Thread by @Lexual__

Many people believe that pointing out differences among black people is divisive, but there is value in doing so. We can’t keep assuming we all want the same things or even see all the same things as problems. Perspective affects priorities.

I want to look at how diverse the black experience is through six categories: region, occupation and education, class and income, politics and ideology, religion, and lastly, sexuality and gender identity.

First up, region has ALWAYS played a role in shaping the black experience. Blackness is different everywhere you go.

Blacks in the sunbelt, the states stretching across the south and southwest, deal with a lot more in-your-face conservatism, and even embody plenty of sunbelt values and attitudes.

Impacted by voter suppression and racist politicians who rebranded themselves, southern blacks in rural areas face hella challenges in accessing quality healthcare and welfare. These black people also have fewer options when it comes to abortion and affordable birth control.

Region factors into political power, as black voters are concentrated in approximately 20 states, meaning black people in the other 30 states have significantly reduced political representation. And in four states more than 1 in 5 black people are disenfranchised from felonies.

Speaking of felonies, 7 of the 10 states with the highest incarceration rates are southern states with huge black populations, and 9 out of 10 are considered to be apart of the sunbelt.

So how does Occupation and Education impact the black experience, and factor into those felonies I just mentioned?

1 in four black Americans faces unemployment or underemployment, and while they could sign themselves over to the military, various circumstances from political beliefs, to disabilities, to childcare, stop them from doing so.

Only 5 black Americans are billionaires, out of 2,153 billionaires in the world. 1 in 50 black families are millionaires, compared to 1 in 7 white families. These billionaires+millionaires are the most likely to be fiscally conservative + benefit from huge tax cuts on the wealthy

Black people have never really been on the same page regarding their Politics and Ideology on how to deal with white supremacy. Let's talk about black separatists and black republicans.

If racism was not a key component of the republican party, a lot more black people would be republicans because a lot of us are *socially* conservative. Let's address the role that Religion plays in the black experience AND politics.

So yall still with me? Step back and catch a breather if you need to!

When people say there is a gay agenda, do they understand how much they are overestimating the existence of black queers (and ignoring history)? There are a lot of us, but less than you probably think! Let's address Sexuality and Gender Identity.

When we talk about unifying the black community to mobilize economic & political power, are we considering all of these differences in beliefs, challenges, and circumstance? Pretty much all of us endorse black self-preservation, but who is black and who is worth preserving?

What is the biggest threat? Capitalism? Communism? Gays? Homophobes? Sexual liberation? Slut shaming? Loss of faith? Christians? Feminism? Patriarchy? Social justice warriors? Racism?

What would a 10 point plan look like and would we all be able to agree?

if any real progress will ever happen, and for the numerous differing coalitions to come up with solutions that will be mutually beneficial (and discuss issues that are universally pressing), we have to get to the root of who really doesn't give a fuck about the black community.

As I've demonstrated in these clips, plenty of black people actually benefit from the current social status quo-- though the benefits vary greatly from person to person. Whether that be wealth, christians being in charge, anti-feminism, etc- and they want to keep it that way.

Personal experience impacts perspective. Perspective impacts priorities. Priorities impact politics.

You can watch the full 21-minute video "How To Be Black" on youtube for free! I also listed links to all the popups you saw on your screen! <3

Also, do you notice the captions, new set, and visuals? You can thank my patrons! Special shoutout to my associate producers! ❤️❤️🥰