Several prominent Black rappers have recently aligned themselves with conservative politicians and media figures, which the author finds concerning. Rappers like Ice Cube, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne have sat down with Tucker Carlson and supported Donald Trump. However, the author argues that right-wing populism threatens Black communities. While some see these moves as opening dialogue, the author believes shared values around money, religion, and distrust in institutions have brought these unlikely groups together against vulnerable people. As the hip-hop industry has become more commercialized and corporate, rappers have also gained wealth and political influence, but supporting policies that don’t help everyday Black Americans. The author maintains that rap artists have a duty to use their platforms responsibly by advocating for politics that materially improve conditions in Black communities.
I am very much in the “you don’t have to tolerate intolerance“ mindset.  But the sad fact is we sometimes have to interact with people we do not like. It’s not always a choice, and I try to avoid them or call them out whenever it is a choice.
@acastcandream interacting with people does not imply tolerating them. Non-tolerance does not have to mean you instantly kick them out of any space you are in, when that would cause problems for you.
The other guy says otherwise. They have clearly never stepped foot outside of a very, very progressive bubble. Some of us have to live in shitholes like the deep south and do not have the flexibility they so clearly enjoy.
@acastcandream The other guy says “why the fuck would I want to talk to [bigots]?” And that is a good question for you. Why the fuck would you want to? Sometimes you have to, but why would you want to?
When did I ever say I wanted to? I repeatedly say it’s out of necessity, about survival. I don’t get to just scream at a cashier, call him a bigot, and walk out. These are luxuries and fantasies.