theroot--2020-05-15--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: True or False Equivalency

Those three introductory phrases are staples in the language used by trolls .
But , while some people immediately tune out everything that follows , we at The Root have an obligation to respond to these false equivalencies .
We even built a system for it .
All during the week , I receive forwarded emails , tweets , DMs from our staff .
Most of the time , I don ’ t even have to read them .
I just put them in a folder labeled “ Clapback Mailbag ” and open them on Friday .
And I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it is hate mail or a co- worker forwarding valuable info .
That ’ s easy .
The forwarded content from our staff always start out the same way : There were quite a few responses to last week ’ s M ailbag .
I saved this one before I blocked the guy : I know I have written extensively about black- on- black crime , so there ’ s no reason to rehash it and explain to this Bubba why ... You know what ?
I ain ’ t gon na @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this B ubba troll But what I didn ’ t say is this : See , I know that most violent crime is a product of poverty , socioeconomic conditions , education , lack of opportunity , domestic violence or downright evil .
I blame white people for most of that , too .
This is not my opinion .
Everyone knows it , whether they have done the research or not .
It ’ s not like no one knows that the most murders occur in the poorest zip codes but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an article .
If you didn ’ t know that unequal education leads to crime , read this .
We know that white people and black people use drugs at the same rate but black people are three times more likely to be arrested .
But we never mention how police patrol are more likely to patrol black neighborhoods for drug sales .
Now , I will admit that there are some black people who are just bad .
There are also white people who are just bad .
And most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love to know how to fix those people .
Knowing all of this , I have one question to ask white people : How did you get white- on- white crime so low ?
With all of your criticism , can you show me your blueprint ?
Because , if you think I or other black people can fix the black crime rate , or any other racial disparity , then you must have contributed to the high rate of excellence among your kind .
I must admit that was a rhetorical question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , black people have already formed a secret committee to reduce black- on- black crime .
Here ’ s our plan : • Criminalize white people : You guys don ’ t bear enough of the responsibility for shit like , making the most money off the drug trade , criminalizing black people , using illegal drugs at a higher rate or Post Malone .
• Oppress you : We have a lot to learn , but we ’ re going to start by asking you to work for free for a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s political , social or economic mechanisms .
• Steal your shit : I ’ m not talking about the free work .
I ’ m talking about the tax money black people paid while being excluded from the New Deal , the G.I .
Bill , K-12 schools , state colleges , work programs and Post Malone afterparties .
We ’ re also going to co- opt your art , music , fashion , movement , slang and overall aura .
But we ’ re gon na act as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : We ’ re going to discriminate against your names , stereotype you by foisting the sins of individual white people upon the entire race , make our physical features the standard for beauty , make white kids feel ugly and make everyone think Post Malone is the average white man .
• Build a system that discriminates against you : We won ’ t actually say it out loud , we will just arrest you more , sentence you longer , underfund your schools , pay you less and offer you less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the healthcare facilities and grocery stores from your neighborhoods and replace them with and “ convenience ” stores and low-income clinics .
• Act stupid : If you protest any of these injustices , we ’ re going to ask you why don ’ t you just go back to Caucasia .
We ’ re going to point at your crumbling schools and unemployment and tell you that the answer is hard work and education .
We ’ re going to act like the criminal justice system is doing its job .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disparities exist because you eat cheap food .
• Giggle : Softly , of course .
It ’ s an inside joke .
When all of this is done , I bet those underprivileged white kids would be so angry .
The number of white kids who shoot up schools while occupying the top rung on the ladder would dramatically increase once they slide a few notches .
And when they are at their angriest about the injustice and inequality , if one of them ever speaks out , you know what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though I was complicit , I still wouldn ’ t be that fucking evil .
This was not about anything specific .
As a middle-aged , well-off white man , I have few outlets through which to express my outrage with our country and many of its citizens , where my concerns don ’ t just get added to the pile of anti-Trumpian hate .
