45Views
Nipsey Hussle and Deray feud highlights issues of masculinity, Blackness
It’s safe to say that the outrage over H&M’s reveal of their ‘The Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” hoodie yesterday was both loud and warranted.
The retail brand faced extreme scrutiny, with everyone from LeBron to Questlove weighing in on the matter. H&M lost collaborating partners like The Weekend due to this egregious misstep and lack of oversight.
woke up this morning shocked and embarrassed by this photo. i’m deeply offended and will not be working with @hm anymore… pic.twitter.com/P3023iYzAb
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) January 8, 2018
Among those who weighed in was West Coast artist, activist, and entrepreneur, Nipsey Hussle. Yesterday the “FDT” rapper uploaded a picture on Instagram of a group of young Black boys, where, in the caption, he stressed the importance of positive representation.
What he didn’t know however was that he also offended the LBGTQ community in the process.
According to the prominent social activist and openly gay man Deray McKesson, the post was out of line and homophobic. After reposting Nipsey’s IG post to his 1.3 million followers on Twitter, the two had a temporary back and forth, which sparked an entirely different convo.
.@NipseyHussle’s homophobia is more common than one would hope. In his comments are the idea that to be a gay black man means that one cannot be strong — that strength is elusive to gay black men.
How does who I love change my ability to wield and/or challenge power? pic.twitter.com/QyiUtZzK7N
— deray (@deray) January 8, 2018
@deray I used my “platform” to publicize an example of the less represented image of our Men and Boys and “The mainstream media” in the form of anti homophobia gets offended? You know that reinforces my original point bro.?
— THA GREAT (@NipseyHussle) January 8, 2018
1. You listed three qualities as equally negative — violent, gay, & abandoner — and as the opposite of strong.
2. What made you assume everyone in the picture was straight?
3. Are you saying that to be against homophobia is to succumb to “the mainstream media”? https://t.co/IQjXuuoyZB
— deray (@deray) January 8, 2018
I ain’t gotta be politically correct becuae I ain’t standing on Nobody else’s platform…I believe in LOVE and acceptance but u ain’t gone piss on my head and tell me it’s raining….NONE. I see Whas going on. Y’all should too. #VictoryLap 2.16.18 tho 🏁
— THA GREAT (@NipseyHussle) January 8, 2018
I don’t look down on gay people I love all Gods children foreal. I take issue with the larger agenda.and I’m VERY WELL INFORMED contrary to my appearance. And my conclusion is there’s AN AGENDA…we can go fact for fact and get u some understanding if you’d like. If not God bless https://t.co/DvewsKGojS
— THA GREAT (@NipseyHussle) January 9, 2018
So, let us think about masculinity of men as more than the pathway(s) of the penis. And let us unpack and overcome the homophobia that continues to quietly harm so many.
Check your friends and family as they say and do homophobic things. And check-in on your friends.
— deray (@deray) January 8, 2018
The “agenda” Nipsey is referring to is an idea shared by certain members of the Black community that the media conspires to show Black men in a light that either makes them appear too violent or feminine. It is for this reason why Nip is facing scrutiny.
While the LBGTQ community are indeed still fighting for rights, describing Nipsey’s words as “violent” and “homophobic” are a stretch.
Stating that Blacks don’t have as many straight, positive, non-violent representations may be unfounded and baseless, but it’s an observation, and it does not mean he’s against the cause.
Regardless, Nipsey chose his words extremely carelessly here. Hopefully he can realize his misstep and get back to working for his community.
“the whole world has turned into bitch ass niggas” –@Dave_Chappelle
No pun intended https://t.co/2eG5labJeu
— THA GREAT (@NipseyHussle) January 9, 2018