2/21/2019 0 Comments Marvel at this meLanin! In honor of Black History Month I thought I'd show you guys one of my favorite spoken word poems from YouTube. For a long time, I was worried about posting this on my blog. I don't want to offend anybody but I also have to stay true to myself and this poem really means a lot to me because of what it reflects and represents for me as a young African American woman. So I've decided to put out a disclaimer and a little background so that you can understand a little of what's going on BEFORE you watch the video. There are going to be bad words and metaphorical humor so if you're light of heart, then you can choose ahead of time to easily skip this post and all will be right with the world. However, if you do watch it and don't agree with what is being said, be respectful. I don't want anyone starting arguments or attacking the creators for making this video. And to be honest, what is being said, although highly metaphoric, is very true. Some of the conversations I've had with my friends and family over deciding whether or not I should post this was, I don't like feeling like I should have to censor my words on my blog because I'm afraid of what people will think or say of me. And not in the sense that I care what people think, but in the sense that I'm about to go to a college, a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), and I'm soon going to need to apply for jobs. The world is changing and I'm not sure if it's all for the better, but if my future employer looks at my blog as my resume, sees this video with no explanation and is offended, them there goes that job. But then I thought, if someone can't understand me for who I am and what the contents of this video means, do I really want to work for them? In conclusion, no. And I would hope that anyone who reads my blog can understand that I never come from a place of hate, but I also can't expect everyone to see things my way. So for now, I have to try to do what's best for me and my future. So, if that includes explaining things that may be obvious to some but not to others, then that's what I have to do. And I hope anyone reading this who comes from the other side of things can understand that as well. Every time I watch this video, I get so inspired. Anthony McPherson (the one in the floral with the killer fro) just has a way of putting such power and sardonic humor into his performance you just can't help but laugh and cheer. And Steven Willis (the one in the polka dots with the groovy beard ) really grips your soul with his lower register tone of voice, really speaking to your soul. Okay, I'm a little dramatic, I know, but let me explain. In a world where White Privilege is not only common but celebrated (as they so clearly put it) it can be easy for people to see Black Panther as the one in Batman's shadow. Well, these guys explain things a little differently. As they talk about common struggles of being African American-how we have to work twice as hard to get the same amount of appreciation as a white person does; Or how if we're rich, "anything can come easy to you"-they tell us as the young (and old) African Americans growing up that we don't have to be in anybody's shadow because we're just as great, just as powerful and if no one can see that and praises us for that then that's their loss. Black Panther is OUR hero, the hero we get to look up to for greatness. Now this came out before the movie so we had to read about him in the comics but if we want to talk about black hero greatness there's Storm, and Luke Cage, and Bishop and of course, Black Panther (just to name a few). There's a lot of stigma against us but this poem talks about the things that we DO, who we are and how we're superheroes, each and everyone one of us in our own way. We don't have to have a lot of money, we don't have to look a certain way, we don't have to be Batman, we just have to stay true to ourselves, believe in ourselves and know that being Black is powerful. So now that my long winded rant and praise is done (yes, I know, it's finally done. haha.) enjoy the video. Black History month shouldn't be celebrated just one month out of every year because everyday black people are rising up above the status quo and proving the world wrong. But as we honor February with so many great African Americans-poets, activists, scholars, musicians, etc.-remember that we've come a long way but there's still a long way to go. But we're doing it and I'm proud that this is who I am.
Thank you guys for celebrating this month with me. Until next Time! With love, Arianna Quote: "I never want to be anything more than what I am; what I don't have, I don't need." -Louis Armstrong
0 Comments
|
AuthorI'm an 21 year old girl who lives in NY. I love to read and write and fashion is my life. Follow me to find out more! Archives
January 2023
CategoriesAll Anxiety Black Empowerment Black History Blog Books Depression Fashion Halloween LGBT Lifestyle Mental Health Movies Music Poetry PreCollege Review Self Love Thoughts Tips And Guides Writing |