Our Black Asses Read Comics, Too
Welcome to the ninth installment of This Black-Ass Life! This week, we’re diving into comic books, representation and Wakanda. We’re also sending love and appreciation to prolific entertainer, Janet Jackson.
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l. The Facts
We’re all ready to see Black Panther, but let’s get into some blerd history.
Black people and other people of color were featured in comics dating back decades.
But that’s only been recently reflected in our current onslaught of superhero TV shows, streaming specials and big movie blockbusters.
Even when we do have our stories featured, we then encounter issues with not being the ones who get to tell those stories.
Why is this important?
Representation matters. Watch Tyler the Creator explain why we need more Black cartoon characters.
Tyler DID that, but to take it a step deeper, read this piece on how not seeing representations of ourselves can lead to a sort of “self-annihilation,” where we doubt our own importance.
We, especially the babies, can literally doubt our own value because we don’t get the opportunity to see ourselves.
What can my Black Ass do?
We don’t think we need to tell y'all to go see Black Panther. I (Mitu) actually bought opening night tickets as well as one for the following Saturday afternoon for a post-brunch Wakanda affair. I (Jumoke) am wearing a turtleneck dashiki combo because I can.
Get fashion inspiration from the red carpet premiere, but make sure you’re a little better coordinated than Uncle Oyelowo.
Be like Octavia and donate to ensure the babies get to see Black Panther.
Remix edition: What can my White Ass do?
White people, if you see a Black person looking for a seat in the theater, get up and let them have it. When you ask us what you can do about racism and injustice, this is one of the things. No Black person should have to wait to see this movie.
ll. Other Things
Some happenings
Read this review of Black Lightning, and watch the show on Tuesdays at 9 pm on CW. I (Mitu) am obsessed with Living Single’s Scooter running around town kicking police and gang leader behind. (Be warned - there’s a lil respectability politics you’ll have to get past).
The kids are alright. From these fifth-grade boys who started a book club and made it the most popular club at their school, to the Haitian babies schooling Conan O'Brien on American imperialism, to King Johnson living up to his name and refusing to hear his teachers’ lies, Black babies are leading the way.
We’re not watching anybody’s Super Bowl, but we sure do appreciate us some Janet. Check out the #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay Twitter party.
Our Black-Ass song of the week (Jumoke):
In honor of #JanetJacksonAppreciationDayMonth, my favorite all-time song and video: All For You. Okay, I have another favorite because how can you not: That's The Way Love Goes.
Obligatory Kanye check-in:
Kylie’s pregnancy video provides a first look at little baby Chi West - see the stills here without having to go through 11 minutes of video.
Things we are looking forward to / things we are not looking forward to:
I (Mitu) look forward to seeing more Black babies celebrating the opportunity to see Black Panther Movie like this swagged out class.
At the time of this writing (Sunday night), we are not looking forward to the Super Bowl because we didn’t want to watch early Komrade Kumquat validator, Tom Brady, and king of mediocrity, Justin Timberlake. P.S. Everyone should read this Twitter thread on Timberlake’s trifling ways.
lll. Text from a Black-Ass Father
Jumoke’s dad needs technical support.
We’re closing this with a quote from our soon-to-be favorite superhero movie: “The Black Panther has been a protector of Wakanda for generations. And now, it is time to show the outside world who we are." We’ll hit your inbox next on February 19.