Let's Talk About Fetishes

I had an encounter recently that turned my stomach inside out...

If you can guess, it had to do with the title.

Living in a place (U.S.A.) where black culture is often copied by people who aren't black is to live in a constant state of bewilderment about the individuals around you- or on social media. From the music, to the fashion, to ebonics, we seem to influence marketing in America, and it's hard to not notice. I can't tell you how many articles I've scrolled past that call out popular celebrities who try to embody black culture while not being black. The term cultural appropriation has been used to give a name to the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.

This cultural appropriation sets the scene for potential fetishists. Being a woman, it's hard enough to not be sexualized (due to the patriarchy and the issues that derive from it) just for the basic fact that I possess XX chromosomes instead of XY. Now, throw in the adoration from society about black culture and you have a recipe for calamity. Racism also thrives here, while in conversation, I was constantly asked questions surrounding blackness and the generalizations about us. The person I was speaking to was not black but insisted that he "likes people like me" A.K.A. black people. It was like I was speaking to someone who wanted to be black SO bad.

I won't get too deep into the conversation because it was very dull and indicative that he was clearly trying to attract me with what he thought were black tendencies and vernacular. In closing, I wish people would analyze what they do and say, so that they can change their behavior to better themselves and in turn, our society. Cultural appreciation is great but fetishes such as the one described in this text often come from something much deeper than the surface. Check yourselves people!