Culture
BLACKFISHING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE INTENTIONAL IN ORDER TO OCCUR
Blackfishing is the new Blackface and white artists are cashing in.
Buckle up kids, we’re going to school.
What is Blackfishing?
According to Urban Dictionary, blackfishing is perpetuated by females of European (white) descent which involves artificial tanning and using makeup to manipulate facial features in order to appear to have some type of Black ancestry.
The point of blackfishing is to visibly appear Black or ethnic.
But I would like to expand upon this definition in the following ways: it is not limited to women and can be perpetuated by any gender (or lack thereof), the perpetrator does not have to be strictly white but can be any non-Black person, and the goal can also be to look racially ambiguous or like another ethnic race that is not their own. And the ultimate goal or the visual effect is not always to appear Black but can be to appear racially ambiguous or like another ethnic minority.
Blackfishing has some ties to cultural appropriation, the latter of which does not have to include darkening of the skin but might include the use of language/vernacular/slang, fashion, style, hair, etc. but blackfishing feels like the more extreme (and insidious) form of cultural appropriation.
Why is it Wrong?
Blackfishing, like cultural appropriation (especially of Black culture, including Black American culture specifically, by non-Black people), allows non-Black people to use Black culture as they see fit. Antiblack racism means that Black people are often ignored or even dismissed for appearing, behaving like, and embracing their own culture and natural looks. White and non-Black people using Black culture, using BAVE (Black American Vernacular English), singing Black genres and styles, dancing Black dances, and cooking Black recipes (successfully), are all seen as exceptional.
When a visibly Black woman (especially if she is dark-skinned and monoracial) talks with BAVE, especially if done consistently, she is looked down upon as uncouth and ghetto. If a white or non-Black woman does it, it’s seen as cool and trendy by the non-Black masses. However, a lot of Black people (though there are exceptions), see it as thievery and clownish. We are right.
When it comes to the entertainment industry, Black people, especially Black women, are encouraged to straighten their natural hair, downplay their Blackness and culture, talk with less BAVE, and even as extreme as to tell them to bleach their skin if they are darker in some cases. They are often told they will see no success unless they do these things in order to appeal to white and non-Black audiences, especially if they are in predominantly white/non-Black groups, spaces, companies, management, etc.
Meanwhile, white and non-Black people can certainly employ the use of blackfishing and cultural appropriation but can stop whenever it ceases being convenient for them. A blackfish can take off their makeup, fake tans (or let natural tans wear off if such applies), change their hair or remove certain styles or pieces, and change their wardrobe.
Black culture should not be something for non-black people to put on or take off like a coat. It should not be used for their success and adoration, while the people who created it get paid dust for utilizing it themselves. White and many non-Black audiences would rather get the Black culture they crave in the form of non-Black faces.
Have we forgotten that saying? Love Black culture, hate Black people?
Some Noteworthy Examples
In the following sections, we will discuss Ariana Grande, and Amethyst Kelly (I will not be using her stage name, I don’t say it, Google her real name I provided or look at the pictures if you need to know who she is), and finally Jesy Nelson.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande (which I’m told is actually pronounced GRAN-DEE, instead of the more Spanish-sounding GRON-DAY as one would normally expect from the spelling of that name), just irks me. She is so incredibly talented and could, and should, be easily rooted for by me and other Black people engage in critical race theory. But Grande’s incessant blackfishing makes that a non-starter, for me at least.
Ariana is a very prime example of a blackfish who does not try to appear Black necessarily, and while she has been open and honest about being Italian, I’m sure she and her team know how many of her fans think she is a racially ambiguous Latina, especially since the vast majority of the public pronounces her name the way they do.
What is important to note about blackfishers and why you should not dismiss claims of blackfishing simply because “they never claimed to be anything other than white” or non-Black, is because of the many subtle or overt things they do that add up to looking or seeming ethnic. For Ariana we have her collagen that makes her lips bigger, other plastic surgery she did, her use of makeup and/or tanning to make her skin darker, and also her speaking voice.
Ariana definitely spoke differently earlier in her career compared to lately. You can hear her higher-pitched voice which was characteristic of Cat Valentine from Victorious and Sam & Cat. Mind you, she still sounded similar (just less loopy and airheaded, as were key for the character) when she spoke in interviews. Since becoming a pop star specializing in more R&B influences, she tends to speak with more BAVE and BAVE influences, last I checked. (If that has changed at all, please let me know in the comments below.)
Amethyst Kelly
Amethyst Kelly is one of the best examples of why blackfishing and cultural appropriation are so toxic. Forbes magazine was all too happy to post an article stating “Hip Hop Is Ran By A White, Blonde, Australian Woman”. Backed and endlessly defended by T.I. (whose own colorism has garnered him some serious side-eye by many even before more recent events and allegations of a different nature altogether), Amethyst Kelly was ushered into Black Hip Hop culture on a white carpet.
Azealia Banks famously broke down why the praising of white and non-Black people in Black spaces and genres is so wrong in her Hot 97 interview. Obviously, these days Azealia is infamous for her hot takes, controversial opinions, trolling, and endless feuds, but I still stand by the fact that during that entire interview she told absolutely no lies. I still watch it from time to time (while also praying Azealia is taking better care of herself and will grow more as a person).
