What would America be like if we loved black people as much as we love black culture?
As a black woman, that's the greatest question I have today as I look around this world.
It seems that being able to dress up as a black woman is more important than being able to stand up for a black woman.
Some of the creations, traditions, and cultural expressions of black people have been criticized and disrespected by white people for years. Only for those same components of black culture to be miscredited to white people. The appropriation of black culture has been a very popular and touchy, yet complex topic. There are those that get it, those that try to understand, and others who are just straight up oblivious. Although I will be discussing appropriation of black culture, others people like Native Americans, Asians, Latino/as, and Mexicans have all had their culture fallen victim to cultural appropriation. There's a misunderstanding between cultural appropriating and appreciating along with the overlooking of cultural assimilation.
In this blog, I will touch the surface of these concepts and hope to gain insight to other perspectives.
"Culture, in a sociological sense, is quite broad, and refers to the practices, beliefs, ideas, values, traditions, rituals, language, speech, modes of communications, material objects, and performances that are central to the social life of any given group of people. ....Appropriation is defined as the illegal, unfair, or unjust usage or taking of something that belongs to someone else"
-Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.
Appreciation
Cultural Appreciation also known as cultural exchange: the reciprocal exchange of symbols, artifacts, rituals, genres, and/or technologies between cultures with roughly equal levels of power (meaning one of the cultures can't be oppressed/marginalized). There is a level of respect and knowledge that comes with appreciating another culture. This examples of this includes giving credit where it's due, not wearing items, that is considered sacred, for a "fashion statement" or because it is "trendy", or trying to "pay homage" in ways that mock the values and traditions of another culture. Of course, there will be some blending and mixing of contributions, but all origins of the different parts of cultures should remain intact and not forgotten. There are correct ways to appreciate and participate in aspects of another culture without stealing from or disrespecting the individuals in that culture. This can be learned by communicating with those of the specific culture.
Assimilation
Cultural Assimilation also known as cultural dominance: the use of elements of a dominant culture by members of a subordinated culture in a context in which the dominant culture has been imposed onto the subordinated culture, including appropriations that enact resistance. This means that the subordinated culture is almost required to adhere to standards or else they will face consequences. Others may argue that black women try to imitate white women by straightening their hair, bleaching their skin, wearing blonde hair/extensions, and putting in colored contacts. However, they fail to acknowledge that black women, along with others, have been forced to assimilate to the ways of the dominant society (Caucasians) for survival.
Links to hair discrimination articles:
We are conditioned, by the dominant society, to hate the culture that we come from, the color of our skin, the hair that grows out of our head, and even our traditions and ways of life. We must be/act like "them", look like "them", talk like "them", and not ourselves in order for us to be "American" or to be on "their level" of existence. Everything about us is "wrong", unless they do it, then it's acceptable and praised. In order to be accepted and have a chance at a "good life", we are challenged to change and conform to the norms of society to get a good job, a chance at an education, and treated equally in life period. So, the women's heads are filled with lies as they fill their scalps with lye to be accepted. However, it doesn't matter the amount of chemical used to straighten my hair or bleach my skin, how proper I speak, or how educated I am, I could never change the fact that I am black.
Appropriation
Cultural Appropriation also known as cultural exploitation: the appropriation of elements of a subordinated culture by a dominant culture without substantive reciprocity, permission, and/or compensation. To add to this definition, the most significant ways of appropriation is often done with lack of respect, understanding, or proper representation. Basically, bashing and oppressing a culture for things they do, then hypocritically crediting their own culture for those contributions. Caucasians have been capitalizing on black culture. As far as I can go back and as many aspects I could cover, I will limit this to black music, language, and hairstyles because those components are deeply intertwined.
Beginning with black music, the art form Rock-n-Roll was originated by black musicians such as Ike Turner, Chuck Berry, and Big Mama Thornton. However, after having their sounds "borrowed," it was credited to artist such as The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley. Elvis Presley was so popular with the dominant society that he was labeled the "King of Rock-n-Roll" even when he admits himself that Rock-n-Roll was around long before he came around. Fast forward to today, black musicians are denied the credit they deserve. In today's music, white artists such as Iggy Azalea, Post Malone, and Macklemore have been portrayed as the new faces of Hip Hop when the music they create is no where near close to the meaning of the genre. In the Grammys, Macklemore won "Best Rap Album" up against Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Jay-Z, and Kanye West (some of the most popular, talented artist that's been in the industry for years now.) Yet, he comes out of the blue and wins a Grammy. He admitted that Kendrick Lamar had a better rap album hands down, but also "knowing how the Grammys usually go...they had a great chance of winning."
