#Blacklivesmatter

Just when I was about to write a post about my fashionable clothes and make up and stuff I got the radical idea of writing about something that actually matters. I've been thinking about a #Blacklivesmatter post for a while, not really sure what more I could bring to the debate until I watched Beyonce's new video Formation. (NB its been a while now I've noticed Blogger does not allow me to post certain youtube videos?! so here is a link, watch it its worth it!)

                          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrCHz1gwzTo

     Let's start from the beginning. The land of the free (USA) where 25% of the world's population is imprisoned. I mean...really? Is there anyone left on this earth that still believes the land of the free and the American dream exist?

The Land of the Free- whoever told you that is your enemy

The American Dream- because you have to be asleep to believe it

     No! I am not senselessly hating on America, 95% of my heroes (dead or alive) are American. It seems as though the worst off a place is- the more it produces great minds. (On another note it seems like the citizens of New Hampshire are not half as bad- a good portion of them voted for Bernie! So there is evidence to suggest that some Americans are still capable of independent thought.) ANYWAY, it is a statistical fact that the majority of America's incarcerated population is African American even though they are still statistically a minority within the American general population. Another statistical fact: American police has shot more of its citizen (predominately African American) than the rest of the world's police force combined (or Isis and Boko Haram). But hey ho, unless you've lived under a rock or you are the average western-brain washed "kim/kanye product" robot then you wouldn't know those facts, let alone care about them. Nonetheless they are shocking.

     What I am trying to say is that its no secret  America has had a very shameful past (arguably present as well) in the way it has treated its citizen. My naive nature has led me to believe, as a child, that since Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Malcolm X...gosh even since Obama was elected for president- things have improved. Rights for ALL human beings exist, everyone is equal, nae segregation. But that's not the case. It seems there still a long way to go before the 21st century Selma march happens again.

     Everyone with any authority or influence should step up; I know Beyonce and Jay Z have said a few things about #Blacklivesmatter; and I am so proud of Queen B for using Black Panther outfits for her back dancers (little but at least something) however a powerful video and very disappointing lyrics about a Givenchy dress are still far from the iconic sound of the 60s black revolutionary anthems- Young, Gifted and Black and Backlash Blues. Although her Formation video has very powerful visual message which encapsulates the current African American culture its lyrics are literally breaking my heart. I just hope Beyonce, and all other American black artists for that matter, realise the importance of the issue, realise the power they have due to American citizens infatuation with show business.

     Everyone, without exception, should be talking about this. This radical social change needs to have its generational Nina Simone voice, I sincerely hope that Queen B is capable of standing up tall on this one! We the people are simple but not stupid. Give us a 21st century I have a dream speech, give us a Backlash Blues marching song but you have to inspire our hearts and souls. We need idols and ideas to get our hearts pumping in order to move those legs and lips in order to break the silence.     

Nina Simone- Young, Gifted and Black

Nina Simone- Backlash Blues