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The Whitewashing of EDM
Kaytranada - I am not even going to front like I am a long-time fan of the Haitian-Canadian DJ. But I am very happy about his win for a couple of reasons. Besides being super talented, he’s black and he’s gay. In other words, he embodies the roots of the genre. Yes, in case you didn’t know, some of the most influential pioneers of this music were gay, black, or both. Whitewashing black contributions to American musical genres is nothing new. Please see rock ‘n roll, pop, jazz, and country music in particular for more background on that subject. But the erasure of EDM’s black American origins has been especially egregious. And just importantly, the central role of gay men in developing EDM music has also been largely overlooked.
Lolita Fashion: The Black Edition
First thing’s first. Lolita fashion has NOTHING to do with the Western Lolita concept based on the Russian novel. Instead it emphasizes modesty, elegance, and cuteness. Picture someone doing the absolute most while dressing up in a cross between a cute baby doll and a Victorian-era aristocrat. So it’s no wonder that all around the world, there are folks who continue to be amazed and empowered by this notable form of dress. Now add a little black girl magic to it, and now we’re really cooking with grease.
Kehinde Wiley
Kehinde Wiley is important for black children and adults who visit museums so that they can feel like they belong because they do! He is important for future generations of black people who love and study art but have never seen themselves represented on the canvas or behind the scenes.
-Maya Angelou-
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”