The Performance of It All
& other reflections on Blackout Tuesday, 250 days later
Today marks exactly 250 days since the black squares — which will cease to be a topic of conversation, simply because of how performative allyship revealed itself in the months following. (I recommend listening to this episode of Mixed Company to dive deeper into this.)
For some reason, spirit guided me to check out the hashtag, you know…see what she’s been up to! Phew. I really shouldn’t have been surprised to see that instead of thousands of black squares, which I idiotically thought I’d be met with, the page is now fully occupied with a hodgepodge of posts ranging from thirst trap selfies, to random dance challenges reposted from TikTok, to videos from a Lady Gaga fan account (that problematically also uses the BLM hashtag on posts), and everything in between. It’s as though the original intent of blacking out Instagram quite literally...got blacked out.
Today, #blackouttuesday is minimized purely as a social media tactic, a mechanism to gain impressions and followers. Because, of course. There are the occasional glimpses of hope: posts sprinkled into the hashtag that do inform and do celebrate Black culture. Like this post from a Black-owned hair brand that highlights Madame C.J. Walker, or this one featuring a quote from Nina Simone that I actually needed to read at that very moment, “I’ll tell you what freedom means to me. No fear.”
The role we play by actively participating in social media, both as content creators and content in-takers, is critical to understanding how we relate to the world around us — and now that we’re all digital, everything is more accessible. We now have even more access to the resources and people who were always available to us, but the reality is we didn’t seem to care until 2020. I don’t have to tell you about the influx of anti-racism content and newfound interest in discovering Black voices because I’m sure, by the look of your feeds, you’ve noticed it too. How dramatically different the timelines look and feel, what our recommended posts look like now in comparison to the years prior when no one gave as much of a shit. The social justice slideshows, the passing of the mics, the increased variety of bodies and skin tones now gracing each and every one of those Super Bowl ads that grace our screens tonight. All this, a direct result of the mirror put up to our collective shame and guilt.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize that the light, once dimmed for far too long, is finally starting to shine through. Even if just a speck. A huge reason why I wanted to start writing this newsletter in the first place is to create a space for sharing stories that don’t often get the same attention that typically non-BIPOC receive. Exhibit A being the Golden Globes nominations earlier this week, reminding us that even with progress, we still live a world ruled by white supremacy and patriarchy. A world where racist ass videos (like this) that continue to enforce the fetishization of Asian women, still exist and get made. All the more reason why we should never stop using our voices or sharing our stories. Because no matter how scary it may seem, the more we can share without fear, the closer we are to freedom.
& finally…our first round up of 2021! Here’s what I’ve been thinking about or have been intrigued by in the past few weeks 👇
some favorites from the year (so far)
Jazmine Sullivan’s tiny desk (home) concert which is the definition of perfection.
The pgLang campaign for Calvin Klein (with my personal favorite featuring queen Amber Wagner).
Meditating to Jhené Aiko’s ethereal sound bath medley.
Stacey Abrams being nominated for a Nobel Peace Price.
Keep It!’s interview with Riz Ahmed that spoke to my soul.
This skincare hack from Lizzo via SZA.
A gymnastics routine to end all gymnastics routines.
Virgil Abloh’s James Baldwin-inspired short film for Louis Vuitton.
This precious Chinese New Year spot for Apple directed by Lulu Wang.
Everything about Zendaya in Malcolm & Marie.
currently up in my tabs
All the reasons why I physically (and mentally) cannot make it past episode 1 of Bridgerton.
A necessary look beyond the surface of Kamala Harris’ Vogue cover.
An open letter to cancel student debt.
What period poverty means, and why you should care.
Why mahjong did not need a re-brand from white women.
Remembering Corky Lee’s impact on Asian-American storytelling.
Multiple reasons to say, “fuck Elon Musk.”
That’s all for now! Thanks for reading and for your support. Salamat 🤙
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Very informative! Another good one COY! I enjoyed reading it!