May Misconceptions: The Commercialization of Juneteenth

 Last year Juneteenth was recognized as a National holiday to celebrate the date that slavery was officially over. It’s been a big deal in some states while others haven’t been as educated on the origins of the special day. This year, has come with many commercial products pushing the newly celebrated holiday. However, this commercialization didn’t come without b[l]acklash. Some people felt highly offended to see money being made off a day that reminds some people of the terrible time slavery was tolerated in the country. Others were upset that black companies weren’t offered opportunities to sell products rather than white owned brands capitalizing off this opportunity. I just want to start by saying the concerns are valid about wanting more opportunities for those in the black community that are more directly affected by Juneteenth and also the concern about white companies gaining trademarks on black traumatizing historical events. I do feel disappointed however, that a holiday that should hold a similar importance as the 4th of July (America’s Independence Day) is having so much controversy and for all the wrong reasons. Juneteenth is an important mark of independence as well and should be celebrated and well known. I liked the things that were going to be sold because they are symbolic of how far blacks have evolved in this country. That kind of recognition was died for literally in this country. People wanted slavery recognized as wrong, inhumane,  and illegal.  So much of that type of history is being erased with confederate statues coming down, it’s being  knocked out of school curriculum, and overly false glamorized Hollywood portrayals keep coming out. Hopefully, companies can figure out a way to collaborate with the black brand owners on a less offensive approach to commercialization of this sensitive time. Maybe as a community, we can use this new profound recognition as a moment to be proud of how far we’ve came as a people and as a country and celebrate a day that gave black slaves a legal way to experience freedom they had been denied previously for thousands of years.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What's Wrong With Black Women?

         Many people don't like labels. They say they don't like to be categorized. I listened to an interview of one of my former childhood role models Raven Symone and she discussed how she didn't feel like an African American fit who she was. She discussed how being categorized made her feel limited. This comment sparked controversy as well as other racial commentary she has made in the last couple of years. However, I pondered if I was offended. At first, I immediately was offended because all my ears heard was that she doesn't feel like she's a black person. After all, she publicly identified as black at the convenience of black households supporting her movies, clothes, and other Disney ventures. Then, I thought about what else she said and I realized I don't like labels either. I don't like the categories America shove blacks in or the stereotypes that follow. These labels are the only mainstream exposure our white and Hispanic counterparts know abou
Read more

Back 2 School Expenses You Didn’t Think About

 With schools back in, a lot of parents have been buying supplies and clothes to prepare for the upcoming school year. However, pencils and glue sticks may not be as expensive as you think compared to these items. Here’s a list of school expenses that it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared for: 1.) School Pictures: If you have multiple kids in school, this easily adds up to a nice amount of money. Although they have a basic package, purchasing two or three will certainly add up. Not to mention most schools have fall, spring, and class pictures taken. By the end of the year, you’ll be surprised how much you spent on pictures alone. 2.) Field Trips: It’s free to sign for, but it’s not free for them to go. Field Trips are a fun interactive way for kids to experience what they’re learning about but it comes at a cost. Varying by location and gas spent, field trips end up costing parents significantly as well. 3.) Teacher Appreciation Day I know it’s optional to participate and there’s even the op
Read more

Wavelengths

I've been contemplating on my mental state of mind and the impact others can have on me. As an HSP (highly sensitive person) I tend to soak up so many emotions. This has led me to actively seek out more info on energy absorption. This is a belief that people are able to give off good and bad energy. Depending on their energy, it can have a good impact or negative impact on you. If someone has a bad aura it's destined to ward off on others. Not only that, but a person with a bad aura is destined to cause bad things to happen. Consider people like this "agents of chaos." They disrupt situations and are problematic. They have bad attitudes and personalities. A lot of them also feel empowered when they can bring others down. It's important to be cautious about the company you keep around you. Superficial people will seek friendships based on what they can gain from being around you. They don't care about you on a genuine level, it's a friendship that benefits
Read more