A source of pride disguising dangerous overconfidence?
If black people remain looking youthful in a society that values youth, there is an emergent undercurrent that “my lifestyle and genetics are inherently superior, or ‘right’.”
The same thing exists for white privilege, pretty privilege, thin privilege, blonde hair/blue eyes, etc… People use arbitrary societal values to legitimize and emphasize inherent qualities that actually mean nothing.
The more insidious aspect is how it allows for complacency and short-sightedness. Black people start believing that because we have more melanin and retain a youthful appearance as we age, precautions like sun protection aren’t as important. Nevermind the fact that some black people have less melanin that some non black people.
But that belief also trickles down. If our skin (or more symbolically, the outer layer/armor that is exposed to the world) doesn’t crack, then neither should our spirit, right? Is it a wonder why black people are treated as these invincible soldiers who can take all kinds of pain and abuse? Look at who our football players are, or ask black women how they are treated giving birth (or in general!).
It affects how we eat too. If black doesn’t crack, then “black” food must also inherently be good for us. When we look at classic soul food dishes, it’s deeply alarming how calorically/carb/fat/sodium dense they are. Fried, smothered, candied, covered in butter and/or cheese.
The most unfortunate part is the “othering” of vegetarian/lower calorie meals. If you start loading up on vegetables, you’re automatically considered “eating healthy” rather than simply “eating.” Don’t even get me started on the term “white people food.”
To be clear, this is not exclusive to black people. But, in a society where black people are already actively kept down and killed off, it is imperative that we do not buy into flattery that makes us feel good, but also aids in our demise.
Let me know what you think down below!
– Virg
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