I went from being disappointed in our electorate , to utter outrage when elected officials openly demonstrate hypocrisy and distain for fellow humans .
And yet , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m writing .
I ’ m writing this email , to the only “ primarily black outlet ” that I frequent , in an effort to achieve some catharsis in my own soul .
There ’ s no ulterior motive here .
I ’ m a white guy , with a white family , and I ’ m ashamed of what I ’ m seeing on the news .
At any other time in history , the behavior being witnessed would be the lead story for weeks if not months , and yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family in North Carolina , and other recent horrific events are barely blips on the radar .
Before 2016 , I would have suggested that racism was diminishing in the US , and that hate groups were on life support .
Pockets of hatred would still exist , but over time , equality was inevitable .
Obviously , I was aware that this rose-colored interpretation of our citizenry might be a little naïve , but I never would have expected what has appeared over the past 4 years .
It is now apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was oblivious to what was already there , and the behavior of the President and his fellow Conservatives gave them permission to say what they ’ d always been thinking .
I do not feel it necessary for white people to be “ apologists ” for the race , but I feel that there is a responsibility for citizens of the world to recognize the disparity in circumstances and surroundings that influence people of other cultures .
I can not possibly understand how it feels to be frightened when pulled over by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaulted because I was “ running while black ” , or to have a mob storm my house because I ’ m the “ local black guy ” in a white neighborhood .
And yet , I find it important to recognize that fear exists , and to empathize with individuals in that circumstance .
I can not fathom that this exists in America…and yet it ’ s not like this is really news .
Black executives , artists , celebrities , and others have been saying this for years , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exception to the rule ” .
My wife and I readily acknowledge that we were willfully misled into thinking that things were better for blacks and other minorities in America…but holy shit… I don ’ t have an answer , or a cure , or a solution .
I can ’ t consider myself “ woke ” or privy to some higher level of understanding .
I ’ m a white man that has come to realize that our country was nowhere near the finish line , and we had simply gotten really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump is elected into office , and an incredible number of our fellow citizens felt empowered to suddenly say what they ’ d always been thinking .
Trump has made it acceptable for white people to feel oppressed .
My wife and I were discussing the concept of white privilege .
It exists .
I benefitted from it .
And yet , only recently do I really understand what it is .
White privilege does not mean that a white person can not struggle in life ; it means that we do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our skin .
There is no perk card that you can swipe at the store .
It ’ s the benefit of the doubt that I receive in the interview , that is unevenly applied to other applicants .
My only hope is that the scope of this display of intolerance is met with an equally overwhelming response from the silent majority in the country , and we overwhelmingly vote to remove many of these people from office .
Trump losing is not sufficient…we need a mandate from our citizens to even think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even then , we have decades of work ahead .
Perhaps the best thing to come out of this disaster will be a reinvigoration of efforts focused on cultural understanding that may have otherwise been deemed “ obsolete ” .
Perhaps this all was necessary to shake some of us out of our delusion .
As odd as it may be , I feel closer to my minority neighbors because of all of this .
I ’ m on the lookout for bright red hats .
I have to tread lightly when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effort to avoid ruining our relationship by discussing politics .
As my wife would say , many people who appeared to be kind and generous on the surface , have had something ugly hidden underneath .
This brought out that “ ugly ” .
I could go on forever , but I won ’ t .
I needed to write my frustration down and share it with someone who might actually care .
I ’ m a white guy , ashamed of the behavior I ’ m seeing on TV , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being negatively impacted by this bullshit .
These people don ’ t represent the majority of US citizens , or the majority of white citizens , but there are far more that are saying and doing far more , than I could have ever imagined .
Please share this email to folks at theroot.com that might benefit from hearing a random white guy developing the slightest understanding of what lurks beneath the surface in our country .
I ’ m a technologist that visits Gizmodo regularly , but I ’ ve found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m writing to you because of the recent story about the white gentleman that dyed his skin black and wandered the segregated south to speak to the black experience firsthand…I don ’ t know…but please keep up the good work .