Here's more of what he had to say about this:
Common slang/ebonics, or "African American vernacular English," is also culturally appropriated. I will use the most recent and probably popular example, Danielle Bregoli. For those of you who aren't familiar, she's basically a "problem child" that disrespects her mother on an episode of Dr. Phil. Bregoli tells Dr. Phil and the audience that they could "cash me outside, how bow dah" for laughing at her and her bad attitude. That catch phrase was basically her claim to fame and fortune by giving her millions of followers on her social media, interviews, promotions, and even her own TV show. Let that would've been a black girl. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of black girls who (aren't disrespecting their mother because black mothers don't play) actually talk and live like that everyday. I don't see them getting paid or going viral for if. If anything, they are getting shamed and called "ghetto," "ratchet," or "uneducated." This is only a mere representation of how our culture is exploited.
Link to article:
Black hairstyles, that have been called "ghetto", "unprofessional", or "distracting," have been white washed by Caucasians in America that reclassify these same hairstyles as "iconic", "trendy", "edgy" when its worn by someone of Caucasian descent. From afros, twist-outs, and braid-outs to blowouts and dreadlocks, our hairstyles have been critiqued and in some cases banned. As mentioned, it has prevented some from opportunities of success. It was unacceptable to wear our hair in it's natural state because it was considered nappy, unkempt, or distracting described along with it being "too big." There are many black women that still feels uncomfortable certain hairstyles in the workplace due to criticism. However, when a white woman wears the same styles, it's no problem. They are "innovative" and "stylish." This is a problem. Although research has shown that black girls maintain their confidence throughout adolescence and have positive body image, they are faced with so much adversity for a young age. This sends a message to young black girls that who they are isn't good enough, unless they portray whiteness and even then they would never truly measure up. Then, everything they do acceptable once deemed "cool" by the dominant society, but only when the dominant society does it.
"Being you looks better on me."
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| Silky Hair Sheet?!? |
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| Been around for years. All the black males had one for their hair. Used to achieve the formation of "waves" on the crown. Now, one for $50 when they really cost no more than $5 |
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| Urban Tie Cap? (Urban is the sugar-coated word for black/black origin). I've been getting zig-zag parts & baby bangs since I was a child. Now, it's considered a "graphic look" |
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| I always wore these as a kid with several plats in my head. Had been told they were distracting. Now, Urban Outfitters selling them $8 for one, but the GAG IS every local beauty supply sells them $1 for 8+. #CapitalizingOnTheCrown |
Solutions
If you're going to genuinely appreciate and respect a culture, you must acknowledge their struggles, understand the origins of culture, see them as equal, and fight with them in the face of injustice. You can't be oblivious to what they go through in America and in this world. It's all fun and games to dress up and "play/act black" until it's time to stand up for black issues. I appreciate those that do fight for justice. I have to condemn those claim they're for women's rights, all lives matter, and dabbles in black culture, but doesn't bat an eye for all the black girls and women that went missing in D.C. recently, Flint Michigan water crisis, police brutality, and the daily oppression we face. A wave of missing person reports flooded social media, but some girls still haven't been found. It didn't make the news feeds and some D.C. residents stated they didn't receive not one "Amber Alert." Yet, the FBI and investigators can track down Tom Brady's jersey. Seriously? Every form of media needs to tell the truth, portray things as they are, and give credit where it's due. They shouldn't bash certain people for being themselves and praise others for doing the exact same thing.
As the rise of the natural hair community continues, more black women have felt empowered to embrace their natural hair no matter what texture grows from within. I had to learn the truth and begin to embrace my blessing. The beliefs that my natural kinks are something to be contained by a sleek, straight ponytail are destroyed by my empowerment. I feel no need to fit in anymore or damage my hair because it's "too big" or not the norm. We have to continue to rewrite the message sent to these young girls and women. To own who they are, stand up for what is theirs, and don't let the media or dominant society control how they see and feel about themselves. They should love the skin they're in, the hair on their head, and their culture. We shouldn't have to put cancer causing chemicals on our bodies to be acceptable in society. Black girls and women shouldn't be penalized or denied an opportunity for being true to themselves.
