Like Jesus, Like The Black Community: Living In The Shadows Of Judas Iscariot
Contrition can twine like a snake each time you come upon the wake of eminent black figures betraying the black community. If you care enough. Not once, not twice, not even thrice have high-ranking black celebrities have made a mockery of the black community in their own self-fulfilling quest to make more wealth by ultimately looking out for numero uno, their self.
From Tiger Woods coining the phrase “Cablinasian” to denounce his black origin to Tiffany Haddish eating “Fried Chicken” on a red carpet event, the black community has experienced its share of ridicule. However, when one of the most successful black celebrities of all time brings an unpleasant surprise, then it might be reasonable to see how the black community is brimming with many Judas Iscariots. Some black people might just call these Judases a “sellout.” If they care enough.
For those who have been living under a rock, Jay-Z and the National Football League have formed a partnership. We’ll give you the cliff notes version.
On August 13, 2019, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entered into a deal with the NFL that will allow the first and only rap billionaire to help the NFL in selecting artists for top-notch NFL performances such as the Super Bowl. The partnership also includes a clause that will allow Jay-Z’s entertainment company, Roc Nation, to work in favor of the NFL’s “Inspire Change Initiative,” a body launched by the NFL to interact with the “Players Coalition,” an association of some NFL players canvassing for social justice.
In an ideal world, every reasonable person will welcome this development. But, the level of criticism that’s trailing this deal shows there is more to it than meets the eye. Everyone knows that the NFL is greatly embroiled in issues relating to social injustice; of particular importance is its treatment of Colin Kaepernick.
Colin Karpernick is the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who sparked nationwide league protests after kneeling during the National Anthem to protest against police brutality and racial injustice. From the following year when he became a free agent after that, to this day, no team has stepped forward to sign Colin Kaepernick again. No doubt, the NFL management, and team owners have conspired to keep Kaepernick off the field, and so far, it has worked. The refusal for team owners to sign Kaepernick to a team coupled with the NFL’s attempt to quell the kneeling down protest that has continued even after his departure, are genuine reasons why so many people are criticizing this recent deal between Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and the NFL.
We believe that Jay-Z’s partnership with the NFL is a way to quell the protest. It’s a way to simply talk about social injustice without actually addressing social injustice in a substantively tangible matter. The NFL is getting a “hood pass” from Jay-Z because in America, getting a “hood pass” is one way to get black approval.
By collaborating with Jay-Z, the NFL is tacitly trying to sway public opinion from its diabolic scheme. They are trying to make it look like they embrace diversity and care much about the sufferings of black people when in all actuality, they don’t.
Previously, Jay-Z was among those that openly criticized the NFL for its treatment of Colin Kaepernick. The rapper also used his entertainment platform on several occasions to praise Kaepernick’s protest while condemning the NFL for not signing him to a contract. So, for Jay-Z to make this sudden 180-degree turnaround to partner with the same NFL he previously criticized is puzzling and seems hypocritical. It shows that he could possibly be another one of those Judas Iscariot’s ripping in tatters and making a mockery of the black community’s will and solidarity (depending on who you talk to) against racial injustice. Like the Biblical Judas and the 30 pieces of silver, Jay-Z (considering his huge social status) has seemed to trade in his black consciousness for white dollars. Some people are definitely thinking “what a betrayal that is.” Jay-Z just signed up to the continuation of racial injustice cleverly wrapped up in appealing white papers (contractual obligations). It’s just another modern way of practicing racism under a system that dismisses any silly post-racial society claim.
Do We Truly Live In A “Post-Racial” Society? No
The fact that we now have more rights movements, and the ability to speak publicly and partake in elections in all categories does not mean racism (systemic or otherwise) isn’t alive in the 21st century.
Racism might not seem as overt as the days where there was “Whites Only” bathrooms and “Colored Only” bathrooms, but it is very much alive and well.
If you’re not one of the very few people living in the dark ages and you’re active online, you’d see that racism is very much rampant and flagrant.
Closet racists (now out of the closet) turned Internet famous full-blown racists, who were given silly names such as BBQ Becky and Permit Patty are out and about making life miserable for people living while black. All of these incidents among others across the country points to endemic covert racism. You can call it systemic racism, institutionalized racism, or whatever you want to call it. Racism is still a thing.
For the people who like to act dumb about racism, institutional racism is when resources and decision-making powers in our society are distributed only to the benefit of people who are white to the detriment of black people.
Yes, it is not that difficult to recognize institutionalized racism. You can see it in the naming of universities, in the structure of the organization you belong, or simply by working in an “all-white” department, the evidence is always there to see.
For example, when a person of color fills out a job application and has to worry about their application possibly being thrown in the trash due to a racist higher-up, that’s a problem. Sadly, even something like healthcare, something that everyone needs is touched by racism.
How can it be that despite black people (supposedly) making up less than 30% of the population in the country accounts for the highest number of people incarcerated? What special crimes are black people committing that everyone else doesn’t commit? What about racial profiling and police brutalization of black people compared to their white counterparts?