Michael S. a white guy trying to figure out what the hell happened to the country he loves .
P.S .
I ’ m talking historically “ White American ” .
My ancestors came over on the Mayflower , founded Hartford , Connecticut , my wife and I both have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War and registered DAR/SAR , my side of the family is full of Marines , and my wife is retired Air Force .
Seriously , I was on my church choir growing up and boy could we blow .
Not anyone could be on the choir .
There wasn ’ t a purity test or a religious requirement but they could kick you off for overtly sinning .
Plus , if you were a woman , you had to wear stockings and a hat once you turned 13 , which is also when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the children ’ s choir ) to the Juniorettes ( the teen choir ) .
And no woman could preach , evangelize or even minister .
That was men ’ s work .
If any teenage girl or unmarried woman was pregnant , she was automatically off the choir .
They might let her back on , once she apologized in front of the entire church .
Also , if you exhibited any homosexuality , you would be eventually kicked off the choir ( after they laid hands of prayer on you a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gay ) My church was very fundamental and we went to church four nights a week .
My church family was basically my family .
Most of my childhood friends went to my church .
All of my mother ’ s friends did .
My cousins did , too .
Now , almost every girl at that church was sexually abused .
Some of it was by the men at the church .
Some have told me about it .
Others have hinted at it .
Two of my closest cousins have intimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the culprit was because that church was our family .
All of us—every single saint of the Household of Faith — believed we were one of the few places in the world that really knew the truth .
And the Bible clearly states that “ the truth shall set you free.
” We thought we were free .
One day , a girl about 20 years old , was kicked off the choir .
She stood in front of the church and apologized for being pregnant .
The law of our church demanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free .
By this time , our leader had passed on .
As I stood there , I realized the head deacon ’ s wife had been kicked off the choir when she got pregnant before marriage .
I realized the assistant head deacon ’ s wife had been kicked off the choir when she had a child out of “ wedlock.
” I realized that the pastor ’ s wife had been kicked off the choir once when she was unmarried and pregnant with her oldest child .
I realized that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been molested by a church member .
I realized that she had told him .
And I stood there and listen to that girl weep for being human and making a human mistake .
That was my last day at that church .
Now , most of my family still attends that same church but only one of my sisters or cousins in my generation attend that church .
I still love everyone in that congregation .
My grandmother was a founding member and told me stories about when they would worship in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church were my role models .
But I would never go back .
That church , for me , is how America is , for you .
You have this wistful , idyllic view of a country that never existed .
Sometimes , I talk to my mother and she fills me in on the things that are happening in the church , incredulous on how this could happen to her beloved church family .
She sounds like how you sound talking about this country .
But I would never tell her that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ain ’ t never been shit .
It ain ’ t ever gon na be shit .
And it ’ s not because I have a damning view of this country or think some other country is better .
They ’ re all fucked up because all large groups of people have fucked up individuals .
And a lot of fucked up individuals like power .
Thankfully , I wasn ’ t the one who was being preyed upon in my congregation .
But if you are like me , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always been surrounded by predators and predators are better equipped at finding prey .
I would never go back to that church .
I still have fond memories of being in the church choir and I miss my church family .
But then again , I wasn ’ t the one being preyed upon .
Like you , I just finally saw the truth that was supposed to set me free .
But I ain ’ t never been free .
Last , but not least , someone wrote about this article on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick : Then I realized it was true .
See , I was raised in a religious home .
I was homeschooled .
And I recently found out that my mother intentionally kept me and my sisters away from white people because , as she recently told me , she didn ’ t ’ think “ a black person ’ s humanity can be fully realized in the presence of whiteness.
” As harsh as that seems , I realized what she meant .
Once I started going to public school , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most black people learn subconsciously .
A black person can not understand how they fit into this world until they recognize how they are viewed and treated by white people .
I would never rob anyone .
But I couldn ’ t understand how to carry myself in an elevator or dark parking lot until I realized the fact that white people see black men as stronger , larger , older , less innocent and more threatening .
