These threads always make me think of one person, especially when the question of how non-Black people can partake in Black culture gets raised: Teena Marie.
For those who don't know, Teena Marie was a fairly popular R&B singer in the 80s. Came up through (and dated) Rick James. If you're a Black American, you know who she is (or you've heard her music). Extremely talented, was an R&B singer to her core. To the point that when she had an opportunity to cross over into mainstream Pop and leave that "Black shit" behind, she didn't. She was a pretty white woman with an extraordinary voice. She could have been a bigger presence in music if she wanted to be. But she didn't. She died making R&B music and working with Black artists, because that was the music she was called to make. And while I'm sure there were some Black people out there who criticized her, and yes white privilege was definitely something she benefited from, she was nonetheless respected. Adored even. Her music is a mainstay at the Cookout. When she passed, Black people mourned the fuck out of her.
And that's the difference. If you want Black people to "buy" you, to get you, if you don't want to be considered a culture vulture...well, the best and easiest thing you could do is not treat Black culture like it's disposable. Unfortunately, for people like Awkwafina, that's all Black culture is good for. Use it then lose it. She gets the smoke she asks for.
Anyway, listen to some Teena Marie.
This post is required reading.
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