nothing is changing.  Black people are really starting to bore me with this s—.

team breezy

Chris hasn’t learned anything from the criticism he’s getting either.  He is digging his heels in and saying that only ugly women are mad.  That’s not a very good business model.  If you were running a diner would you tell people that they have to be solid 8/10s to be served in your restaurant.  If you did that you would go out of business pretty fast.  And Mr. Brown is thirty years old saying this foolishness.  THIRTY!

It’s obvious that most famous men like thin women. Imagine one of the Jonas Bros. or an MLB pitcher or whatever publicly making rude remarks about overweight women and telling them that they would never have anything to do with them. Feminists would go off and no one would be defending his preference or telling them that they are too sensitive. But then again men wouldn’t dare publicly insult White women even if they aren’t his type.  For some reason there is a minority of men that feels the need to scream from the rooftops what their preferences are even when they are not asked.

So I’m glad that Chris made that nasty remark in his song.  I hope that it will help #teambreezy snap out of their trance since the pictures of Rhianna’s battered face don’t seem to make a difference.  Stop being taken advantage of ladies.  Chris Brown doesn’t like you.  You’re just a cash cow to him.  He doesn’t even really like women with so called good or nice hair or however he phrased it.  They are disposable vaginas to him.  Put your Chris Brown fandom behind you and move on.  It’s OK we’ve all loved and admired the wrong person at one time or another.

Waitressing While Black – Shannon in Kansas City

I have had several customer service jobs in my life.  My career has mostly consisted of working in retail and I have had restaurant jobs as well.  I have learned a lot about the human race while working as a public servant.  Some of it is good.  Some is just matter of fact.  Much of what I’ve learned is disappointing.

I am a Black woman and I’ve noticed that some customers treat me differently than my non Black counterparts.  I have had retail sales jobs where I greeted a customer and asked them if I can help them find anything.  They would coldly tell me that they were just looking and barely make eye contact.  A non Black store employee would approach them a minute later and the customer’s entire demeanor would change and they gladly let the non Black store associate assist them.  I have witnessed this scenario time and time again.

The world has a coldness and condescending attitude towards Blacks.  I have often felt that a lot of non Black people have a hard time interacting with Black people without trying to correct or dominate them in some way.  A lot of non Black people feel like it is their right to dominate any interaction with a Black person.  Sometimes they try to dominate through subtle hints which express disdain for the Black party and sometimes they are more aggressive.

I currently work as a server at a chain restaurant that is popular across the U.S.  I had a string of customers over the weekend that were very course and rude over the weekend.  Now I’m sure you’re saying all servers have dealt with rude customers and you would be right.  But I’ve been Black a long enough to know when I’m dealing with the passive aggressive “You ain’t shit nigger” type of rudeness which is pervasive throughout America.

These particular customers had harshness in their eyes and were very coarse with their words.  If I said something to clarify their order they would snap back in a snotty way in order to imply that I was stupid.  Some of them avoided eye contact all together when speaking and talked down into their plates.  They were very cold, distant, dismissive and rude.  This type of behavior is common in Missouri.  I’ve never thought that people here are very nice.

People love to find and excuse for racist behavior so I want to say that these particular customers had nasty attitudes as soon as I approached their table so I know it was nothing I did.  It was the way I looked that made them so hateful.  Some may tell me to just suck it up sister.  Believe me I have.  Sucking it up and toughing it out gets tiring.  So I’m writing about my experiences as a creative outlet and to let my voice be heard among the handful of people that read this blog. (Thank you)

I want to encourage any other Black public servants out there to keep your head up and be professional.  It’s not your problem my friend it’s theirs.  Keep working hard.  Don’t let the prejudice and hatred on someone else’s heart affect you in anyway.  Like Beyoncé said “Always be gracious your best revenge is your paper”.

#oscarssowhite – Shannon in Kansas City

Gold Trophy ca. 2000

#OscarssoWhite is a trending hash tag that is meant to bring attention to the lack of diversity in the work that the film academy recognizes as excellent.  All of the nominees for acting awards that are nominated are White.  To this I say so what.  Hollywood is not special.  I think that people perceive Hollywood to be liberal and progressive but if you pay attention to the work that they put out and recognize as excellent it is clearly seen that they have a very narrow scope of how they view people of African descent.