If this country cared about black people like they do black culture, we'd be in a better place.
References:
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.561.659&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://www.thoughtco.com/cultural-appropriation-definition-3026068
Questions for the readers:
Have you familiar with this topic?
What are your thoughts on this topic?
Where should the line be draw between appropriation and appreciation?
How can we transition individuals from assimilation to greater acceptance of diversity in society?
Hi Zadie! This is a very interesting topic. I must admit that I fall into the category of those who try to understand. I have heard of this topic before because I go to music festivals and a common fashion trend at festivals is wearing Native American Headdresses. This caused a lot of controversy and uproar with certain tribes and that is how I learned about cultural appropriation. While I didn't understand at first, I still chose to respect it and not wear "fashion trends" from other cultures because I did not want to offend anyone. I must admit it is difficult for me to understand because I am white. I can understand oppression on a certain level because I am a woman, but cultural appropriation is a little more challenging to grasp, so I appreciate and welcome any articles on the matter to help me understand better. The more I read about it, the more sense it makes. Other cultures have been shamed for things that the dominant culture is being praised for. I can only imagine how invalidating that must feel. As far as your question of "Where should the line be draw between appropriation and appreciation?" I think that line should be drawn by the people whose culture is being "borrowed from." If that culture is okay with it, then it's okay. Some Native American tribes are okay with white people wearing their culture's jewelry and clothes and some aren't, and that's okay. I think it's all about respect. I think education is the best way to transition individuals from assimilation to appreciation of diversity. Exposure to other cultures and honest talks about privilege can have great effects on the open-mindedness and respect in the next generation.
ReplyDeleteHow am I familiar with this topic?
ReplyDeleteTruth, I often question whether I'm (of Euro-American ancestry) guilty of cultural appropriation as regards Native Americans and Indigenous peoples, overall. When younger, I was very close with my cousins who're of mixed Native, White, and African American descent, and always thought it of interest that they were from what I saw diverse cultures. In particular, I was intrigued by their being of Native descent. Today, I have two tattoos that are distinctly tribal in look/meaning, something I often get nervous about sharing with them (especially because we aren't as close as we were as kids). That said, I think if someone recognizes the stereotypes applied to a group of people for what they are and explains how they're false when talking to others, then it can be acceptable to respect or admire a culture other than your own, be it with tattoos or clothing, etc. What I object to is someone parading themselves as belonging to a group in terms of race (ahem, Rachel Dolezal) when they can (or do) enjoy privileges (white privilege especially) and aren't subject to the same stereotypes or concerns that people who can't "pass for white" aren't.
Zadie, I LOVE this post. First of all, your blog is so aesthetically appealing. Second of all, yes to all of it. :)
ReplyDeleteI am not black, so I am not inherently a part of black culture. However, I love that your post is about GENUINELY appreciating and respecting not only black culture, but black PEOPLE. This genuine appreciation and respect is something that applies to everyone, is possible, and I'm all about it. Your suggestions/solutions are very helpful in giving people insight and tools into how this can happen.