Some of you might think it bold of me to side with Azealia Banks of all people, especially since Amethyst never did or said a lot of things Banks did. But as I mentioned before, Amethyst was allowed in and given every chance, but Azealia, who is far more talented (don’t @ me) was not and was disparaged against as a dark-skinned Black woman. Did Banks and does Banks often respond to her pain and injustices against her in the worst possible ways? Yes, but that doesn’t mean the hurt wasn’t there or that her obvious issues came out of nowhere.
But back to Amethyst Kelly. Thanks in part to Azealia Banks’ rousing interview, but eventually Amethyst sort of fell off, to many Black people’s relief. Her departure signaled to white and non-Black (and any misguided Black) executives that white people would no longer be widely accepted and praised by the Black community for cultural appropriation. While Amethyst Kelly was gone, there was an uptick of non-white but still non-Black artists doing virtually the same exact thing she did. The only difference was they were ethnic, so non-Black, and unfortunately even a lot of Black, fans rooted for them, hard. So where would that leave Amethyst Kelly in her eventual return as well as artists coming after her? Blackfishing.
Even before her more blatant visual blackfishing shown above in the far right image, Amethyst Kelly also used collagen to make her lips bigger and other plastic surgery (including body surgery) in order to give a black-ER aesthetic while still retaining her original skin color and blonde hair color. More glaringly back then was her “vocal blackface” where she used a very overt and heavy BAVE affectation in her rapping in order to appeal to fans. She is Australian and in her interviews you know full well she has a very strong Australian dialect. Her rap voice is not only blatantly BAVE, but is specifically a very southern version of it, and seeing as she was signed by T.I., this cannot be a coincidence. Amethyst Kelly being praised and lauded for her “music” in a voice and style that isn’t even remotely close to her authentic self is simply deplorable for her, T.I., her team, and any and all apologizers and excusers.
Jesy Nelson
Now we finally come to Jesy Nelson, my main reason for writing this article in the first place. Her responses to the backlash she has received for blackfishing also inspired the title of this article.
Let me start by stating that I Just got into Little Mix’s music and became aware of the girls, some of their history, and have heard their music. I also saw Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s documentary Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop and Power. As this group and these artists are far more popular in their native country the U.K., I’ll give a brief rundown on who they are and what the situation is.
Little Mix is a pop group from the U.K. that was formed in the eighth season of the British X Factor series. Each singer auditioned as solo artists but was formed into a group by Kelly Rowland, and the group eventually won that season. The group has garnered a strong fanbase and is very successful, especially in the U.K. Eventually Jesy Nelson left the group, citing low self-esteem and poor mental health being primary reasons, as she was often compared to the other girls. She explained that she was often fat-shamed and eventually started starving herself on occasion as a result. Allegedly, when she announced she was leaving, her group mates were supportive, assuming she would take time to work on her mental health.
What followed was actually that Jesy decided to embark on a solo career, starting with a single titled “Boyz” inspired by Diddy’s famous “Bad Boy for Life” and featuring Nicki Minaj, who also previously collaborated with Nelson and the rest of Little Mix for their song “Woman Like Me”. Many fans noted how dark Jesy’s skin looked, her lips, and her curly hair and called her out for blackfishing in a video heavily using Black culture. Others agreed that Jesy was also fetishizing a very stereotypical portrayal of Black men in her song (“I like them tattoos, them gold teeth”).
Jesy’s Response to the Blackfishing Allegations
Jesy was apparently surprised that people assumed she was blackfishing. She explained in an interview with Vulture magazine that she was “just 100 percent being myself” and that she loved Black culture and Black music. In another interview with The Guardian, she stated “The whole time I was with Little Mix I never got any of that. And then I came out (of the band) and people were all saying it.” She elaborated “I wasn’t on social media around the time, so I let my team (deal with it) because that was when I’d just left. But I mean, like, I love Black culture. I love Black music. That’s all I know; it’s what I grew up on. I’m very aware that I’m a white British woman; I’ve never said that I wasn’t.”
Let me break down what’s wrong with these statements and why they don’t prove Jesy isn’t blackfishing. “100 percent being herself” is subjective. Only people who know her personally can corroborate that her behavior, music choices, and other non-visible traits are really authentically her. However, blackfishing is not about that, at least not completely. It’s more so about the physical act of changing one’s appearance in order to look or seem racially ambiguous or Black. And as we saw in her picture from her past, she did not use to look the way she does now. I feel that what Jesy was actually attempting to do was explain why she is not a cultural appropriator, but rather a cultural appreciator. Again, not the exact same thing as blackfishing in terms of her appearance.
In Empressive’s excellent video discussing Jesy, the allegations, Nicki Minaj’s defense of Jesy, etc., she brought up a very good example of a white artist who, while clearly influenced by Black culture, had never blackfished or culturally appropriated. The R&B singer JoJo has never once darkened her skin, worn Black woman-centric hairstyles, or done anything else to make herself appear more ethnic, or closer to Black. Please check out Empressive’s video on the whole situation, she explained it all very eloquently and precisely.
Vulture reported that Jesy did also later email the publication, stating: “I take all those comments made seriously. I would never intentionally do anything to make myself look racially ambiguous, so that’s why I was initially shocked that the term was directed at me.” Intentional or not, two plus two equals four. Whether she meant to or not does not change that that is what has happened.
