Maybe my brain is a bit too pessimistic but am I the only one that is sometimes troubled by how certain parts of the media embrace black culture.
I'm not talking about institutional racism. What I mean is, even when the media is RT'ing a photo of Janelle Monea or Lupita Nyongo, there's this feel of tokenism and/or objectification.
“Here's this wonderful black thing that we love. Look at how progressive we are.”
I laud that these actors are being celebrated, but...
@sonicbooming Do you mean descriptive privilege?
Whatever non-men, non-"white" people, non-"normal" people are famous for, they are described in terms of the observer's reaction rather than their agency.
In contrast with "default" people who are frequently described by their achievements even if they are famous for their appearance.
@DaveHiggins Not familiar with that term but that's definitely a part of it.
I also just feel like there's a lot of fetishizing of black culture and women. The fashion of Black Panther and these actors. It's a complicated and ugly mess and I feel dirty when I see the media engage in it.
@sonicbooming Dominant cultures have taken a prurient interest in the Other throughout history. I recall my Latin Master at school delicately skirting around mentions of certain famous Romans having Nubian body-slaves.
Not sure if modern media is worse, or just more noticeable.
Either way, it would be productive if the tropes died.