The film industry is a vehicle that White people use to affirm themselves.  Hollywood is there to tell White stories.  Even when they tell stories about a person or group of people that are not White they still manage to make a White person the protagonist of the film.  Good examples of this are “Dancing with Wolves” starring Kevin Costner and “The Impossible” starring Naomie Watts.

Most industries that create celebrities i.e. movies, films, music, fashion are White affirming.  They put White people on a pedestal and tell the masses how beautiful, talented and brilliant they are.  This happens even when they mimic Black culture.  Sometimes the object of the admiration and attention deserves it but other times their fame is a product of social media hype and gossip magazine stories.  The only exception is athletics and that’s because it is mostly objective.

I’m sure there are Black actors that deserved to be recognized for their work this year but did not get the proper accolades.  But that is what happens to Black people in the American work force at large.  It’s happened to me more than once.  The American work force affirms White people and I am not White.  Sorry, but I don’t have time to feel bad for Idris Elba or Ice Cube’s son.  They are certainly better off than I am.

Black Americans really need to grow up and stop being so surprised by racism.  This country has never seen us as equal and it may never.  Please stopping begging for acceptance.  I feel that the desire to be validated and accepted by mainstream culture is one of the biggest burdens that Black Americans face.

Art is a subjective thing and there is no way to argue what is worthy of recognition and what is not.  To complain about the Oscars lacking diversity is a petty, first world concern.  People of African descent live with a lower quality of life than their peers in almost every category.  That is true of Blacks that live in industrialized prosperous countries as well.  Let’s set our priorities straight and let pampered actors have their evening to themselves.  My life is not going to be changed in any way if Idris Elba wins an Oscar.

http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/18/jada-pinkett-smith-academy-oscars-video/

Night Life Dress Code – Shannon in Kansas City

One of my new year resolutions was to practice and improve my Latin dance skills.  There is a dance club in a casino in my area that has a Latin themed night every few weeks.  I decided to go last night.  I was in a festive mood because the Kansas City Chiefs won their first round playoff game.

When I got dressed for the club I decided to show my Kansas City Chiefs spirit and wear my Chiefs jersey, skinny black pants and high heeled black leather boots.  It was feminine, cute and appropriate for that day in history.  You’ll just have to take my word for it there are no pictures.

I showed up to the dance club and the bouncer said that they don’t allow sports jerseys.  I turned and walked away without saying anything even though I was very offended and upset by this.  I have been to this club before.  It is not a high fashion crowd nor is Latin Night at the Voo Doo Lounge at Harrah’s Casino a black tie affair.

I later called the VooDoo Lounge and spoke with a supervisor about their policy.  I asked what they assumed about me because I was wearing a sports jersey.  He said he didn’t assume anything and that many people were turned away that night for wearing sports jerseys.  He apologized and I believe he was sincere.  I’m sure he’s not the person that makes these rules.  But that did not make me feel any better about what happened.

I am African American, youngish (people think I’m a lot younger than what I am.) and I had on a sports jersey.  I felt as if I had been profiled as a gang banger or some type of criminal.  I’ve managed to live a pretty straight laced and somewhat accomplished life so far so this was pretty insulting to me.

I don’t exactly have a problem with night clubs having dress codes.  I wouldn’t mind if they required men to wear suits and ties and women wear dresses or dress slacks and blouses.  The problem that I have with night club dress codes is that they tend to be racist.

Night club dress codes tend to read as follows:

  • No jerseys
  • No plain white tees
  • No scarves or bandanas
  • No gym shoes

I even read about a dance club once having a policy that read:

  • No dreadlocks

All of these things are what some call urban culture and urban is synonymous with Black.  They are pretty much saying that Blacks should stay away unless you conform to the mainstream norm.  In their mind they are saying Blacks can come in as long as you act more White.

I have never heard of a night club with a policy that reads:

  • No tattoos
  • No body piercings
  • No unnaturally colored hair
  • No Doc Martins
  • No motorcycle related wear

I’ve never heard of a policy such as that and I couldn’t even imagine one like it being made or enforced.  No business establishment wants to insult potential White patrons like that.  The same establishments don’t extend the same respect to it’s potential Black clientele.  Night club dress codes are just an indirect way to discriminate against Blacks.