Nicki Minaj Weighs in and Slams Leigh-Anne Pinnock
Before I start, let me be very clear: I am a fan of Nicki Minaj. I love her music, I love her face, I love her personality (most of the time), and I think some of the hate she gets is pure and simple misogynoir and people want to see her fail. I also don’t love a lot of the company she keeps. But I won’t elaborate on that part when it comes to her personal life except to say that, for me, and only me, the crimes of people around her and theirs and not hers. And people need to keep the same energy for faves that have done actual crimes themselves, including ones they themselves admitted to… but we won’t talk about that here.
I am only addressing what Nicki said in her Instagram live on which she had recently (at the time of this posting) had Jesy Nelson on as a guest, in which Nicki attempted to debunk Jesy’s blackfishing allegations. I still love Nicki, and always will, but I disagree with her points in defending Jesy and attacking Leigh-Anne.
Nicki took to Instagram live around October 11th, 2021 (or maybe 10th, I saw a live stream of it on YouTube) to have a kiki with Jesy Nelson and give the girl her flowers on their collaboration. Towards the end, Nicki brought up the allegations. She said a lot, so I recommend seeing the clip for yourselves on YouTube, a lot of channels have it up. I will just discuss the things that stuck out to me.
Nicki starts by saying that “as soon as people can’t get a bag with you, they want to stop your bag”. This was clearly in reference to Leigh-Anne and/or Little Mix as a whole. This implies that any issues Leigh-Anne allegedly had with Jesy’s blackfishing are motivated by jealousy that Jesy is now solo and doing great without the group.
She used a false equivalence when trying to downplay blackfishing, saying “I’ve worn blonde wigs down to my feet” and saying that if white women can’t do certain things, Black women shouldn’t be allowed to rock Eurocentric styles and colors. But a Black woman wearing straight hair, wigs, or weaves of any color, is not the same thing as a white woman, who already is the face of Eurocentric beauty standards, dabbling in Black styles for cool points. Because a white person will get praise from other white people (and even some nonwhites, even Black) for Black culture which on them is trendy, edgy, or cool. Meanwhile, Black people, especially women, are told to straighten their hair and downplay their culture for employment, interviews, education (remember those Black girls in schools sent home for wearing their natural hair?), etc. While unfortunately there are some Black people who want to be white or be seen as white, first of all, good luck with that in this reality, second of all it doesn’t change the fact that Black culture is only acceptable or palatable when it’s non-Black people utilizing it. A Black person who can sing well, yawn. A white person who can sing soulfully? Get them a record deal, yesterday.
Nicki also goes into how if someone was working with someone for almost ten years (as Jesy had been a part of Little Mix for almost ten years) and felt something was so bad, but didn’t say anything until that person left, that they were basically foolish. This puts the onus of responsibility on the person (obviously meant to be Leigh-Anne by context), instead of the person doing the harm (Jesy). Nicki should understand, as a Black woman herself in the industry, that black women don’t have the same kind of power and leeway to express themselves and their frustrations without being seen as “difficult” or a “bitch”. This is actually something Nicki herself has personally faced and talked about for a very long time and has felt strongly about. She’s also talked about how a non-Black person or girl can get away with behaviors that Black women cannot in the music industry.
Most of Nicki’s issue with Leigh-Anne had to do with messages Leigh-Anne allegedly sent to a Tik-Toker, citing Jesy’s blackfishing and criticizing it. Nicki felt that Pinnock doing this, again which is currently unverified if it was actually her at all, was “stopping Jesy’s bag” and made Pinnock look like “a jealous bozo” saying that if Leigh-Anne “wants to go solo, just say it.” Nicki felt that if Leigh-Anne had an issue, it should have been addressed long before Jesy left the group and embarked on a solo career.
What Should Leigh-Anne Have Done? Is It ALL On Her?
Does Nicki, does anyone, really think that Leigh-Anne could have said something and made some noise? especially before the current social climate calling out antiblackness, cultural appropriation, blackfishing, and the like, that Leigh-Anne would not have been at serious risk of being fired and probably replaced? During the live, Nicki also keeps saying “trying to stop people from feeding their families” to paint Jesy as a victim so that if she lost her career she couldn’t feed her family. Would the same thing not happen to Leigh-Anne if she had spoken out, Jesy cried white tears, or otherwise, Leigh-Anne got labeled as “difficult” and lost her job?
But that is pure speculation on my part. We don’t know if Leigh-Anne was really silent the whole time, or if Jesy’s blackfishing was brought up privately. In fact, Jesy admitted during the live with Nicki that Leigh-Anne nor Jade (another ethnic member of the group, though non-Black) hadn’t said anything to her for the most part until the last music video they filmed. Leigh-Anne had reached out privately to make Jesy aware of how she was coming across in her appearance.
But the most important thing to note about whether or not Leigh-Anne, Jade, or anyone else should have said anything to Jesy is irrelevant because it was never Leigh-Anne or anyone else’s responsibility to stop Jesy from blackfishing. Jesy never should have been doing it in the first place and it never should have had to be any explanations, responses, or backlash whatsoever. Black people, even light-skinned visibly Black biracial people, have the right to deal with uncomfortable ethnic and racial situations however they see fit as long as they’re not committing crimes. If Leigh-Anne didn’t say anything, whether it was out of fear of being fired or not, that was her business. It’s not her job to hold other grown adults accountable for their actions. it’s theirs.
