If you haven’t heard yet, Jay-z announced a partnership between the NFL and his Roc Nation company. The reaction was varied, but I got the sense that most people felt that this partnership was akin to crossing a picket line at a strike. I even saw a post which stated that Jay-z’s actions were similar to a person getting the Montgomery bus companies to play the Temptations while keeping the buses segregated. I can understand a lot of these reactions, but what I can’t understand is why we still place so much weight on the shoulders of celebrities. Let me explain what I mean before I am the next victim of cancel culture.
First, Jay-Z is a rich celebrity. Yes, he grew up in Marcy PJs, yes he grew up poor and made a fortune through music and fashion and black dollars. What does he owe us in exchange for financial support? If we got goods and services through music and fashion does he owe us anything else as a community? Does he owe us turkey drives, coats, autographs? Does he have to fight for any causes that may not directly impact him? If you answer no to any of these questions, please continue reading.
As a community, we are the only ones who expect celebrities and entertainers to champion of our causes and speak truth to power. We expect them to be the voice for the voiceless and fight for causes that they may not care about. We expect all of this to be done in the manner that we deem to be most appropriate. It does not matter whether Jay-Z spends millions privately fighting for social justice, if we do not agree with his public moves. This sounds a little off to me. I don’t follow the logic on that one.
We have a ton of local leaders (Hawk Newsome, Ken Montgomery) who are outspoken advocates for important social issues. Do we support them? Do we engage them? Do we emulate their actions and try to make changes in our own circumstances? If you answer yes, salute. If you answered no, its never too late to hold yourself and others accountable. Chances are you are never meeting Jay-Z, so his actions should not impact your ability or desire to fight for change.
Lastly, are we all boycotting per Kaep’s request prior to this announcement? I saw quite a few fantasy football league invites, and quite a few people gearing up to purchase the latest NFL football game and even plan Superbowl parties. Are we allowing that stuff now? What about Kaep’s job and place in the NFL? Jay-Z arguably turned his back on the same person he pledged to stand by, but if he is no longer “Kaeping” can you complain if you weren’t standing next to Kaep either?
Related posts
Comments RSS Feed