What stood out to me most in this post was how you discussed the exploitation of black culture. Bringing up "cash me outside, how bow dah" and the idea that if she were a black girl, she would not have gone viral or gotten paid and very well may have been shamed (along with the entire black culture) because of saying that. Likewise, your discussion of black hairstyles was really poignant in this way. All in all, this post has A LOT to think about, discuss, and implement. I plan to share it with some of my friends and family members. :)
Thank you for your insightful post, Zadie. I was not as familiar with this topic as I would have hoped, so I learned a lot by reading your blog. What stood out to me the most was the first question you posed: "What would America be like if we loved black people as much as we love black culture?" After reading through some of your examples of cultural appropriation, it is much more noticeable to me now. I really liked your example of Danielle Bregoli - you could not be more right. I recently saw an article about this and they showed a video of a black girl around the same age as Danielle using slang, yet she was criticized for it at the time, and certainly did not gain any fame from it. A line does need to be drawn between appropriation and appreciation, and it all comes down to respect.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is very informational! I was recently just watching sports center and they talked about Gronkowski and his crazy lifestyle, they mentioned that if a black man did this would it be acceptable or would media destroy him for it. Now this is kinda a far off example but it does tie in. When a black women leavers her hair natural people comment and say she needs to look presentable but a Caucasian women can get away with the same look. I particularly took notice to the braids. Caucasian women use this look to make themselves look "bad" along with their adidas jumpsuits and sneaker, however this hairstyle for a black women may be her best way to keep her hair out of the way for sports or before getting her hair done. So why do caucasians use braids as a fashion statement? I never thought of the terms appropriation or assimilation and you enlightened me on this. I personally think the line may never be drawn because the fashionistas of the world are always stealing other culture designs or styles to be the next cutting edge fashion icon.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Zadie! Cannot fully describe how much I appreciate you for choosing this topic. As an African American woman, I am quite familiar with this topic. In fact it is something that I think about or witness on a daily basis. Well to be direct, we all see it or have witnessed it but many people continue to ignore or remain ignorant about the issue. My thoughts on the issue are almost comical in the sense of the outright lack of respect and discernment that occurs when have people that take and rename something that has been around for years. Imitation is flattering but discrediting the originators is not. There is a fine line between appropriation and appreciation. One of the good things about the country we live in is that we are a melting pot, comprised of a multitude of ethnicities and cultures. We have different kinds of food, clothing, and hairstyles even. I do not believe there is anything wrong with adopting these customs but we must understand where they derive from and be respectful while doing so. It is imperative that we become more familiar with other cultures and customs outside of our own. Until then we will not be able to truly appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I believe the general lack of respect when talking about appreciation of black culture comes from the top. If we had to guess at the race of the people running the fashion blogs, the retail outlets, the award shows , etc., most of us would probably guess they are white with a few minorities mixed in here and there. This is what creates the issue of a lack of respect for black culture while still wanting to adopt the culture for themselves. They see it as the fashionable thing to do and completely change the name and rebrand something that black culture has been using for years. But these cultural styles were not deemed appropriate until white people started doing it. And unfortunately, these examples you have listed are probably still not "acceptable" for black people to use.
ReplyDeleteZadie,
ReplyDeleteI really love that you chose to write about something you are so passionate about and this is such an important topic! The quote “Black women’s body, hair, and style are being stolen by the same system that oppressed it in the first place” is so powerful! People are so quick to jump on the next fashion trend that they don’t stop to think about the cultural importance of that trend or how it could be offensive for them to wear it. I thought you did a good job (loved the first video) to make the distinction between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. This is something I think about often but didn’t know those definitions.
I love this blog article. Thank you so much for writing it.
ReplyDeleteI know that honestly I am "the man" and basically the embodiment of cis white men within this population of gender and women's study, but I found this very informative. I have always heard of cultural appropriation but never really knew what it meant nor how it impacted others. For these reasons I am really grateful that you wrote this as I can now clearly see the outrage at the grammys and the intensity of silliness that the predominantly white culture as put onto others.
This reminded me largely of a video called "the color of fear" which was a documentary about cultural awareness and identity. In it there were a variety of men who sat around and discussed what it meant to be known as their racial identity. One of the biggest things that stuck out to me was that all the white men considered the men of African descent as being "African americans" and it wasn't until one of these guys got angry and went off on the group of people about how it really offended him to have his cultural identity followed by a "normalizing label"
Oof. Definitely worth a watch, and thanks again for opening my eyes to the various ways in which people like me suck (as a whole)
Unfortunately, I cannot say that I have much knowledge on this topic. I guess if I had to look around and after reading your post, I do notice that there is some disproportionate thoughts but its honestly not something that I notice. I can recall one time when a TV personality told a black celebrity that her "locs" made her look unclean and dirty and the celebrity fired back with how her hair was part of her culture, which I definitely agreed with. For the most part though, I just think that people should be able to wear what they want and appreciate the fact that somewhere out there the influence for the look came from some really cool culture. I do not like that there has to be a race issue about it. We are just taking steps backward. I think everyone should just appreciate the fact that these fashions are produced and if you do not like it, do not wear it. Its that simple and until people can just grow up and move on there will always be a sense of that is my culture so you cannot be/ dress/ act like that.
