In my opinion, The Boondocks is one of the more revolutionary TV shows ever to hit the screen. Its scathing critique of African American and American culture, in general, has stood the tests of time.
For example, the episode “The Block is Hot” was a microcosm for what is currently going on today. Uncle Ruckus, a notorious self-hating African American man on the show, was shot at by the police more than 100 times because the police mistook his two wallets for guns. Ruckus, naturally, did not mind. He would turn down a seven-figure settlement from the police department.
But the show’s creator, Aaron McGruder, could not. He put the world on notice about police brutality in 2006 via his art. It is 2020, and we still are having this conversation.
It is why the African American community is angry, understand?
But this is also why African Americans in professional basketball and football, are standing up. In turn, their commissioners are standing with them. African American players make up the majority in both the NBA and NFL. Make sure you understand that as well.
It does not matter how much money you have or your status in the eyes of the black community. Any black man in America could have been George Floyd.
And after hiding behind the shadows of Colin Kaepernick, many black athletes have decided to use their platform to bring awareness. To bring awareness to how some white Americans view blacks in America. Most importantly, it brings awareness to the discrepancy of how blacks and whites can use their respective platforms to speak out. Did Laura Ingraham tell Drew Brees to shut up and throw a football?
But of course, LeBron James, no matter his prestige, was told to not comment on racial issues. His only job? According to Ingraham, to shut up and dribble.
That is not how things are not supposed to be.
So, when Richard Sherman highlights the silence of Jerry Jones, do not explain why Jones is silent, listen. When athletes call out Drew Brees, do not try to rationalize Brees and his comment, attempt to understand how they feel.
And yes, when you see DeMar DeRozen, Russell Westbrook, and Stephen Curry out on the front lines, understand that they know no matter their status, they are not exempt from racism.
Yes, that is right. Even with those NBA superstars’ status as professional athletes with wealth, that does not change how some whites see them.
It is a time for the American people to utilize empathy for African Americans. But at the same time, realize that for change to indeed come, white Americans must understand their privilege.
And with that privilege, make a change.
Because frankly, our voices and sorrows have drowned out for far too long. Now, we have the world by its throat. And it is time for white America to listen, understand, and take action for change.