The simple presence of black men makes white people believe there is likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the U. S. Census , in any given year , 97 percent of the black people in America do not commit a crime .
White people ’ s perception of me as a criminal is based on nothing but their imaginings .
And there is only one way to find out why white people believe this .
Again , I have found out that most black people are employed .
Most black people are raised by both parents .
Most black people value education and hard work .
Black want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain .
I didn ’ t create white supremacy .
I don ’ t perpetuate it .
I don ’ t support the education gap , the criminal justice disparities , the employment divide , the housing crisis , the overt racism , the subliminal racism or Donald Trump ’ s election .
And until white people are finally willing to call a thing a thing ... A black person ’ s humanity can never be fully realized in the presence of whiteness .

“If a white person said that...”
“What about...”
“The Bible says...”
Those three introductory phrases are staples in the language used by trolls. But, while some people immediately tune out everything that follows, we at The Root have an obligation to respond to these false equivalencies.
We even built a system for it.
All during the week, I receive forwarded emails, tweets, DMs from our staff. Most of the time, I don’t even have to read them. I just put them in a folder labeled “Clapback Mailbag” and open them on Friday.
Advertisement
And I know you’re wondering how I know if it is hate mail or a co- worker forwarding valuable info. That’s easy. The forwarded content from our staff always start out the same way:
“This motherfucker...”
There were quite a few responses to last week’s M ailbag.
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I saved this one before I blocked the guy:
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Dear Bob:
I know I have written extensively about black- on- black crime, so there’s no reason to rehash it and explain to this Bubba why...
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You know what? I ain’t gonna lie. I did rehash and explain to this B ubba troll
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But what I didn’t say is this:
I don’t care about black- on- black crime.
See, I know that most violent crime is a product of poverty, socioeconomic conditions, education, lack of opportunity, domestic violence or downright evil.
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I blame white people for most of that, too.
This is not my opinion. Everyone knows it, whether they have done the research or not. It’s not like no one knows that the most murders occur in the poorest zip codes but if you didn’t, here’s an article. If you didn’t know that unequal education leads to crime, read this. We know that white people and black people use drugs at the same rate but black people are three times more likely to be arrested. But we never mention how police patrol are more likely to patrol black neighborhoods for drug sales.
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Now, I will admit that there are some black people who are just bad. There are also white people who are just bad. And most people — black or white — would love to know how to fix those people. Knowing all of this, I have one question to ask white people:
How did you get white- on- white crime so low?
With all of your criticism, can you show me your blueprint? Because, if you think I or other black people can fix the black crime rate, or any other racial disparity, then you must have contributed to the high rate of excellence among your kind.
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I must admit that was a rhetorical question. If I’m being honest, black people have already formed a secret committee to reduce black- on- black crime. Here’s our plan:
Criminalize white people: You guys don’t bear enough of the responsibility for shit like white terrorism
You guys don’t bear enough of the responsibility for shit like Oppress you: We have a lot to learn, but we’re going to start by asking you to work for free for a few generations, then not giving access to America’s political, social or economic mechanisms.
We have a lot to learn, but we’re going to start by asking you to work for free for a few generations, then not giving access to America’s political, social or economic mechanisms. Steal your shit: I’m not talking about the free work. I’m talking about the tax money black people paid while being excluded from the New Deal, the G.I. Bill, K-12 schools, state colleges, work programs and Post Malone afterparties. We’re also going to co- opt your art, music, fashion, movement, slang and overall aura. But we’re gonna act as if we created it.
I’m not talking about the free work. I’m talking about the tax money black people paid while being excluded from the New Deal, the G.I. Bill, K-12 schools, state colleges, work programs and Post Malone afterparties. We’re also going to co- opt your art, music, fashion, movement, slang and overall aura. But we’re gonna act as if we created it. Demonize you: We’re going to discriminate against your names, stereotype you by foisting the sins of individual white people upon the entire race, make our physical features the standard for beauty, make white kids feel ugly and make everyone think Post Malone is the average white man.