Nicki also implied that Leigh-Anne and other light-skinned biracial people “suddenly becoming Black this and Black that” (which seems to imply Nicki being aware of Leigh-Anne’s documentary) is silly if you were silent for years. That is certainly Nicki’s and other people’s opinion. But I don’t think it’s that simple. I think that visibly Black biracial or mixed people still face antiblack racism and they should be allowed to talk about it, at least without centering themselves in every conversation with other Black people about the same topic. If they are aware of colorism and light-skinned privilege, don’t shy away from it, and don’t think of their experience as comparable to or worse than a monoracial and/or darker-skinned Black person’s experience, then they should be allowed to share their experience. Especially Leigh-Anne who is the sole Black member of Little Mix, biracial or not. Nicki was always more vocal, but Nicki also was not a part of a group where she would have less autonomy. She was also not the only visibly Black member of such a group.
Besides all the needless caping and Nicki slamming Leigh-Anne in general, what is very upsetting is realizing that, once again, Nicki previously worked with Little Mix. During that time, Nicki was going through a lot of ordeals with her hate train and her feud with, she-who-shall-not-be-named. Little Mix, including Leigh-Anne, defended Nicki and made it clear that it was Queen Nicki herself and not that other girl who they wanted for “Woman Like Me” specifically, even though that person claimed that they went to her first or at all and that Nicki “stole” the song out from under her.
In Conclusion
The final thing I’ll say is that Nicki doesn’t need this kind of bad publicity in her life right now. When I previously mentioned the company she keeps, I didn’t just mean personal. Professionally she has worked with and rubbed knees with a lot of culture vultures: Ariana Grande (more than once), that weird snitch who allegedly also himself had at least one person murdered (the one with the colorful hair), Drake (who, while visibly Black, switches cultures and styles like he, hopefully, switches drawers), Jessie J (alongside Ariana in the same damn song to boot, for her it might be more so vocal and potential “appreciation” depending on who you ask. Ask me and I say the same thing I say about Adele: they seem nice and all, but they’re being praised for sounding Black), Eminem himself, and others. These artists are extremely popular, so business-wise they were great moves by Nicki for her career, but honestly, when these are the people you’ve worked with, you should probably not cast stones in glass houses.
As for Jesy, other blackfishers, and their apologists. I sincerely hope that you all understand that blackfishing, much like blackface (shout out to Robert Downey Jr., his stans, MCU stans, and apologists!), is what it is. I don’t care who co-signed or approved it. I don’t care which elite Blacks were like fasho (they don’t get to speak for the rest of us. And celebs need us and our money and our voices and platforms to keep them paid and relevant). I don’t care if you didn’t set out to hurt or offend anyone, because guess what? They’re hurt and/or offended. Jesy claims her hair is naturally curly and she didn’t want to keep damaging it to straighten or loosen those curls. But doesn’t dyeing it also damage it..? Correct me if I’m wrong. As for her tanning, I’m aware it is extremely popular in Europe and also parts of the U.S. She also said that she’s so blessed that her skin tans so easily and so well. I’m not saying you can’t tan. I’m saying that darkening your skin, via natural or artificial tanning or makeup when paired with very curly hair and collagen-enhanced lips… and you look racially ambiguous. Period. So when you look that way and continue to appreciate Black culture… it makes those videos look more palatable. And that’s not good.
Lifestyle
An Open Love Letter to Women With Deep Voices
Women with deep voices are the real sirens amongst us and they should always be celebrated.
Happy Pride Month, sapphics! To celebrate the month, I want to highlight women and marginalized genders that have lower octaves. I will be the first to admit that I love women with deep voices. I have always found that women with deep, raspier voices sound so sophisticated and luscious. The first woman I recall having a raspy voice on television was actress Bea Arthur. Her voice, to me at least, encapsulated what I thought a mature woman sounded like; worldly, enlightened, and spunky. Since then, my love for women with deeper voices has only increased as I’ve gotten older.
I was inspired to write this because I recall, Brittney Griner was trending on Twitter and there were trolls making fun of her voice. Of course, I didn’t see anything unusual about her voice, but I’m sure the way she also presents herself fuels the homophobia she receives online. It also made me think about how Blackness and gender expression impact different people. While Griner got ridiculed, it was just months later in the same year that Emma D’arcy went viral for talking about their favorite drink. Both talents tend to reject gender norms but Griner seems to receive more hate than D’arcy does ( neither of them should receive any hate based on how they talk or dress).
Black Women With Deep Voices Are The Real Sirens
For Black women and non-binary people, having a deeper voice is deemed acceptable based on your desirability to those viewing you through a heteronormative lens. For instance, the actress Demi Moore also has a raspy, smokey voice and throughout her career, she’s been heralded as a sexy symbol, and rightfully so. Even though she encountered a lot of sexism for her role in G.I. Jane, overall, she’s been adorned by fans for most of her career.