Like it or not, racism is still very much alive in the 21st century—the so-called post-racial era. Racism hasn’t gone away or died down, racism has just evolved.
Hence, the partnership between Roc Nation and the NFL is nothing but more post-racial society bullshit driven by the capitalistic ambitions of Jay-Z and the covert yet crafty racist scheming on the NFL’s part. Below are 5 reasons why we think this partnership represents more post-racial society bullshit.
1.) Racist People Will Look At Jay-Z As “Black Success”
The first negative impact that this NFL and Jay-Z partnership will create in the warped minds of racist people is that the more significant majority of black people do not work hard enough and so lack what it takes to be successful.
Typically, individuals who come from privilege, regardless of being born into wealth or not, will use Jay-Z’s success as a reason to scold black people. They will use this as yet another opportunity to tell black people that we need to “lift ourselves up by the bootstraps,” which by itself is a nonsensical statement.
When you’re mediocre and privileged enough to live with your head in the clouds, it’s easy to look at the few exceptional Afrikans who are successful and just say that black people in general just need to “work hard.”
Do black people really have to work harder than they already do now?? Black people have always worked hard. No matter how hard they work, black families will continue to struggle to build meaningful wealth. You only have to look into the racial wealth gap that has persisted for more than 150 years after emancipation. Then you will understand why black people keep struggling.
As long as the racist tendencies from the Jim Crow era are still very much alive and systematically operated in the modern era, the racist yet privileged folks out there will always single out the success of one special negro to measure the wealth of the entire black nation, the majority of which are languishing in abject poverty and racial injustice.
2.) It’s A Win For Jay-Z, Not Black People
There is nothing to celebrate about Jay-Z securing a mouth-watering partnership with the NFL—one of the most-watched TV sports in the country.
It is a win for Jay-Z and his business empire. More millions will be going to his bank account yearly. But, none of that will translate into improving the social and racial injustice suffered by black people everywhere in America.
It does not give Colin Kaepernick a job in the NFL, which is one of the reasons why many people are criticizing this deal.
Kaepernick has remained jobless since sparking the kneeling down protest. No team has signed him ever since he became a free agent in 2017. By agreeing to become the representative of the NFL’s social justice initiative, Jay-Z is implicitly helping the NFL to deflect criticism for its treatment of Colin Kaepernick while making more money for the NFL and himself.
If we can recall, Jay-Z in a 2018 interview on CNN described this same Kaepernick as an “iconic figure,” hailing the player’s stance on civic issues as one that’s comparable to that of Muhammad Ali. That means Jay-Z recognizes Kaepernick’s protest efforts and supported it then. So why did he turn around to partner with the NFL—the same league that has worked tirelessly to make sure that protests disappear? What prevented Jay-Z from demanding that a clause be included in the partnership terms that would have ensured the NFL re-sign Kaepernick before committing to being the new face of the NFL’s social justice initiative? He didn’t do that. It is clear that Jay-Z was only concerned about himself and didn’t care about any of the black athletes who might’ve been pro Kaepernick and possibly punished as a result of the NFL’s covert (racist) actions. Therefore, the partnership is a win only for him and not for the millions of black people that are still protesting against police brutality and social injustice. It is neither for Kaepernick who on his Twitter handle felt betrayed by this Jay-Z’s move.
Make no mistake; this article is in no way trying to bash Jay-Z for his success in life. On the contrary, this is more so a reminder that the success of one talented black person isn’t the success of black people as a whole. Whoever thinks or feels otherwise need to look at the racial wealth gap, which is thriving due to the implementation of a malign social policy.
Whether it is Jay-Z, LeBron James, or any other super successful black person in the entertainment industry, they are the exception not the rule. Black boys and black girls grow up everyday living vicariously through black celebrities and are encouraged to either become a rapper or an athlete.
Putting race aside, the human race as a whole has a habit of living vicariously through celebrities while truly living an everyday life of mediocrity. Most people aren’t disciplined and driven enough to pursue their goals and dreams. They just grow up indoctrinated to become an employee for someone else’s dream and simply hope to get lucky enough to “make it.”
Hope is fine when it is used as a motivating factor, and you take action, but when no real action takes place, it’s pointless. That is exactly what this deal between Jay-Z and the NFL represent—a false hope of promoting social justice without taking any substantive action. The only action being taken in this case is to simply have a (street-credible) black face run interference for a (yet another) racist organization while quelling the hope of those seeking awareness and engagement through protests against social injustice.
Black people as a group aren’t independent in an economic sense, so when we see black faces in white places with majority white faces, we see that as “success.” Some people might say that this NFL deal is yet another way Jay-Z is showing us “how to move in a room full of vultures.”
The NFL collaborating with Jay-Z does not, in any way close the racial wealth gap. If you think so, don’t play yourself.
3.) Creates More Illusion of Inclusion
The concept of inclusion is another false reality that this partnership between the NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation appears to create. But, in fact, it is not, but the illusion of inclusion.