We’re going to discriminate against your names, stereotype you by foisting the sins of individual white people upon the entire race, make our physical features the standard for beauty, make white kids feel ugly and make everyone think Post Malone is the average white man. Build a system that discriminates against you: We won’t actually say it out loud, we will just arrest you more, sentence you longer, underfund your schools, pay you less and offer you less credit. We’ll remove all the healthcare facilities and grocery stores from your neighborhoods and replace them with and “convenience” stores and low-income clinics.
We won’t actually say it out loud, we will just arrest you more, sentence you longer, underfund your schools, pay you less and offer you less credit. We’ll remove all the healthcare facilities and grocery stores from your neighborhoods and replace them with and “convenience” stores and low-income clinics. Act stupid: If you protest any of these injustices, we’re going to ask you why don’t you just go back to Caucasia. We’re going to point at your crumbling schools and unemployment and tell you that the answer is hard work and education. We’re going to act like the criminal justice system is doing its job. We’re going to say the health disparities exist because you eat cheap food.
If you protest any of these injustices, we’re going to ask you why don’t you just go back to Caucasia. We’re going to point at your crumbling schools and unemployment and tell you that the answer is hard work and education. We’re going to act like the criminal justice system is doing its job. We’re going to say the health disparities exist because you eat cheap food. Giggle: Softly, of course. It’s an inside joke.
When all of this is done, I bet those underprivileged white kids would be so angry. The number of white kids who shoot up schools while occupying the top rung on the ladder would dramatically increase once they slide a few notches. And when they are at their angriest about the injustice and inequality, if one of them ever speaks out, you know what I’m gonna say?
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Nothing.
Even though I was complicit, I still wouldn’t be that fucking evil.
This was not about anything specific.
From: Michael S.
To: Danielle Belton As a middle-aged, well-off white man, I have few outlets through which to express my outrage with our country and many of its citizens, where my concerns don’t just get added to the pile of anti-Trumpian hate. I went from being disappointed in our electorate, to utter outrage when elected officials openly demonstrate hypocrisy and distain for fellow humans. And yet, that’s not the reason I’m writing. I’m writing this email, to the only “primarily black outlet” that I frequent, in an effort to achieve some catharsis in my own soul. There’s no ulterior motive here. I’m a white guy, with a white family, and I’m ashamed of what I’m seeing on the news. At any other time in history, the behavior being witnessed would be the lead story for weeks if not months, and yet Ahmaud Arbery, Dameon Shepard and his family in North Carolina, and other recent horrific events are barely blips on the radar.
Before 2016, I would have suggested that racism was diminishing in the US, and that hate groups were on life support. Pockets of hatred would still exist, but over time, equality was inevitable. Obviously, I was aware that this rose-colored interpretation of our citizenry might be a little naïve, but I never would have expected what has appeared over the past 4 years. It is now apparent that I, like many others, was oblivious to what was already there, and the behavior of the President and his fellow Conservatives gave them permission to say what they’d always been thinking.
I do not feel it necessary for white people to be “apologists” for the race, but I feel that there is a responsibility for citizens of the world to recognize the disparity in circumstances and surroundings that influence people of other cultures. I cannot possibly understand how it feels to be frightened when pulled over by the police, or to be chased and assaulted because I was “running while black”, or to have a mob storm my house because I’m the “local black guy” in a white neighborhood. And yet, I find it important to recognize that fear exists, and to empathize with individuals in that circumstance.
I cannot fathom that this exists in America…and yet it’s not like this is really news. Black executives, artists, celebrities, and others have been saying this for years, but it’s easily dismissed as an “exception to the rule”. My wife and I readily acknowledge that we were willfully misled into thinking that things were better for blacks and other minorities in America…but holy shit…
I don’t have an answer, or a cure, or a solution. I can’t consider myself “woke” or privy to some higher level of understanding. I’m a white man that has come to realize that our country was nowhere near the finish line, and we had simply gotten really good at faking it. Someone like Trump is elected into office, and an incredible number of our fellow citizens felt empowered to suddenly say what they’d always been thinking. Trump has made it acceptable for white people to feel oppressed.