But many women have exquisite tones to their speaking voices that can make you melt. Actresses such as Gina Torres and Kym Whitley and singers like Nina Simone and Mariah Carey push their femininity envelope by embracing their deeper tone and carving out a lane just for themselves.
Whoopi Goldberg
“You in danger, girl!” Whoopi Goldberg has been famous all of my life. When I first saw her in Ghost I thought she was so beautiful and her voice sounded like a warm hug. Women with deeper voices tend to be amazing singers so I wasn’t surprised by her performance in Sister Act.
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins
Being the lead singer of one of the biggest girl groups in the world isn’t easy, but T-Boz made it look cool. I instantly fell in love with her raspy voice because it was distinctive from her other musical peers. I was so used to lead singers having soprano voices. But when I heard TLC for the time, I was giddy because I think T-Boz has an underrated voice.
Toni Braxton
The powerhouse, ballad singer sings with such a breathy and infectious tone, that it’s hard to ignore. Braxton’s contralto voice and melodies continue to set her apart from her soprano peers.
Nobody can deny the power in Bassett’s voice. In every role she has played, she continues to be the brightest star on-screen.
Angela Bassett
Arguably one of the best thespians in human history, Angela Bassett continues to light up blockbuster films and television alike. With her alluring, smokey voice, she brings depth and unforgettable moments that never leaves your soul.
Beyonce
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There aren’t enough words to describe the Texan-born multi-talented entertainer and pop icon. Her voice is unmatched and with every album, she puts singers to the test as they try to replicate her riffs and runs. However, Beyonce’s speaking voice sounds like smooth honey in fresh, iced tea. It has a mix of raspy, cool tones that sounds warm and lush.
Jennifer Lewis
The Black momma of Hollywood who also enjoys nature has a voice that’s not only recognizable but unforgettable. She’s been the voice of Black Hollywood for decades spanning animated shows, movies, theater and the small screen. Her voice gives us hope, humor and encapsulates the beauty of Black womanhood.
Lorraine Toussaint
If you still haven’t watched Netflix’s She-Ra, you have no idea how villainous Toussaint can be. Besides, who doesn’t love a femme antagonist? Her career spans decades and if you haven’t seen Queen Latifah’s Equalizer, you are missing out on some epic acting.
There are more women who have lovely, deeper voices that will make you swoon, but for this list, it was best to focus on the cream of the crop of femme, lusty voices.
Culture
Join Sailor Moon Fans in Brooklyn to Celebrate Pride
For Sailor Moon’s birthday, moonies will join the Sailor Moon Fan Club podcast and host Victoria L. Johnson for a magical day party in Brooklyn.
Want to end your Pride Month on a magical note? If you do, you should make your way to Brooklyn, June. 30th for the Sailor Moon Fan Club podcast’s Sailor Moon Day Party! Join fellow Sailor Moon fans as they celebrate Pride and Sailor Moon’s birthday at Parklife located at 636 Degraw Street Brooklyn, NY 11217.
Happy birthday, Sailor Moon!
Guests can expect a fun day of fandom and pampering with fellow moonies. You can still get tickets on Eventbrite.
Here’s what’s going down at the Sailor Moon Day Party
Celebrate Usagi Tsukino’s birthday with a day of inclusive celebratory activities at Parklife. Here is a rundown on what moonies can expect according to the listing details:
DOORS | EVENT 2PM
In the name of the moon, join us for the last day of Pride Month as we celebrate Sailor Moon’s birthday at the second annual Sailor Moon Day Party!
This one-of-a-kind event includes:
A free nail station by @narinanails and @timsnailstudio (from 2-5 p.m.)
A free astrology readings by @natali.nicole (from 2-5 p.m.)
Access to a tattoo station with a selection of Sailor Moon-inspired art by @artbyjar (additional fees will apply)
Musical performances
Over a dozen giveaways (each ticket includes one free raffle ticket!)
Access to vendors selling anime-inspired goods
DJ sets by the Shonen Pump DJs, and DJ Highgnx and DJ Dimple from Sailor Boom Party
Hosted by podcast host and journalist, Victoria L. Johnson has created her own beloved fandom with her favorite anime: Sailor Moon. After launching her podcast just a few years ago, Johnson has built a dedicated and diverse following of Sailor Moon fans around the globe. Previous guests have included artists such as Cookie Kawaii, comedian Roxxy Haze and Sailor Moon voice actress Mary Long (she played Sailor Moon’s best friend Molly Baker from the DiC series).
This is the perfect way to wrap up Pride Month if you love fandoms. Grab tickets while you still can.
Intro and Disclaimer
Many of us have artists, shows, movies, music, games, and the like that we not only enjoy but are hard to give up. That is perfectly fine. However, when it comes to light or has always been known, that such content or the people behind it are terrible, it might be best to just enjoy it quietly, assuming you refuse to stop consuming it.
No one can stop anyone from watching or consuming things for the most part. It is up to the individual to make certain choices and whether or not to support certain people who do bad things. But the best thing many of us can hope for is for people deciding to continue or start consuming content from bad apples to at least not talk about it for the rest of us to see.
There is no set way to be a good person. Furthermore, what and who are considered “problematic” is highly subjective based on you, your environment and upbringing, and your own personal morals. However, some things are generally universally considered wrong.
