Tag Archives: racism

Crossing over Jordan Davis: On the Importance of Black Rage

This is an essay supposedly about the importance of Black rage for Jordan Davis and other Black children and all I can feel is this soul-numbing sadness. I have become an ostrich in regards to court cases involving Black children: I stubbornly refuse to read any articles or to acquaint myself with the circumstances untilContinue reading “Crossing over Jordan Davis: On the Importance of Black Rage”

Justin Bieber, Trayvon Martin, and the Racial Implications of Being a “Just a Kid”

Early yesterday morning, pop star Justin Bieber was arrested for driving under the influence. After swerving recklessly around the world for the past few months, the 19-year-old finally did what the public expected him to do: crash. When child stars “go bad,” a certain class of apologist emerges, explaining away the stars’ actions as theContinue reading “Justin Bieber, Trayvon Martin, and the Racial Implications of Being a “Just a Kid””

The Affluenza Problem with Justine Sacco’s Apology

Last Friday, Justine Sacco killed her career as a public relations officer with just 75 characters. But 75 seconds’ worth of reflection could have saved it. Okay, I’m lying. The amount of wrongness in the tweet shown above could not be rectified by a minute’s pause; she truly needed the benefit of all her 30Continue reading “The Affluenza Problem with Justine Sacco’s Apology”

Praise White Jesus + White Women: Notes on Kanye’s Yeezus Tour

Prelude: Is Kanye a puddle or an ocean?  I am a Kanye West fan. I once thought that Kanye West’s classic “Jesus Walks” meant that he would become hip-hop’s savior from all the ills that kept me from loving it in totality. I now understand that hip-hop itself will never be a vehicle for itsContinue reading “Praise White Jesus + White Women: Notes on Kanye’s Yeezus Tour”

On My First Time Being Racially Profiled

This story is alternatively titled, That One Time I Almost Fought a Racist Grandma. She was taller than me, but I think I could’ve taken her. Thanksgiving dinner saw my little family take a drive down I-20 to see relatives in Columbia, South Carolina. There is little to do in Columbia outside of shopping and wearingContinue reading “On My First Time Being Racially Profiled”