Jemele Hill was recently suspended for two weeks from ESPN for violating ‘"social media guidelines." Ya’ll can find the original statement from ESPN somewhere on the web, but let’s be very clear, Hill is under fire, again, because:

1. She had the audacity to "back talk" an old, rich, white establishment which benefits from black/brown bodies being silent and entertaining the masses, and

2. She has a vagina (which automatically makes her lesser) and had the audacity to "back talk" an old rich white establishment which benefits from black/brown bodies being silent and entertaining the masses.

There is nothing more irksome to the establishment and patriarchy than a non-white woman with an opinion, and a platform to voice said opinion.

A few months ago, 45 was up in arms trying to get her fired for the same reason. Then he demanded she, “apologize for untruth!” But where exactly were the "untruth(s)" in her original tweets?

“Donald Trump is a white supremacist who has largely surrounded himself w/other white supremacists.” #FACTS

“The height of white privilege is being able to ignore his white supremacy, because it’s of no threat to you.” #FACTS

“Donald Trump is a bigot.” #FACT

“…incompetent moron” #FACTS

This time, the issue is Jemele’s tweets which came after Jerry Jones’ comment that Cowboy players will be benched if they “disrespect the flag” by kneeling.

I’m just going to pause here to say it again, for the people in the back who clearly have tried to co-opt the kneeling of players as something that it is not.

Players who kneel are doing so to shed light on the injustices that are happening to POC in America. It has NOTHING to do with the flag.

Back to Jemele.

America has had a history of telling black and brown people to "shut up and take it."

Exhibit A: Slavery — What? Y'all don’t want to work for free? Why not just be happy we saved you from Africa and brought you the "land of the free" for a better life?

Exhibit B: Emancipation Proclamation — Damn… y'all free now. What more do you want?

Exhibit C: Jim Crow — I think it’s best if y'all stay over there and we are over here. Why do you want equal facilities, education and rights?

Fast forward to Exhibit Y: President Obama — There. You have a black president. Everything cool, right?

Whenever POC discuss injustices, we somehow trigger white tears and are always expected to adjust our protest/speech/tweets. We are referred to as being “ungrateful” and should be quiet, which is code for you-are-where-you-are-by-my-white-graces-how-dear-you-back-talk? The suspension of Hill continues this trend. Despite the fact that she didn’t say anything wrong, nor did she call for a boycott, she was still suspended. Again, I question, where are the lies?

“Jerry Jones also has created a problem for his players, specifically the black ones…” #FACTS

The problem is not ESPN social media guidelines. The problem is that America doesn’t like black/brown people to be present, vocal, or opinionated. The problem is 45 has unearthed a climate in America that supports bigotry and hate (directly target towards POC and women). The problem is whiteness, and its uneasiness when confronted with black/brown truths. The problem is women of color are expected to be seen, not heard in the American work force. #FACTS

fromajwithlove

Writing since October 2017 · 1 story contributed