There will be mentions of certain public figures and concepts including ab*se, SA, domestic violence, racism, queerphobia, and other forms of discrimination or bad behaviors. If any of these topics are unwanted in your reading experience, this article may not be for you.
We Don’t Need to Know What You Like
Posting can be addictive, and many of us are still looking for our tribe. Chances are that if you like a thing, whether it is controversial or not, there will be others who share that same interest. There are ways to find these folks, however, posting in mixed company or an extremely public setting means you open yourself up to scrutiny and also upset a lot of people. Beyond the backlash you may face and how that impacts you, it also affects a lot of others who didn’t ask to be triggered by mentions, images, clips, sounds, or the like of people or concepts that upset them.
While you cannot know what will upset whom or how much necessarily, generally there are some kinds of content, topics, or figures that ruffle feathers. If you are on social media and generally aware of certain things, then you should probably know or have some inkling of the controversy surrounding them. The bottom line is: read the room and find the folks who are already down to talk to, telling everyone just opens the door for people getting upset including you.
Examples of Problematic Topics and Content
You may not need a lot of examples and can think of several in the span of five seconds. Nevertheless, some people may need reminders of what causes a lot of issues for a lot of people. Racism, sexism and misogyny, sizeism especially fatphobia, ableism, queerphobia (homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, etc.), slut-shaming and shaming folks for not having sex, kink-shaming (within reason, because some kinks such as race play deserve to be at least critiqued), classism, and so many more.
Content that glorifies any of the above topics and does not critique or have anything constructive to say about them is deeply problematic. Series like The Idol which depict sexual abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, and other serious issues but have nothing to say about them or call them out in a serious, concrete manner, are worthless. Other shows and films that rely on sexuality and shock value but no substance are not to be taken seriously. If you’re there for sexiness or shocking elements, have at them, but don’t be shocked when people scratch their heads.
Comedy whose punchlines are essentially “controversy is funny, and liberals want to police humor” is hollow, meaningless, and unfactual. Comedians worth their salt can make jokes and find ways to relate to the audience without resorting to low-hanging fruit. Or assuming that shocking equals funny.
Examples of Problematic People and Figures
There are people whose actions or opinions have made them synonymous with certain messed up topics. The music and entertainment industries are riddled with them. R. Kelly, Chris Brown, Dr. Dre, Marilyn Manson, J.K. Rowling, Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, Eminem, Kanye West, Shia Lebouf, Sean Penn, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Chris Pratt, John Mayer, Jared Leto, Clint Eastwood, Michael Fassbender, Justin Timberlake, Joe Rogan, Seth Green, Joss Whedon, and the Pope, to name a few.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. You can find a myriad of examples when you consider public figures and noteworthy people across the board. These include politicians, religious leaders, royalty, and various others living or deceased. Your own set of morals will decide just how problematic folks can be. It also decides if you think they’re problematic in the first place.
In Conclusion
The choice is yours. You can openly support and big-up people who are objectively bad people. Or people who are simply aggravating and unsavory for a lot of folks. Just don’t be surprised if people around you side-eye you or decide you aren’t a good judge of character. Problematic favs are a thing for almost anyone, for no one is perfect. Even if we don’t know all of what everyone has done, everyone has sinned in some way. However, there is a difference between standing up for someone who cheated on someone and someone who harmed their partner.
Don’t make excuses for or ignore actual crimes and messed up stuff. It just makes it okay for anyone else to do the same things. For if your celebrity fav can be excused for SA, why go up in arms if you find out someone you know personally has done the same thing?
We must hold everyone to the same standard. As a people, we should want more for ourselves and for our communities. Accountability must be had.
But in the end, you can watch, lust after, admire, or support whoever and whatever you want. They can be as horrible, insufferable, or rude as possible for you or others. The thing is, no one else needs to know, outside of maybe others who share your interests. But publicly and in mixed company, read the room. Know what topics and people are controversial, if you don’t want to deal with people’s outrage or opinions. Like what you like, but let it be between you and yourself.
Culture
David Choe’s misogynoir is the new social currency in Hollywood
The new social media currency is misogynoir and David Choe is the latest to cash in on it.
Being a Black woman is hard. Navigating society knowing your life has little value to it because you’re not white or a man is frustrating. But it’s even worse knowing your life or existence can be a punchline, too. That’s the case for Black women regarding David Choe, who also stars in the hit show Beef, on Netflix. Choe shares the spotlight with Ali Wong (Tuca and Bertie), and Steven Yeun ( Invincible), who are both executive producers of the series. As the Netflix series Beef remains on their Top 10, a storm of anger, hurt, and silence swirls online after a video resurfaced of Choe admitting he raped a Black woman. David Choe is just another person cashing in on misogynoir to solidify his place in Hollywood.
How David Choe used misogynoir to get to Hollywood
The clip that’s circulating shows Choe recounting in disgusting detail how, when given a massage by a Black woman, he sexually assaulted her. The disconnect that Choe’s remarks possess is akin to Republicans’ pro-life stance while pressuring their mistresses to have an abortion. On Beefy, Choe plays Yeun’s violent, erratic cousin. The show initially garnered lots of praise, but ever since the 2014 podcast resurfaced again that’s all anyone can talk about online. In it, Choe talks about receiving a massage from a Black woman and assaulting her, going so far as to dub himself “a successful rapist.”