My wife and I were discussing the concept of white privilege. It exists. I benefitted from it. And yet, only recently do I really understand what it is. White privilege does not mean that a white person cannot struggle in life; it means that we do not struggle explicitly because of the color of our skin. There is no perk card that you can swipe at the store. It’s the benefit of the doubt that I receive in the interview, that is unevenly applied to other applicants.
My only hope is that the scope of this display of intolerance is met with an equally overwhelming response from the silent majority in the country, and we overwhelmingly vote to remove many of these people from office. Trump losing is not sufficient…we need a mandate from our citizens to even think about how we might begin to heal. Even then, we have decades of work ahead.
Perhaps the best thing to come out of this disaster will be a reinvigoration of efforts focused on cultural understanding that may have otherwise been deemed “obsolete”. Perhaps this all was necessary to shake some of us out of our delusion. As odd as it may be, I feel closer to my minority neighbors because of all of this. I’m on the lookout for bright red hats. I have to tread lightly when talking to my white acquaintances, in an effort to avoid ruining our relationship by discussing politics. As my wife would say, many people who appeared to be kind and generous on the surface, have had something ugly hidden underneath. This brought out that “ugly”.
I could go on forever, but I won’t. I needed to write my frustration down and share it with someone who might actually care. I’m a white guy, ashamed of the behavior I’m seeing on TV, and empathizing with folks from other cultures that are being negatively impacted by this bullshit. These people don’t represent the majority of US citizens, or the majority of white citizens, but there are far more that are saying and doing far more, than I could have ever imagined.
Please share this email to folks at theroot.com that might benefit from hearing a random white guy developing the slightest understanding of what lurks beneath the surface in our country. I’m a technologist that visits Gizmodo regularly, but I’ve found excellent articles on The Root. Perhaps I’m writing to you because of the recent story about the white gentleman that dyed his skin black and wandered the segregated south to speak to the black experience firsthand…I don’t know…but please keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Michael S. a white guy trying to figure out what the hell happened to the country he loves.
P.S. I’m talking historically “White American”. My ancestors came over on the Mayflower, founded Hartford, Connecticut, my wife and I both have direct ancestors that fought in the Revolutionary War and registered DAR/SAR, my side of the family is full of Marines, and my wife is retired Air Force.
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Dear Mike,
You’re preaching to the choir.
Seriously, I was on my church choir growing up and boy could we blow. Not anyone could be on the choir. There wasn’t a purity test or a religious requirement but they could kick you off for overtly sinning. Plus, if you were a woman, you had to wear stockings and a hat once you turned 13, which is also when you want from the Sunshine Workers (the children’s choir) to the Juniorettes (the teen choir). And no woman could preach, evangelize or even minister. That was men’s work.
Advertisement
If any teenage girl or unmarried woman was pregnant, she was automatically off the choir. They might let her back on, once she apologized in front of the entire church. Also, if you exhibited any homosexuality, you would be eventually kicked off the choir (after they laid hands of prayer on you a few times to cure you of the gay)
My church was very fundamental and we went to church four nights a week. My church family was basically my family. Most of my childhood friends went to my church. All of my mother’s friends did. My cousins did, too.
Advertisement
Now, almost every girl at that church was sexually abused. Some of it was by the men at the church. Some have told me about it. Others have hinted at it. Two of my closest cousins have intimated it but have never told anyone who the culprit was because that church was our family.
All of us—every single saint of the Household of Faith — believed we were one of the few places in the world that really knew the truth. And the Bible clearly states that “the truth shall set you free.”
Advertisement
We thought we were free.
One day, a girl about 20 years old, was kicked off the choir. She stood in front of the church and apologized for being pregnant. The law of our church demanded it. The truth shall set you free.
