VANESSA IS BLACK IN AMERICA
The 21st of 28 interviews with a variety of artists, writers and friends to learn more about individual perspectives on being black + original illustrations by George McCalman
VANESSA BECK (dj + activist)
We have a multitude of tastes, opinions and points of view, in addition to our common social positioning as Black people.
Can you tell if people see you as black before they see you?
Sure, if they say they “don’t see color,” ask to touch my hair, or tell me I’m exotic.
What’s something most people don’t realize about being black?
There isn’t just one to go about it. We have a multitude of tastes, opinions and points of view, in addition to our common social positioning as Black people. And we don’t all like Beyonce.
Okay, so tell us what you think about Beyonce
In a word, “Ugh.” I’m not a fan of her music. I’m not a fan of her brand. I’m not a fan of pop music generally.
Look, if you like her music, like her music! But if you want a heroine, a leader who displays wisdom, anger, experience, vision and compassion for the plight of Black women and people, I suggest choosing someone who’s not a proud capitalist and a multi-millionaire. What’s more annoying than all that is how people use Beyonce as a sort of litmus test for Blackness. (If you criticize her, be ready to get the side-eye from other Black folks!)
Has being black made your life better?
I wouldn’t say that being Black makes my life better. It makes my life harder (since we’re an oppressed group), but I wouldn’t trade being Black for anything. I don’t know what it’s like to not be Black, but I suspect that I wouldn’t have the same degree of sensitivity and ability to read people (probably developed due to necessity) if I weren’t Black.
What’s on your mind when you’re not thinking about race?
Race is never far from my mind. I can’t separate myself from Blackness, or from the ways that oppression has contributed to shaping my experiences since birth. I think a lot about how much capitalism kills human potential, stomps on our dreams, is killing the planet. And capitalism can’t be separated from white supremacy, so.
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About George: Instagram & things / About Ebony: Instagram & things