After pushback during that time, he released a statement and declared, “I never thought I’d wake up one late afternoon and hear myself called a rapist. It sucks.” Imagine that? The man who bragged about raping a Black woman, who proudly named himself a rapist, suddenly balks at the label sticking. Sure, he repeatedly claims the story is not real and was “bad storytelling,” but why is a story about harming a Black woman trying to do her job so funny? Because Black women are the demographic, you can victimize, belittle, and dehumanize, and still walk away unscathed and thriving, as evidenced by the fact that almost a decade later and Choe gets to be on a top Netflix series.
Hollywood remains silent when the victims are Black women
It’s about being Black and being a woman. When Jonathan Majors’s assault allegations first surfaced, people in the industry took to social media to express their anger. Meanwhile, Choe, who is not Black crowed about his horrific actions toward a Black woman, and many of those same people are silent. They are vocal when it’s a Black perpetrator, but when the victim is Black, especially a Black woman, it’s time to separate the art from the artist. This is why there is no meaningful change in Hollywood or elsewhere.
POC solidarity?
Each time people use their money and time to watch these shows or movies, they are telling Hollywood it’s a-okay to hire abusers. They ignore or don’t care that their money gives these predators more power, making them a hotter commodity in Hollywood, which means more people around them shielding them from accountability. Weinstein wasn’t cast aside for being a predator. Hollywood cast him out because he was going to cost everyone money. He was no longer an asset worth shielding.
I cannot confidently say that Netflix, Ali Wong, and Steven Yeun knew of Choe’s past. I know I did not. But then, I’m not his friend. Nor am I a big company with a staff capable to vet cast and crew before hiring. Choe might be silent on Twitter, but it appears he’s making moves as multiple Twitter accounts that shared the video of Choe’s confession or bad storytelling—take your pick—are being locked because of a DMCA takedown. Since the video resurfaced, Ali Wong has locked her tweets. No words out of any camp, and many outlets are still celebrating Beef.
All representation ain’t good
Books
25 September Black Book Releases To Add To Your TBR Pile
Here’s a short list of Black books that are releasing in September 2022.
Now that the heatwaves are gone and there is a chill in the air, it’s time to make space on your bookshelves for some new releases. While it’s entirely possible you might not read them right away, it’s good to save them to your Goodreads or Storygraph account. September is a mixed bag of books from Black authors but there are plenty of books in a number of genres for everyone. It doesn’t matter what your flavor is, you’ll find something that speaks to your soul.
From historical fiction to romance to non-fiction there are some eye-catching titles that you won’t want to miss this month. Some of the most anticipated books include debut authors such as Nigerian author Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi and her recent debut of Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions. It’s currently Roxane Gay’s book club selection as well. Ogunyemi presents a beautifully told story that combines four, authentic women’s voices to share their experiences of life, love and culture.
There’s plenty of Black-led and Black centering romance as well. For the gothic baddies, House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson puts a dystopian spin on her latest book. What if people choose to be servants of vampires if they knew it would elevate them out of poverty? This is a dark, gothic tale that you’d want to sink your teeth in.
While this isn’t a complete list of all the Black books coming out in September, it’s a good start for those who are looking for books by Black authors. Enjoy!
Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams
Overworked RJ can admit that Lear is attractive. It’s hard not to miss his charming smile. From strangers who awkwardly and abruptly meet, to exchanging unpleasantries to being co-workers for a wedding seems like something that can only happen in romance novels, right?
Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on Our Sex-Obsessed Culture by Sherronda J. Brown
Being Black and asexual in a society where Black people are often over-sexualized by default often leaves Black voices and experiences overlooked. While the language presented can be heavy at times, this intersectional critique of how society views and expects sexuality to perform in binary and heteronormative terms.
A Ghost in Shining Armor by Therese Beharrie
Looking for a lighthearted, paranormal romance? Gemma can see ghosts and she uses her gift to help the dearly departed finish their business with the living. However, it’s when she meets Levi and that is where things get complicated. Levi has lived and died and now he’s focused on helping Gemma. Can the living and formerly deceased find real love? Fans of Ghost and The Preacher’s Wife will enjoy this.
Dyslexia and Me: How to Survive and Thrive if You’re Neurodivergent by Onyinye Udokporo
If you’re Black and neurodivergent you will feel seen in this book. Udokporo who was featured in Forbes for discussing Neurodiversity And Entrepreneurship believes neurodivergent people can excel in entrepreneurship.
The Two Lives of Sara by Catherine Adel West
West is back with another powerful story about family and identity while centering a Black woman’s point of view. Sara, a complicated woman, is trying to start anew in Memphis to run away from her past in Chicago. For readers, enjoy the sweet treat of learning about other Black, obscure authors from yesterday through the eyes of the characters in the book.
The Black Cell by Wendy Shania
Are you looking for a new dystopian read? Set in Baltimore, MD in the near future, Black people are targeted by police at an all-time high. Ideal for readers who want to use the liberation framework in a sci-fi setting to highlight social injustices.
They Come At Knight by Yasmine Angoe
Serving as the follow-up to Her Name Is Knight, Nena Knight is back as the kickass assassin that I’d willing to do anything to protect the people she loves. While she works for a powerful organization, eventually the institution begins to crumble from the inside out and Nena has to face an uncomfortable revelation that will change her life forever.