ReplyDeleteI think you make some very important points and articulate well how invasive the problem of cultural appropriation really is. I think it should be a shared responsibility of us all to understand different cultures, and work to understand how they may be taken advantage of. It seems the problem is that those in a position of power (white men) are either oblivious to the problem or are doing things because they know it will help them maintain their position. Taking advantage of a group of people for any reason is morally unacceptable, but taking advantage of a group of people and then shaming those people for standing up for themselves is truly malicious. I think we must all work harder to understand a culture, not just try to ignore the problem, or try to gloss over the problem by saying "we are all the same."
ReplyDeleteZadie,
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog! I have to admit that I didn't know the clear definition of cultural appropriation and appreciation. I am very aware of how society continues to somewhat oppress women and our black culture. I liked the video and I feel that you a great job of showing how for example do0-rags are looked upon differently in black culture versus white cultures. As well as Rock and Roll music to hip hop. Very interesting.
Hi, I found your blog to be very interesting. I think it is important to practice cultural awareness and sensitivity and your blog highlighted topics that some people may be ignorant about. I have heard many people complain about people asking to touch their hair or sometimes people don't even ask and they just think it is okay to touch someone else's hair. This is something that I think takes place often times due to ignorance, which certainly does not make it okay, but I do not think it is usually done with malicious intent. I like what you said about what if people loved black people as much as black culture, because I agree that it is unfair to take elements of black culture without truly appreciating the culture they are taking from. I would love to see what a world would be like if there were more understanding and appreciation of other cultures, and not just on a superficial level.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself familiar with this topic and would suggest the book “The Classroom and the Cell: Discussions on Black Life in America” by Mumia Abu-Jamal and Marc Lamont Hill to anyone who is unclear on the topic. I would specifically recommend chapter 3:Bigger than Hip-Hop: Black Cultural Politics which the authors discuss the impact of hip-hop on society and how the genre evolved from the resistance of the 1960 and has been consumed by white members of society.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very complex discussion, one which does not have a single answer. I believe dominant populations, in this case, white people need to understand their privilege before there can be a greater acceptance. I believe many caucasian people are completely unaware of the cultural appropriation as they believe they are showing acceptance, when in reality they are contributing to the white washing of the African American race and culture. The line between appropriation and appreciation can be unclear for many, but I agree with you that the line is very clear. Appropriation occurs any time there is a “lack of respect, understanding, or proper representation” by the dominate culture by stealing cultural elements which are not of their own.
I am somewhat with the topic, but not with the categorization of the appropriation and appreciation. And I cannot say I have personally ever known anyone to be discriminated or turned down from a promotion/job due to their hairstyles, but in our “society” I can say it is not the first time I have heard that braids or twists being labeled as unprofessional. I think greater diversity for a population has to be done as a whole, and not as individuals. Otherwise there will still be cliques and minorities/majorities. An appreciation I think would start with education of other cultures. The other day on the radio I actually heard the exact topic being the little girl on the television show disrespecting her mother, and how would that story blown up and be portrayed if it was a young black girl on the show. And just as Tesa mentioned about Gronk, I have read articles that say if he played another sport or if he was African American he would be punished by managers/coaches or even fined by the league.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a certain level of assimilation is a good thing, anywhere you move there will be a special culture about it and to find your niche in a new place can also be a great way of developing even further and already unique identity. What is wrong is making people feel so rejected about a part of their identity that they lose confidence in it and force themselves to be fake or change themselves. We live in a world where we can draw inspiration from the whole world and I do think that is an amazing thing to think about but misusing it to represent a stereotype is not okay, it creates a narrow minded image of a culture you may never understand.
ReplyDeleteI have heard and am somewhat familiar with the topic, I really appreciate you defining and stating so simply the distinction between acculturation, appropriation, and assimilation, they almost some like homophones but have such important meanings! My thoughts are that indeed the different aspects whether jargon, dress, or customs in each and every single culture should be respected. Now I must play devil’s advocate, in terms of hair, I am Hispanic-Latina, I was born and raised in South America, ever since I was little my hair was braided, the beaded hair ties were very popular in the 80s, and I used them since I had hair long enough to style, approximately 3 years old. Now, it is part of my childhood memories, some very fond at that. What am I supposed to do when MY hair is better tamed in a “French” braid, or a “Dutch” braid (corn rows), even if they did indeed originated from the African American culture? I also straighten my hair, surely there is some bias to appear “White/Caucasian” but at the same time, Native tribes in my country have pin straight hair, so in that sense who am I “copying”? Also, my hair is naturally curly, and with the right amount of humidity it becomes “fro-like”. Just as there are hues of skin tone, there are hair textures. I get that celebrities and magazines present these wrongfully appropriated concepts as “new” or “trendy” when at one point they were criticized as being “too urban”.
