I’m caught somewhere in between offended and in love with “Hocus Broke-Us,” YouTube-star-turned-MTV-personality Todrick Hall’s ratchet rendition of the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus. I’ll credit him with highlighting that the original movie was missing all things melanin-related. But, I am beyond tired of stereotypical characterizations of black people, even if performed by black artists. It’s limiting, debasing, and broadcasts to the world an image that does not serve our intellectual or cultural advancement.
Black, ratchet and broke are not synonymous. Hall is known for his flamboyant and over-the-top performances, so I’m sure his intention wasn’t to degrade his own race. He only gets a pass from me this time because ratchet characters work for Halloween, but any other time of the year, you can keep that.