To Win A Prince by Toni Shiloh
Iris seems to be living the dream. Using her keen sense of style to propel her business while being BFF with the Queen of a powerful African country certainly has its perks. But when she’s forced to work with the dejected Prince Ekon, they are both forced to admit their desires and wants.
Soul of the Deep by Natasha Bowen
Speaking of Black mermaids! This highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Skin of the Sea is available towards the end of this month. Bowen puts a dark spin on the classic mermaid lore with lots of action and consequences.
Where We End & Begin by Jane Igharo
Igharo is back again with a second chance about two former high school love birds who reunite at a wedding in Nigeria. It’s been twelve years since they made a vow to find a way to be together again and the time has finally arrived.
Drunk On Love by Jasmine Guillory
A seductive one-night stand turn office romance on the backdrop of a winery is not the tale you didn’t know you needed. It all goes down in Napa Valley when tech bro eye candy meets an entrepreneur working hard to maintain her family’s winery.
Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions by Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi
A powerful and poignant story that connects four women together from childhood to adulthood. This beautiful African diaspora literary fiction delivers a relatable story of how gender, class, race and nationality impact Black people globally.
The Attic Child by Lola Jaye
This historical fiction set in London in the early 1900s is an unnerving tale of two children who are bound to one attic in two different time periods. Despite 90 years separating both victims, the cruelty and injustice remain the same.
House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
Ready for some gothic fantasy with chilling vampire vibes? 19-year-old Marion is tired of struggling to survive. When she answers a peculiar ad in the newspaper looking for a “bloodmaid” in exchange for a finer life, she decides to pursue it. When she meets her new mistress a bloody and lustful relationship develops that could lead to Marionn’s demise.
Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm by Laura Warrell
One jazz musician named Circus has left a trail of scorned and infatuated women who are seeking to find their own voice without his validation. One of those women includes the former drummer he abandoned while she was pregnant. However, his now teen daughter admires him despite his poor choices.
People Person by Candice Carty-Williams
Dimple just turned 30 and now she’s faced with the hard truth being an influencer is harder than she thought. Life takes a turn and her ‘rolling stone’ papa has other children Dimple barely knows. If you love messy families and astrology, put this on your TBR (to be read) list now.
Rules of Engagement by Stacey Abrams bka Selena Montgomery
Abrams is back with another thriller but this time she adds some steamy romance. Two people, are both on a mission to find the truth while trying to ignore their attraction for each other as they infiltrate a terrorist organization.
Days Come and Go by Hemley Boum
If you are looking for more translated books by Black authors you do not want to miss this recently translated book by Cameroonian author Hemley Boum. While on her deathbed, a mother recounts her life to her daughter who is at her side and records her mother’s life experiences. Boum invites the reader to an authentic view of Cameroon by using historical events and multi-generational storytelling.
Rust In The Root by Justina Ireland
Ready for some Black alternate historical fantasy fiction? Of course, you are! It’s 1937 and America is divided into people who can wield magic and those that can not. Laura Ann wants to get her license so she can practice legally and branch out on her own. However, she’s having a tough time and finally enrolls in a government agency that is supposed to help America for the better.
On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
This historical fiction novel takes place during the 1950s. Picture a story about a Motown girl group set in California. The mother is trying to live vicariously through her daughters as a stage mom, while her daughters are looking to find their own paths that may or may not include music.
The Keeper by Tananarive Due
This ghostly graphic novel approaches horror through the story of grief. Aisha is still mourning her parents’ death and is sent to live with her grandmother in Detroit. However, her grandmother’s health is declining quickly. In her grandmother’s last efforts to protect her grandchild, she summons dark energy to protect her but the spirit feasts off the living to survive.
The Study of Human Life by Joshua Bennett
Poetry that invokes speculative elements to create a collection of Black conscious narratives. Bennett talks about fatherhood, and social justice topics and even resurrects Malcolm X.
Black Panther: Protectors of Wakanda: A History and Training Manual of the Dora Milaje from the Marvel Universe by Karama Horne
If you always wanted to learn more about the Dora Milaje, here’s your chance. Karama Horne, known as the pop culture reporter The Blerd Gurl, does a deep dive into the history of one of the most formidable warriors in comic book history. Learn how to train like the Dora Milaje just in time for New York Comic Con.
In the House of Transcendence by Amanda Ross
Give us more Black witches, please! Zora has powers that scare her but she’s learning to live with them. She leaves home and finds herself in the company of a powerful witch that offers her a unique opportunity to be a dancer at a magical burlesque club. Magic, murder and mayhem galore.
Vanessa Jared’s Got A Man by LaQuette
Vanessa is a happily divorced woman who has formed The Savvy, Sexy Single Club and she plans on being just that. But her plans are turned upside down on her second anniversary when a man claims his little sister is trying to marry her no-good ex. Vanessa could care less until she spots her stolen grandmother’s ring on another woman’s finger. Watch out for the fireworks— in more ways than one. Who doesn’t love a good mature second chance at a love story?
An Open Love Letter to Women With Deep Voices
Join Sailor Moon Fans in Brooklyn to Celebrate Pride
PSA: Keep Your Problematic Favs To Yourself
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