ReplyDeleteNow in regards to transitioning from assimilation to greater acceptance of diversity in society, I recommend being tolerance and speaking/behaving in more tolerant ways, where differences are celebrated and not condemned.
This post really hit me hard and taught me a lot. I have to admit that some of the topics you covered I'm realizing for the first time. The topic of hair was one of them. I was just thinking as I got done reading this that even Caucasian girls who have naturally curly hair are not socialized to hide their curls and straighten their hair everyday (although, some prefer to). I never thought of how this area affects the African American community because I can see that most try to conceal or change their natural hair to "match" Caucasian women's hair. Even recently, I've noticed many African American women who have their hair straightened in a ponytail or straightened and curled with a curling iron. I, like some of my other classmates, am guilty of feeling like I understood Black culture, but I really don't. Your point about the girl from Dr. Phil couldn't be more true. This blog really opened up my eyes to the oppression and societal pressures that the African American community faces in a way that I have never realized before. I will probably never forget reading this. Thank you for being so honest and transparent because you truly taught me a lot.
ReplyDeleteI really love your post and even tough I was somehow aware of this topic, I did not see it from your perspective. I do agree with you in terms of the lack of understanding between the terms appropriation and appreciation. Clearly, African American culture has been taken and reformed in order to appeal to Caucasians, but sadly, when it comes of accepting and defending African American people it is not the same. Your post opened in my eyes and indeed now that you mentioned it, I can see how the new African American trends have been used more and more often among Caucasians. I strongly believe that society itself has to be more welcoming and tolerant for that sense. To embrace and acknowledge other cultures and races just as much as they embrace those trends.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Zadie! I too appreciated you breaking down the definitions of Appreciation, Assimilation, and Appropriation. I think these topics are something that we are typically not challenged in our everyday lives or education to consider. Your blog definitely causes the reader to think of their own biases or ways they may “appropriate”. I struggle with understanding the line between celebrating individuality and being offensive to the black culture or any other culture. For instance, if there is a white college aged girl that wants to wear her hair in a fro style….is that wrong? Does that limit her opportunity to be herself even if it is something that historically is related to another culture? I guess what I think is we don’t really know if she is appropriating black culture unless we sit down with her and hear where she is coming from….we can’t just assume, I think! Obviously, as you gave examples, there are some people who blatantly disrespect other cultures and for this I hope there are opportunities for all of us to grow and change to become more empathetic and accepting of one another. Love always wins!
ReplyDeleteCultural appropriation is something that is very difficult to understand when you are coming from a place of white privilege, which I know that I am. I do not have the same judgments and pressures that are placed on African American women or any ethnic minority within the United States. There has been a huge surge in scandals surrounding cultural appropriation and the insensitivity white people as a whole express toward it and other cultures in general. Culture is perceived differently by different groups, especially those that have been oppressed and marginalized. As a Caucasian woman I feel out of my depth when it comes to this topic. The most egregious act of cultural appropriation I know of is that of Rachel Dolezal, the white woman who deemed herself black, even going so far as to teach African history when she had no education on the subject and use artificial means to darken her skin.
ReplyDeleteIjeoma Oluo wrote an illuminating article on Rachel Dolezal, who has since legally changed her name to Nkechi Amare Diallo. I had an eye opening moment when I read the author's take on the interview as a highly educated African American woman. A quote that stands out is, "And it is white supremacy that told an unhappy and outcast white woman that black identity was hers for the taking. It is white supremacy that told her that any black people who questioned her were obviously uneducated and unmotivated to rise to her level of wokeness. It is white supremacy that then elevated this display of privilege into the dominating conversation on black female identity in America. It is white supremacy that decided that it was worth a book deal, national news coverage, and yes—even this interview." Here's a link to the article:
http://www.thestranger.com/features/2017/04/19/25082450/the-heart-of-whiteness-ijeoma-oluo-interviews-rachel-dolezal-the-white-woman-who-identifies-as-black