Nowadays, it has become inevitable that during early-morning social media surfing, I will come across a blog or article where a Black writer will bemoan Black people’s lack of inclusion in some venture.
I have read countless think pieces on the lack of diversity of skit shows, late night talk show hosts, singing competitions, dating competitions and even movies such as Noah. Whenever one of these articles is written, it’s expected that all Black people should rally behind the cause and fight for Black folks to have an increased presence in whatever part of society we’re being neglected full access into.
So a lot of people truly can’t understand why I not only refuse to support inclusive-campaigns, but why I feel that many of them are actually hurting the Black community.
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First, let me be 100% clear in saying that I DON’T think inclusion is bad because I’m of the opinion we live in a world where all things are equal right now. I KNOW Black people are suffering at the hands of systemic prejudice.
True, Black folks in North America are A LOT better off than our ancestors. But the sad fact is that the problem with our society today is that far too many people believe racism is a thing of the past, when it’s just as prevalent and potent as it was four decades ago.
So why do I believe constantly complaining about inclusion is hurting the Black community? Because when we continually bitch about not being included, we not only overlook our ability to create something for ourselves, but we also diminish whatever it is that we already have for ourselves.
LAB
Lincoln Anthony Blades blogs daily on his site ThisIsYourConscience.com, he’s an author of the book “You’re Not A Victim, You’re A Volunteer” and a weekly contributor for UPTOWN Magazine. He can be reached via Twitter @lincolnablades and on Facebook at This Is Your Conscience.