Advertisement
By this time, our leader had passed on. As I stood there, I realized the head deacon’s wife had been kicked off the choir when she got pregnant before marriage. I realized the assistant head deacon’s wife had been kicked off the choir when she had a child out of “wedlock.” I realized that the pastor’s wife had been kicked off the choir once when she was unmarried and pregnant with her oldest child. I realized that his daughter had told me that she had been molested by a church member. I realized that she had told him.
And I stood there and listen to that girl weep for being human and making a human mistake.
Advertisement
That was my last day at that church.
Now, most of my family still attends that same church but only one of my sisters or cousins in my generation attend that church. I still love everyone in that congregation. My grandmother was a founding member and told me stories about when they would worship in a tent. The men in that church were my role models.
Advertisement
But I would never go back.
That church, for me, is how America is, for you. You have this wistful, idyllic view of a country that never existed. Sometimes, I talk to my mother and she fills me in on the things that are happening in the church, incredulous on how this could happen to her beloved church family. She sounds like how you sound talking about this country. But I would never tell her that her beloved church ain’t shit.
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Mike, America ain’t shit.
It ain’t never been shit. It ain’t ever gonna be shit. And it’s not because I have a damning view of this country or think some other country is better. They’re all fucked up because all large groups of people have fucked up individuals. And a lot of fucked up individuals like power. Thankfully, I wasn’t the one who was being preyed upon in my congregation. But if you are like me, at least you can see that you have always been surrounded by predators and predators are better equipped at finding prey.
Advertisement
I would never go back to that church. I still have fond memories of being in the church choir and I miss my church family. But then again, I wasn’t the one being preyed upon. Like you, I just finally saw the truth that was supposed to set me free.
I’ve been prey for a long time, Mike.
But I ain’t never been free.
Last, but not least, someone wrote about this article on the New England Patriot’s draft pick:
From: Bill T
To: Michael Harriot Good day. I enjoyed reading your article on the Patriots’ recent controversial draft pick, Justin Rohrwasser, and I generally like The Root overall. However, I saw in the subtext that you describe yourself as a “wypipologist.” I am compelled to ask you, did researching Rohrwasser and subsequently writing about him help you understand white people—as a whole—more clearly, particularly on an academic level that merits using the suffix, “-ologist?” I hope you can enlighten me with a reply that is as detailed as possible (time permitting, of course), because I am a liberal progressive who was raised to hate racism in all its forms; thus, lying bigots like Rohrwasser make my stomach roil, and I am casting an even more suspicious eye toward Kraft, Belichick, and the entire New England front office for what is at best a gross oversight and at worst a race-based minimization of a genuine domestic threat. Nevertheless, I become deeply discouraged when I see an effective and persuasive writer paint any type of people with a broad brush such as wypipology. Thank you in advance for your time and attention to my concern. Sincerely, Bill T
Dear Bill,
Truthfully, the wypipologist started as a joke.
Then I realized it was true.
See, I was raised in a religious home. I was homeschooled. And I recently found out that my mother intentionally kept me and my sisters away from white people because, as she recently told me, she didn’t’ think “a black person’s humanity can be fully realized in the presence of whiteness.”
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As harsh as that seems, I realized what she meant. Once I started going to public school, I realized I had to intentionally learn what most black people learn subconsciously. A black person cannot understand how they fit into this world until they recognize how they are viewed and treated by white people.
It’s not me.
It’s white people.
I would never rob anyone. But I couldn’t understand how to carry myself in an elevator or dark parking lot until I realized the fact that white people see black men as stronger, larger, older, less innocent and more threatening. The simple presence of black men makes white people believe there is likely to be a crime.
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Extrapolating from FBI statistics and the U. S. Census, in any given year, 97 percent of the black people in America do not commit a crime. White people’s perception of me as a criminal is based on nothing but their imaginings. And there is only one way to find out why white people believe this.
I have to study white people.
