Even If You’re In a Benz, You’re Still A….

In light of the unmasked racial tension that has subsequently set our country back several years, the topic of conversation among black people has been white folk.

On social media, there are discussions about how we allow white people to treat us. Debates about how we scale success in comparison to that of white folk. Most recently, criticisms about who we allow into our sacred space and culture. Although opinions vary and everyone has the right to their own, it seems as though our lives are loosely based around the standards of white people. Why is that?

Why do we have to act a certain way to be accepted in the work place. Why do we always have to “go high, when they go low,” so that we aren’t judged or labeled as “angry” or “unruly”? Why can’t we complain about the way we are treated in a country that prides itself on the constitutional right of freedom of speech? Why is it always our duty to conform to the standards of the people who refuse to accept us?

Even in Hollywood, black people struggle to be recognized for their hard work and efforts by platforms that choose to exclude them. Last year, if you recall, there was an entire movement about the Oscars failing to recognize black people in the industry. However, instead of creating their own platform to be recognized among the people who accept them, they chose to boycott. But, this has been something that has been going on for years, so why do we care that much? Since the beginning of time, Hollywood has limited African Americans to submissive and or controversial roles to discredit the growth and progression of the race. While, lead roles for black people have increased dramatically, based on the standard of white people, we have nothing to show for it. Same with the Grammy’s.

We have the BET awards, NAACP awards as well as the Soul Train awards, but are they really held to a high regard? Especially in comparison to a Grammy or an Oscar? I could understand if the playing field was level, but it’s not so, what now?

What is the solution? I don’t know if there is an answer to any of these questions, or even a solution. But, what I do know, is that instead of trying to be the best person we could be in the eyes of the white man, we have the power to create a standard of our own. Our community and culture is one of the most awed and influential cultures in this country. Imagine what we could accomplish if we stick together and profit off of the things that we create.