This never-ending labeling is lame AF. It stems from identity politics which is getting really tired. And it does nothing other than divide us.
Remember when Barack Obama said, “There’s not a Black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America.” What happened to that sentiment? Now imagine if I had capitalized the w in White. I may just be called a racist. Guess what--white people may soon be the minority so then what? The point is it should not matter. Seriously.
"A decade and a half later, we are very far from Obama’s America. The idea of “cultural appropriation” which insists, among other things that these are our group’s symbols, traditions, patrimony, and out-group members have no right to them. Once identity politics gains momentum, it inevitably subdivides, giving rise to ever-proliferating group identities demanding recognition."
Too many ribbons; too many causes. Get ready…
Ok firstly there’s a light green and a dark green and the dark green one includes both missing children and depression. Maybe you’re depressed because you lost your child. That’s not funny but it shows how ridiculous this has become.
This cultural appropriation/misappropriation thing has really gotten out of hand. “Cultural misappropriation refers to the adoption, use, or exploitation of elements from one culture by individuals or groups who do not belong to that culture, typically without proper understanding, respect, or acknowledgment.” I remember when Kim K wore braids in her hair as an homage to Bo Derek and got slammed by the media for it because they said she was culturally appropriating black culture.
Really? That's what you're concerned about with Kim K? From Bo Derek herself— “Hey! It’s just a hairstyle that I wore in the movie “10” @KimKardashian calls it the Bo Derek because she copied my pattern of braids. I copied it from Ann-Margret’s backup singer from her Vegas Sho. And we all copied Queen Nofretari. I hope Her Royal Highness is flattered." And Kim’s recent Instagram—
Where is PETA on this one...? Bizarre sartorial selection imo. I don’t get it but I’m not her demographic at all.
As much as I think Kim K's message may not be the best one for young women, she has every right to post what she wants and if you don't like it you're not a captive audience so don't look. It's really that simple.
I think a lot of these posts exclaiming cultural appropriation or misappropriation—I’m not sure which one is more appropriate— are from people who are really lost souls. They have nothing better to do. It's too bad they don't take up more important causes besides Kim's hairstyle. Put your time and energy behind something else. Seriously.
And what's up with the all of the designated months? Get ready—Black History Month, Women's History Month (we also get to have a Women's International Day,) Pride Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, International LGBTQ Plus Month, Native American Heritage Month, but wait there's more--Hispanic Heritage Month although now that's probably Latinx Heritage Month even though most Latinos do not like that name change. Too bad because the woke police who are primarily white, at one point decided that's how it will be. So rude! But I think it lost its luster kind of like the Monkeypox Vaccine. They keep trying until something absurd sticks.
It's hard to keep up. I have a Black friend who gets really upset when you call her African-American. Firstly, she's actually Cuban-American and she says why the fuck does it matter? She said she's an American born and raised in Georgia.
Regarding this topic, Morgan Freeman says, “Black History Month is an insult. Also, ‘African-American’ is an insult. I don’t subscribe to that title. The only way to help stop racism is to stop talking about it all the time." Amen. Idris Elba said “Racism is very real, but from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be. I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realized it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that: It’s just skin. Rant over.” I could listen to and watch that guy read the phone book. It’s just an expression. I realize phone books most likely don’t exist anymore.
Now for the social media flags/banners. Adding a banner to your profile picture to show your "support" for a given cause is exactly what virtue signaling is. It is placing virtue over action. Putting the Ukranian flag on your FB profile is useless. Why don't you donate to the Red Cross? That would be a good banner to add. Or add a link to a charity that supports the people of Ukraine. I understand the camaraderie aspect of it but how about actually DOING something?
Also, we are a multi-racial society at this point. When I was growing up, I knew maybe one biracial couple and now I know several. It is completely normalized as well it should be. So why do we continue to point out someone's race or ethnicity? Also, at some point we are all going to be so mixed—think Tiger and Colin.
Then there are the never-ending and expanding number of genders. There are how many different genders now? Why is this necessary exactly? I’m seriously asking—why? "Facebook now lists more than fifty gender designations from which users can choose, from genderqueer to intersex to pangender."
Then there are the parades. I remember not being allowed outside in Manhattan when there was a big parade like the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade because everyone was so drunk and unruly. What exactly are they marching for? I think it's just an excuse for people to get drunk and party which I guess is ok except I think there's some parade fatigue going on especially if you live in Manhattan and you're an Uber driver.
Signage is next. This one really took off in 2020--it was everywhere--kind of lost its meaning and became a bit of a joke to be honest--too bad they didn't have ChatGPT then because maybe they could have edited it. Just saying. Also, I question the sincerity behind the signage…
The key question I have is are we essentially saying we should just be proud and be rewarded to have been born Black or a woman or fill in the blank? (Are we supposed to capitalize woman?) Shouldn't it be about something you've actually accomplished as opposed to something you were just born. Why don't we try honoring the things that unite us as opposed to divide us. That would be a good move in the right direction.
Now it’s time for TOTD. Avoid white (ish) foods like, bread, potatoes, popcorn, cupcakes and crackers. It’s essentially avoiding processed foods with loads of carbs. Instead go for food with color. Leafy greens are good. There is not a magic pill/injection to lose weight—oh wait there is—Ozempic but proceed with caution, That’s all for now…Much Love, Sabrina PS Thank you for your support. I’m getting more views after every post. Please subscribe/upgrade if you haven’t already because I have so much to say that I want you to hear!
"Why don't we try honoring the things that unite us as opposed to divide us."
excellent point
why do we seek to celebrate things that we had no choice in .... race, sex....instead of accomplishments that we made of what we were born or accomplishments that overcame adversity
If, as you say, "A decade and a half later, we are very far from Obama’s America." I think we are closer to Obama's dream (decent prople's nightmare) than before he took over and fundamentally transformed America, (and stopped the rising sea level as well). Of course that last thing might have been just to benefit himself, anticipating buying a spot on Martha's vineyard.