This is for my Niggas! (A Rant)

Sometimes it’s annoying that there’s this unspoken expectation for black people to excel, do some world-changing shit, and stand out in extraordinary ways, especially in spaces where systemic inequalities have historically limited access to opportunities. I mean, damn!! what’s wrong with just staying black and dying? Whoever started segregation and racism, I hope hell is having its way with your body parts. And I don’t want to hear that there were slaves in Africa, white people love to bring that shit up, especially when racism and slavery are the topic. Please remember, the title for this post is “This is for my Niggas!” and nonblack people if you said the word Nigga in your head while reading this, you are racist lol. The joys of using the word Nigga in things that non-black people will read or sing lol.

Back to my rant. Now, of course, there are upsides to these expectations, like our strides, abilities, and achievements usually stand out more, and that can be a good thing while also going back to some annoying shit because it can cause others to feel intimidated. Lawd!! Being black can be so complicated sometimes, but I wouldn’t change it for a million dollars, maybe I would temporarily, when it is convenient, then go back to being black. Yup, I said it, when it’s convenient, you could act like you wouldn’t, but I’m gonna keep it 100%, shit!

Now in Sagittarius fashion, I also gotta do the philosophical shit because that's what we do, especially when we (Sagittarius) want to sound intellectual and shit, but also because we are, duh, so here goes; The expectation to be great, has in many ways affected the way some of us carry ourselves around others that are intimidated by our blackness, causing some of us to shrink ourselves to make others feel more comfortable with the characteristics of our blackness for example, the amplification of our voices, our ability to be some cool ass motherfuckers, our ideas, creativity, and different perspectives we bring to different spaces because our existence tends to be considered niche which is so ridiculous if you ask me. Many people lack the ability to be empathetic to the black experience, so they can't comprehend our ability to stand out since we are the “Other" to them. Pretty much racism and segregation have mindfucked our thoughts, views, and opinions so here we are.

Even with the rhetoric and bullshit that comes with the black experience, for some of us, we must create impact to forge a path for more inclusion and diversity in different spaces, and sometimes that will take us being brave enough to stand out and not give a fuck if we make others uncomfortable, especially if we are not doing it intentionally and regardless, the uncomfortability felt by other people regarding our existence has absolutely nothing to do with us. it is not our job to manage the triggers of others. We also cannot continue to leave it up to our non-black counterparts to create diversity and inclusion in spaces. They could only be the catalyst that opens the door. So, for those with white savior syndrome, sorry to break it to you, but you truly do not have the power nor hold the key to create diversity and inclusion in any space. You can only be somewhat of a catalyst, and at least that still counts for something that you can add to your little ego boost. 

In conclusion, we can’t have it all, and everything will have its upsides and downsides, even when it comes to all our existence, whether black, white, Asian, indigenous, etc. Thanks for attending my TED talk.  Be sure to come back to my blog soon for more thoughts with wit, wisdom, profanity, and truth with a twist. Love YA!!