4 ms·

He wrote a rap song as part of his job intended for "Youth Across America." He was asked once if he would perform the song at a company dinner and he declined.

• krath94 10y ago
  Exactly my first thought, it's because he wrote it, why would they ask someone who didn't write it to perform it?
  • et-al 10y ago
    > When I approached Anna to let her know that I did not feel comfortable rapping for a board member, she said “no problem” so quickly that it felt as if she knew she shouldn’t have made such a request. That interaction might have something important the author experienced that we, as readers, can't visualise. Also, a big part of this is that many times minorities don't want to reinforce a stereotype. There's a fine line to tread between one-off self-expression and the worry that the majority think that this is what you do all the time, or a label. I can see why the author doesn't want to be seen as "Derrius, the guy who raps."
    • wpBenny 10y ago
      THEN DON'T WRITE A RAP FOR THE YOUTH OF AMERICA AND TELL YOUR CO-WORKERS ABOUT IT? It seemed like he actually wanted to and that he said yes. So the story is a little iffy from his side. https://twitter.com/drquarles/status/692809125294706688 https://twitter.com/drquarles/status/692809125294706688 S/O means shout out so he was pretty happy about it to put it up on social media.
      • et-al 10y ago
        Yes, I'm aware that this might just be a self-aggrandizing piece, or it might be a legitimate issue. However, none of us were there, so I'm hesitant to pass too much judgement on this nuanced matter.
        • wpBenny 10y ago
          Fair enough. I'm usually the skeptical of all things person. I'm not sure how positive that is.
          • et-al 10y ago
            I think it's a good attitude to have. :) I was just super hesitant here because we didn't know the complete story and everyone else seemed to be piling on the author.
• levelist_com 10y ago
  I'm not sure why It could be interpreted as racist? It's not like the person assumed b/c the man is black that he could rap. The man admittedly already wrote the rap for a known project and was asked to or assumed he would be ok to perform it for another venue. The man declined stating he wasnt comfortable doing so and ended with no further incident. Rude possibly. Racist? Not even close!
  • et2o 10y ago
    I said "interpreted as racist."
    • levelist_com 10y ago
      Yes. And I said I don't know why it could be "interpreted as racist." and followed it up with my reasoning.
      • et2o 10y ago
        I agree, I do not think it was racist. If you cannot contrive of a way that this could be "interpreted as racist" it is hard to continue the conversation.
        • levelist_com 10y ago
          We aren't really having a conversation now. I explained why I don't think it could/should be interpreted as racist. You had an opportunity to share with me why it could be, allowing me to perhaps be enlightened and form a new opinion; however, you chose to throw insults and shut down the convo.
• slowandlow 10y ago
  It's not really racism but as a black person it comes off a little insensitive. For a long we've been usually asked to perform as opposed to contribute in a more meaningful way for example. I would find it strange if I was asked to perform for a board meeting hardly seems like the appropriate place for that. I would also take a bit of offense because it sends the message that all I'm good for is performing. Being the ONLY black guy heightens the stereotype that we're only good enough to entertain. It's not something white people think about so it may be hard to realize what you're asking and how it may be interpreted. I'm not advocating for social justice just voicing the black point of view. Also, the rest of the article is a bit shaky. One more thing, sitting at a job and waiting to get fired for severance is terrible. It's embarrassing and dishonest. Your reputation is also at stake here. If you think no one knows what you're up to, you're very mistaken. BLACK people especially should not do this.
  • et2o 10y ago
    I appreciate you sharing your perspective and experience.
  • diggernet 10y ago
    I understand your point about being asked to perform. (The railroad scene of Blazing Saddles comes to mind here.) But he was asked to perform a rap HE wrote. Because he was the author, not because he was black. While obviously blacks should not be considered only good for entertainment, does that really mean society needs to avoid offering recognition of an individual's demonstrated creative abilities just because they happen to be black? Also, as another commenter already documented, he was far from the only black in the office. All that said, your final point is spot on! And not only for blacks...