Exactly. We’re supposed to believe Rihanna owns 50% of Fenty when LVMH put up the startup capital, manufacturing, marketing and distribution. She probably owns 50% of the trademark.
Black Celebrities Aren’t Really Billionaires
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Exactly. We’re supposed to believe Rihanna owns 50% of Fenty when LVMH put up the startup capital, manufacturing, marketing and distribution. She probably owns 50% of the trademark.
BlackJesus
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Or what fakkit?Man shut up
GoPinheiro
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It is not completely false. Black people don't own the means of production and are largely consumers, and then distributors in some areas—all while being among the biggest consumers of media and entertainment (a major source of escapism and also a major source of Black wealth). All of this was INTENTIONALLY designed: from agricultural lands being confiscated, to successful businesses being overrun by highways, higher taxes, no access to loans, etc.
Furthermore, how many times have we seen these Black billionaires paraded as a group whose wealth can be added up but also taken away the moment they don't behave as expected?
So, it’s not foolish to question how media narratives shape perception. Highlighting a few Black billionaires can create the illusion that the system is fair, when in reality, most systemic barriers remain intact. It gives comfort—> the idea that everything is secure and safe, that this system with its flaws is still the best you can achieve and that in the end, if you just accept a lot of discomfort, you’ll eventually make it too. These success stories are often used to promote individual aspiration over collective change, which can distract from deeper issues.
P.S. My comment is not about denying black success. These Black individuals worked hard. My point is simply to recognize how those stories are framed and why.
Seriously, some of you have seen how the American system props up ignorant Black entertainers as “Black voices” to say, “See, it’s not me saying it, it’s a Black person doing that.” But then struggle to see how Black billionaires could be weaponized against the majority?
“If this country has so many systemic barriers, then why is Michael Jordan so loved and wealthier than most whites? How come my wife and her sisters used to watch Oprah all the time? How come my mom couldn't sleep without listening to Whitney Houston? How come my parents used to dress me like Michael Jackson? My business role model is Robert F. Smith. So that’s bullshyt, just stop complaining and work harder
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It is not completely false. Black people don't own the means of production and are largely consumers, and then distributors in some areas—all while being among the biggest consumers of media and entertainment (a major source of escapism and also a major source of Black wealth). All of this was INTENTIONALLY designed: from agricultural lands being confiscated, to successful businesses being overrun by highways, higher taxes, no access to loans, etc.
Furthermore, how many times have we seen these Black billionaires paraded as a group whose wealth can be added up but also taken away the moment they don't behave as expected?
So, it’s not foolish to question how media narratives shape perception. Highlighting a few Black billionaires can create the illusion that the system is fair, when in reality, most systemic barriers remain intact. It gives comfort—> the idea that everything is secure and safe, that this system with its flaws is still the best you can achieve and that in the end, if you just accept a lot of discomfort, you’ll eventually make it too. These success stories are often used to promote individual aspiration over collective change, which can distract from deeper issues.
P.S. My comment is not about denying black success. These Black individuals worked hard. My point is simply to recognize how those stories are framed and why.
Seriously, some of you have seen how the American system props up ignorant Black entertainers as “Black voices” to say, “See, it’s not me saying it, it’s a Black person doing that.” But then struggle to see how Black billionaires could be weaponized against the majority?
“If this country has so many systemic barriers, then why is Michael Jordan so loved and wealthier than most whites? How come my wife and her sisters used to watch Oprah all the time? How come my mom couldn't sleep without listening to Whitney Houston? How come my parents used to dress me like Michael Jackson? My business role model is Robert F. Smith. So that’s bullshyt, just stop complaining and work harder