Black Trauma as an Exploitative Tool in Media

Since the inception of media portrayals of Black people, dating back to the earliest records I have researched, the specter of savagery has persistently shadowed our identity. It is my contention that these negative associations have permeated our collective consciousness, shaping depictions of our customs, values, and norms.

If we were not portrayed as primitive, we were often depicted as drug dealers, delinquents, or miscreants—ultimately leading to either perpetual servitude or imprisonment, consequences of societal prejudices and systemic barriers hindering our advancement.

From historical trauma to present-day narratives, our pain, struggles, and depressions are incessantly exploited in media. These representations have become so ingrained that we routinely absorb them into our psyche as part of our daily content consumption.

In America, derogatory terms like "some nxgga shxt!" are used to malign anything associated with Black culture. This phrase not only perpetuates historical self-deprecation but also confines us to negative stereotypes imposed by white supremacy.

Even here in Lesotho, watching television with my mother, I am disconcerted by how prevalent Black pain and trauma have become in our media diet. Shows consistently depict us in states of loss, rejection, or despair, often with titles referencing cheating, abuse, or corruption—sometimes all on one channel.

I acknowledge our cultural imperfections; however, I question the generational harm perpetuated by these narratives. I admit my own complicity, enjoying music that sometimes glorifies society's darkest elements, under labels like "urban music" where rap celebrates violence and confrontations with "opps" (opponents).

My essay does not seek to deny these realities but rather to challenge whether they define us entirely. Recently, witnessing Black men engaging in joyful trends like "fROLICKING" on TikTok brought a smile to my face. For once, we were depicted beyond the confines of our "blackness," allowed to openly enjoy ourselves and experience freedom from societal expectations and stereotypes.

As a Black man, I assert that my identity is not defined by others' misconceptions or uneducated assumptions about how my skin color should dictate my behavior or culture. I am not your stereotype; I am a person capable of joy, growth, and defiance against limiting narratives.