Why Respectability Politics Doesn't Work
Oftentimes, in the black community, black parents, uncles and other family members will encourage the youth to pursue their education in hopes of attaining the American Dream. Education is seen as a ticket to solving life’s problems as an underrepresented race in America. They might also say something along the lines of “don’t you think you should get your haircut” if a black man has dreadlocks or “be careful not to give off the wrong impression,” if a young lady’s sartorial presentation doesn’t fall within the Eurocentric standards of professionalism. Although old heads often say these things with good intent, not only are they damaging to those on the receiving ends of them, but they aren’t particularly protective measures either.
The reality is that no matter your credentials, if your hair is in an afro or permed, if you have on a suit or tennis shoes, non-black people tend to merely see you as black. Whenever a black male is approached by an officer, they aren’t considering whether or not that man has an advanced degree or a six-figure salary. The black PhD is hated in America just as much as a black person who works as the corner store in an urban area. Remember that.
Photo Credit:
Obama - Chesnot/Getty Images (USA Today)
Snoop - John Parra/Getty Images (billboard)
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.