Feeling Good About Feeling Bad

Let’s be real here, folks.

The people in power don’t give a fuck about making things better for people you regard as marginalized.

They care about appearing like they’re making things better.

Putting pretty people on covers. Writing articles about this genius or that genius who comes from a poor background and still made it. Publishing works from “people of color” so they can say, “See! We do care! We are making a difference!”

Thing is though…

It’s bullshit.

The vast majority of popular art and entertainment is still run by well off white kids. They can claim to be “woke” all they want, but they’re still benefiting from a machine designed just for them. They throw in a few of us “darkies” utilizing a system called slotting, where marginalized figures are highlighted so to make the system appear like its changing.

But, really, those standouts are just pushing a certain narrative.

Notice how most of their work tends to be about whatever issue is in vogue.

A certain kind of insert what makes me mad to make the mostly upper-middle class audience feel good about feeling bad.

And does it help anything?

Maybe.

But mostly no.

The vast majority of non-white artists are still clinging to the fringes, desperate just to be seen.

Why?

Because they’re people.

People making work that has nothing to do with their race or perceived gender.

They want to write horror stories.

They want to photograph natural scenes.

They want to paint portraits of healthcare professionals after a long shift.

In short, they want the freedom to make whatever the fuck they want.

Not to be put into a box where they have to make the thing that they’re “supposed” to make.

See, “person of color” is an incredibly offensive term.

It posits a difference.

That we’re not people - not human beings - but something other.

Something less than.

You may not think that’s what it means.

But believe me.

That’s exactly what the fuck it means.

So how can this change?

Simple.

Allow for the idea that we can make whatever we want to make

Not what we’re “supposed” to make.

Allow us the same freedom as artists throughout history to create what interests us.

Regardless of our melanin content, of what’s between our legs.

Does that mean you shouldn’t make art based specifically on your life experience?

Of course not.

But you also shouldn’t be expected to be a singular thing.

Art is about subverting norms, pushing boundaries, and opening doors. It’s a field where everyone is meant to play however they want to play in it. It’s not meant to be a prison, or a dictatorship. It’s a realm of beautiful chaos.

If this bothers you, you’re part of the problem.

But you don’t have to be.