Is the Black Dandy the "Civilized Black Man"

limchoylee:

Is it possible for multiple expressions and styles to coexist? Mos Def, also quoted in the article, probably has it closest: “White people have all kinds of archetypes, from Brad Pitt to Al Bundy, everything in between. The cultural paradigms that are aggressively promoted to young black people and young poor people are extremely narrow.” Multiple style paradigms—and relatedly multiple masculinities—are vital, especially in communities of color. But does the ascension of one necessitate the denigration of another? Can’t I have my high-tops and wear them too?

Cosign, cosign, cosign. I’ve been making this argument since peers in middle school started calling me “white” for how I dressed. Black people are not a monolith! It’s ridiculous that people, including some within the Black community, expect us to all look, act and dress the same. It’s petty, ignorant and narrow-minded.