Kandi Burruss has an MLM. *Allegedly* (This Black-Ass Life)
Welcome to the 79th installment of This Black-Ass Life! We were scrolling through RHOA threads on Reddit, as one does, and learned that people think Kandi Burruss’ Bedroom Kandi is an MLM. And that got us thinking, maybe MLMs aren’t only for white moms you went to school with who are now working to convince you that you can have it all through scheming and scamming *cough cough* we mean through being a #girlboss and choosing to #leanin.
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I. The Facts
Multi-level Marketing (MLM) is individuals selling products to the public - often through direct sales. Pyramid schemes are fraudulent scams, usually disguised as an MLM, but whose business plan is solely based on recruiting new participants.
Not all MLMs are necessarily terrible (most are), but ALL pyramids schemes definitely are.
Of the total participants of direct sales participants in America, 8% of people involved are Black, but Black people in particular are susceptible to pyramid schemes because… institutional racism.
Systemic racism has created such a wealth gap in America that sometimes economically marginalized Black people succumb to promises of fast cash and a piece of their institutionally denied American Dream.
It’s no wonder that even Black celebrities have taken to running and promoting MLMs. Kandi Buruss, Tyra Banks and Blac Chyna are three examples.
With coronavirus widening the wealth gap, currently popular in Black America is also “sou-sou” or “blessing loom,” a chain-letter form of pyramid scheme in which people are recruited to bring in money and more people in the hope that’ll they recoup their earnings significantly at a later date.
The pyramid scheme sou-sou is not to be confused with osusu/tanda/hui or other forms of informal rotating savings and credit association (ROSCAS) which are legitimate forms of savings arrangement among a group of friends and family.
Why does it matter?
These schemes specifically target vulnerable communities like poor people, parents (especially mothers) who want to make additional money for their families and need the time flexibility, immigrants, and communities of color.
They intentionally use the “language of success” where you’re told you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, independent consultant, or your own boss. That feeds into the notion of the American dream that if you work tirelessly, you will earn riches.
The vast majority of people who join MLMs are left with less money (or broke) and with weaker social connections.
This model requires you to build wealth by roping your loved ones into these schemes like selling coffee that will make you poop your way through weight loss.
Nearly 1 in 3 people feel pressured by a family member who’s an MLM distributor, while 1 in 4 experience pressure from friends.
Here are more stories from women who realized they were being scammed.
What can my Black ass do?
Don’t join a pyramid scheme! Understand that there is no wealth-building in pyramid schemes. As one analyst said, it's "only the shifting of money to people who got into the scheme earlier."
Watch this to learn how you can spot a pyramid scheme.
There is now a whole Anti-MLM Coalition dedicated to dispelling myths about MLMs. Check it out!
Tune in to Season 1 of The Dream podcast which so smartly covers the world of MLMs.
Here’s advice from a “cult deprogrammer” on how to leave an MLM or help a friend leave an MLM.
ll. Other Things
Tiffany is here and nothing else matters.
Tiffany “New York” Pollard already has a perfect show called Brunch with Tiffany and now she is giving us a reunion special for I Love New York hosted by Vivica A. Fox. Even in the darkest times, she is a light!
Taraji P Henson is single y’all! Shoot your shot!
The most underrated Hollywood STUNNER Niecy Nash is in talks to host a daytime talk show.
Here’s Tre’vell Anderson on the Black queens dominating Drag Race.
A really thoughtful piece: You Don't Need to Pull Your Mask Down to Talk to Me.
Our Black-Ass song(s) of the week (Jumoke):
Nigeria, like America, continues to break my heart. This love song speaks of hopeful possibilities. #endsars.
Things we are looking forward to / things we are not looking forward to:
I (Jumoke) look forward to doing my hair until the end of the year. Y’all, I do hair now.
I (Mitu) look forward to Hallmark & Lifetime Christmas movies. I’m not waiting until after Thanksgiving this year. Today, I’m watching Amber Stevens West’s Christmas Unwrapped produced by Tiffany Haddish.
lll. Text from a Black-Ass Mama
Thank you to our loyal reader who submitted this question from their Black-Ass Mama about fruit flies and Pumpkin Spice Poopoo Head.
Stay Black, thrive and swat that fruit fly out of office! We’ll hit your inbox next on November 2 for a special quick edition.