Macklemore, White Privilege II, and interpreting my role in the development of allies

I may have not-so-popular opinions about white allies, so my more radical racial justice friends might disagree with my overall sentiment, but that is how discourse happens, eh? Either way, I felt some kind of way after reading the lyrics of Macklemore’s new song, started a rant post on Facebook, which I quickly realized didn’t belong on social media as a “status update”, then decided to move it over here. The following are my thoughts and opinions, based on nothing else but anecdotal evidence and sass.

Alright, here’s what I know about Macklemore without asking Google:

• He’s a white dude from Seattle who has overcome addiction
• He’s ruffled some feathers just by existing as a white performer in a black-culture-created industry
• He wrote a song about thrift store shopping that really spoke to me as a frugal 20-something
• He won an award, then apologized to Kendrick Lamar for winning, and later posted the text on Instagram for the whole world to see

Now some disclosures:

• I have only heard two Macklemore songs, ever
• I haven’t even listened to the song that prompted me to write this response, but I have read the lyrics, which you can peep here.

I’mma just go in… catch up

Has he appropriated a culture and its expression for monetary and personal gain? Yes.

Do I think he did so maliciously? No.

Do I think he did so in an offensive way? No.

What do I mean by offensive? Well, let’s look at Katy Perry’s approach to cultural appropriation. She uses other cultures as a source of mockery, caricature, and jest. See: “This is How We Do” for an anthology of offensive appropriation.

I think, and this is not me giving a green light to this behavior, BUT, I think that some people, like Macklemore, use mimicry as a source of homage and honor without realizing that they’re exploiting a culture through their actions.

So, how do we deal with this? Well, we call people out, and that has happened to many white musicians who have bankrolled black music.

But, then what? Well, let’s look to the performers Macklemore is basically pointing his finger at: Miley Cyrus and Iggy Azalea (I’m not going to bring Elvis into this mess, because a dead man can’t defend himself). Both have taken black culture and caricatured it for personal and monetary gain. Both were swiftly put in their place by black folks ‘round the world. Both did not hear what was being said, got defensive, and tried to whitesplain the situation.

But does it have to go down like that? No. It can shake out in a lot of ways (duh), but what I always hope for (and have yet to see) is the offending musician attempting to move toward the role of an ally by recognizing their contribution to the oppressive state, requesting support from the community to meaningfully make a change, and then actually receiving that support.

In a weird, self-serving, narcissistic, borderline-disingenuous way, that is what I think Macklemore is trying to do. Before you start with the “smdh” and side-eye GIFs, hear me out.

Has Macklemore done everything he can to fight the good fight? No.

Do I think he genuinely wants to make things right? I’m not sure.

There is a part of me that thinks he just wants people to think he is cool and “down” without actually having to do any work, mainly because he can’t seem to do anything without seeking public acknowledgement for it. But, I’m not willing to lose him as an ally because he sidestepped in the wrong direction. Ain’t nobody got time for those games.

I have heard, time and time again, that I am too kind to undeserving white folks (mostly from my white friends), and I tend to agree, BUT while I don’t think it is my job to end racism (because that is white folks’ job), I do think it is my job to help white folks feel like they can end racism, and I do so by guiding them through the complicated, nuanced, and frustrating role of being an ally.

To me, it seems like Macky-Mack is putting some real questions out there. He really wants to know “should I stand on the side and shut my mouth?” (the answer Miggty-Mack, is no; we need more white people talking about anti-racism. UNLESS you’re silencing a person of color by speaking, then, yes, please STFU). I want to answer his questions (and the questions of everyone who is trying to learn how to undo years of internalized racism they didn’t even know they had inside of them). I want to do so patiently and without harsh judgement, because it breaks my heart when someone admits to me that they were scared to ask how to be a better ally for fear of being shut down, made fun of, or attacked. White fragility is a complicated mess and I’m not asking people to pander to it, just to be patient with it. At the same time, I’m not afraid to tell someone they need to put in the work if they want my support.

Basically, this is all to say: mack, if you want to real talk about becoming an ally, let’s go thrifting; I got $20 in my pocket, but you’re paying.