The Grammy’s were on this week. I never watched the Grammy’s because: I never knew when they were airing, and I never been a fan of award shows. Also, awards shows aren’t worth watching, especially now. I remember one year when Ellen Degeneres hosted the Grammy’s. I went to school the next morning to hear everyone talking about it. One classmate asked me if I saw it, I said my usual, no. Then I asked her in return, and she disgustingly answered: “It was hosted by a lesbian, why would I watch it?” “Well Damn B*tch!” I thought. I wasn’t surprised by her response, I attended a tiny, conservative Christian school, trust me, they had issues.
I’ve been discussing about Black Influence Worldwide. I observed very interesting things on this year’s Grammys. “Thanks” to social media, I’m able to see clips, and notifications about them. One performance I saw was J. Lo doing a tribute to Motown. I like J.Lo, she’s a great performer, she can bring it. However I didn’t think she was a good fit for the Motown tribute, and here’s why.
I’m just going to be straightforward. Motown is 100% SOULFUL, and J.Lo isn’t a soulful artist, she’s considered “sexy”, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Her performance was great, but it was soulless. Also, I don’t believe she has a strong voice, and it showed at this tribute. Maybe J.Lo was the only option for this tribute, we don’t know, but if you ask me, I would’ve loved to see Janelle Monae perform the tribute, or any underground soulful artist. (Just to throw this in, there are soulful artists who aren’t black such as: Jon B., Teena Marie (RIP), and the Average White Band). The Grammy’s be on some other mess. I’m sick and tired of the mainstream world taking the soul out of Black music, WE ARE A SOULFUL PEOPLE. I had an Instagram post about this, and it started “controversy”. I hate to admit, that I also didn’t express myself well but, that’s why I have this blog. Also, I’m not the one that goes back and forth with people on social media, it’s a waste of time, I say my opinion and go.
I believe this event goes very well with my Black Influence Series. It seems that the U.S has no appreciation for our contributions, but other countries have great appreciation for it. I’m happy that the world loves our music, but it’s another thing when we’re constantly not properly represented by the media, but other cultures are. This year’s Grammy’s is another example of improper representation of Black people (musicians). Every aspect of our culture is being gentrified: our neighborhoods and the media. They expect us to not complain, to just be ok with it, but we’re noticing it, and in many cases, it’s far from ok, and we have a right to be bothered.
The more I travel as a Black woman, I notice that the US wants us terminated…from our own contributions to the country, but other countries don’t. I enjoy traveling because, I know I’m a proper representation of my people.
I know this is a travel blog, but this needed to be said. To be black and conscious “is to be in rage almost all the time” (James Baldwin). This post could’ve been written in another way but, this is how I feel. I’m a global citizen, I love and respect other cultures, so respect mine. #REPRESENTATIONMATTERS
The more I travel as a Black woman, I notice that the US wants us terminated…from our own contributions to the country, but other countries don’t. I enjoy traveling because, I know I’m a proper representation of my people.
I know this is a travel blog, but this needed to be said. To be black and conscious “is to be in rage almost all the time” (James Baldwin). This post could’ve been written in another way but, this is how I feel. I’m a global citizen, I love and respect other cultures, so respect mine. #REPRESENTATIONMATTERS
Loray’s Journeys 