Integration created a more integrated society for all races to come together and blend on some level. However, white people still maintained their economic dominance. White people still maintained control of major corporations and institutions. We all know that white-dominant society has their “good ole boys club” and if you’re not white, you’re not allowed in.
If you’re black and successful and wealthy enough, you might be able to get in by slipping through the cracks, but it will only be a few, and that’s it. When a white-owned company endorses a black celebrity, it shows approval. It indicates acceptance. People see a successful black person and conclude that black people, in general, should be able to do the same. But what these people fail to realize is the fact that we live in a system of racism/white supremacy that regularly depends on black failure.
Will Jay-Z be an equal owner to the other NFL owners who happen to be white men? We have just two owners of color in the NFL. Or is this a way to make black people feel better about a black man merely getting crumbs off the table?
The NFL’s partnership with Jay-Z may appear inclusive on the surface, but its attempt to kill protests in the league shows that the partnership is a tactical veil of covering its diabolic activities while scheming to continue with its “exclusive” business model.
We will know and accept that the NFL is genuine and concerned about inclusion if it can stop blackballing Colin Kaepernick, bring him out of exile and signed him to a team again. We will know the NFL is serious about diversity and inclusion if it can shelve its plans to bar players from kneeling on the pitch during the National Anthem. Until then, the false sense of inclusion that this partnership is seeking to create will remain an illusion.
4.) Bread And Circuses Continue While The Goal Post Shifts
Bread and circuses refer to an attempt by mass sports spectacle to divert the attention of a population or part of a given community away from the critical business of society and politics. That is what the NFL’s partnership with Jay-Z seeks to achieve.
The bread and circuses will continue as scheduled. The black people who might’ve jumped ship when it came to supporting the NFL will most likely get back on-board since Jay-Z is in the mix. Jay-Z has a high approval rating because outside of him being one of the greatest rappers ever and being a highly successful entrepreneur, he has an almost overzealous cult-like following that co-signs anything he does, no matter how questionable it might be. If any other black celebrity would’ve pulled this stunt, they would’ve been a called a coon or sellout. But Jay-Z has a Vibranium edition hood pass, so a mass majority of people won’t see him as a coon or sellout. The NFL was smart enough to pick up on this and did what they specialize in, shifting the goal post, figuratively, in this case.
Nevertheless, the dangers lie ahead. Like Rome in the first two centuries, bread and circuses widen the gap between the richest and the poorest demographics’, and the time is coming when it will reach its feverish pitch. Then BOOM—it will go! It happened to Rome, and from all indications, America is heading towards that path. The root cause of it all is the wealth gap.
When you look at the racial wealth gap, you will realize that it will take up to 228 years for an average African-American family to build the wealth of a white family. While there are wealthy black people out there, they pale in comparison to their white counterparts when it comes to letting their money speak in a way that seriously influences the political process. As long as such a pathetic disparity continues to thrive and is actively supported by mighty organizations like the NFL, the future is bleak, and a Roman-like fall is on the horizon.
5.) Protesting Might Stop, But Racial Injustice Will Still Continue
As stated before, this partnership could be another way to quell the protests. The NFL has already publicly stated it would come up with a policy that will bar and fine players for taking the knee during the National Anthem. While that might scare some players who may just prefer not to experience what Colin Kaepernick is currently facing, it is most likely that the players association will revolt. Thus, it makes sense for the NFL to collaborate with an iconic figure like Jay-Z to further the course of its so-called social justice initiative.
The partnership might water down the level of protest among black people, and even win back the minds of some people who have decided not to watch or attend NFL games sessions anymore. However, the presence of Jay-Z will not stop police brutality and racial injustice against blacks.
Seriously, how much more awareness do we need about police brutality??
Presently, the police are the leading cause of death among hundreds of young American men. There are many videos online, and many cases of police brutality against black people. There is enough evidence that racial bias is a norm in law enforcement. Ten years ago, the FBI did warn against white supremacists in law enforcement, and what we see today is clear footage of that warning. Black people don’t need the NFL and Jay-Z’s partnership to draw attention to what is happening. The partnership cannot and will not do anything to stop racial injustice.
America is one hell of a divided country where some think that the lives of some others aren’t worth its place among insects, needless to say among the living.
Conclusion
While this is yet more post-racial society BS, it will be interesting to see how this partnership unfolds and what comes of it. This is the talk of the town for the moment, but as the sports and entertainment talk takes center stage, it leaves room for all types of machinations to take place behind the scenes.
As always, we can count on sports and entertainment news to sideline more important issues that need to be discussed. Something like Reparations can easily take a backseat once something of this nature comes up and dominates the national discussion instead.
At this point awareness about racial injustice is a given. Whoever is not aware is just foolishly ignorant. Either that or they’re hiding their head in the sand aka ostrich syndrome. There’s no cure for that yet and we all know there’s no cure for racism too, but we can’t allow ourselves to be blindsided by celebrity dealings that further capitalizes on the masses short attention span. We can say something that rhymes with “may yoke” but instead, we’ll just say don’t fall asleep.
