I've been thinking about this for a minute and was just waiting for the next black celeb to put his foot in his mouth before posting about. This time it's Dez Bryant with this:

http://www.totalprosports.com/2017/04/10/dez-bryant-says-black-people-are-the-reason-they-are-unsuccessful-not-white-people/


BTW, the biggest problem with his "no one ever had it harder than Desmond D. Bryant" story is that no matter how terrible the story he goes on to tell, the truth is that there are plenty of people from backgrounds like he described that also were not gifted athletes that allowed them to rise up out of their situation.

This is kind of why I find "successful people" have a tendency to turn obnoxious with their, "I did it, so can you".

Common & Pharrell have both been guilty of "New Black-isms".

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/19/common-pharrell-and-the-new-black-an-ignorant-mentality-that-undermines-the-black-experience.html

But the truth is what they are saying is close to, and a variation, of the less controversial message of, "we black people are amazing and have the ability to overcome any circumstances this country has thrown at us".

Stuff like:

“Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.”
 –Dr. Mae Jemison

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” –Harriet Tubman

"You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages."
- Michelle Obama


Kind of sort of similar in theme right?


One thing I notice is that it is not only important who is delivering the message but at what point in their career they are delivering the message. People can tolerate advice from Kanye & Jay-Z on the come up about what it takes to beat the odds, but rich Kanye & Jay-Z sound obnoxious talking like that (reminds me of my friend who was a huge self-promoter when we were younger which was necessary and tolerated when he was trying to get to the top, but when he got to the top that sort of talk became obnoxious).


Anyway, when does black optimism talk of "can't nobody hold us down" turn into black denial of "we are our own worst enemies"?








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"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"