Again, I have found out that most black people are employed. Most black people are raised by both parents. Most black people value education and hard work. Black want to be healthy and fit. Still these ideations remain.
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It’s not us.
It’s white people.
I didn’t create white supremacy. I don’t perpetuate it. I don’t support the education gap, the criminal justice disparities, the employment divide, the housing crisis, the overt racism, the subliminal racism or Donald Trump’s election.
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It’s not us.
It’s white people.
And until white people are finally willing to call a thing a thing...
A black person’s humanity can never be fully realized in the presence of whiteness.


theroot--2020-05-15--Have Couple's Sexy Time With a Hard-To-Resist Vibrator Bundle

If we ’ ve learned one thing from quarantine , it ’ s that our urges don ’ t stop @ @ @ @ @ currently going on .
Luckily for you , I have a solution .
For a @ @ @ @ @ bae can get your hands on a couples ’ sex toy bundle that includes a @ @ @ @ @ sleeve for anyone with a penis , as well as sex tarot cards and a @ @ @ @ @ charged up and ready to go ( and get off ) .
Grab this deal @ @ @ @ @ !

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Couples Sex Toy Bundle | $49 | Ella Paradis
If we’ve learned one thing from quarantine, it’s that our urges don’t stop even though a pandemic is currently going on. Luckily for you, I have a solution. For a low $49, you bae can get your hands on a couples’ sex toy bundle that includes a g-spot vibe and a masturbation sleeve for anyone with a penis, as well as sex tarot cards and a power bank to keep everything charged up and ready to go (and get off). Grab this deal and climax again and again!


theroot--2020-05-15--Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Almost Got Caught Up In Some Nonsense Because of James Harriso

Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Almost Got Caught Up In Some Nonsense Because of James Harrison's Mouth

For 15 seasons , the same guy who can bench press 500 pounds mauled any man that stood before him on his way to becoming a Pro Bowl linebacker for six different teams before calling it a career in 2017 .
Along the way , he made plenty of big hits and maimed just about everyone but his own mother , so of course he had an answer on deck when the hosts of the Going Deep with Chad and JT podcast asked him about the biggest fine he had ever received during his playing days .
His answer ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleveland Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi in 2010—which you can watch here if you want to see a dead body—that cost him $ 75,000 .
“ Listen , everything I love , on my daddy ’ s grave , I hit that man with about , max , 50 percent of what I had , and I just hit because I wanted him to let loose of the ball , ” he recalled .
“ If I had known they were going to fine me $ 75,000 , I would have tried to kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling you , 75 ?
” He continued , “ I ain ’ t going to lie to you .
When that happened , right ?
The G-est thing [ Pittsburg Steeler ’ s coach ] Mike Tomlin ever did , he handed me an envelope after that .
I ain ’ t going to say what , but he handed me an envelope after that.
” After all the controversy over 2012 ’ s “ Bountygate , ” in which New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out Saints players who injured their opponents , did Harrison just insinuate… “ Absolutely not .
Never happened , ” Bill Parise , Harrison ’ s longtime agent , told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review .
“ I would have known that .
It didn ’ t happen.
” Okay , but he said… “ I am very certain nothing like this ever happened , ” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement .
“ I have no idea why James would make a comment like this , but there is simply no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perhaps sensing an NFL investigation was looming , Mr. Monday Night himself unleashed a lengthy tirade on Instagram to clarify his comments .
“ Wow y ’ all really comparing what I said to BOUNTYGATE ?
!
?
Mike T. Has NEVER paid me for hurting someone or TRYING to hurt someone or put a bounty on ANYBODY !
” he posted .
“ AGAIN AT NO TIME did Mike T. EVER suggest anybody hurt anybody or that they ’ d be rewarded for anything like that .
GTFOH with that BS !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the envelope ?
If Harrison says that Tomlin never paid him to hurt players then I guess we ’ ll roll with it .
But he ’ s got ta be much more mindful of what he says , and how it can be interpreted , or else people like Tomlin can get caught up some in some bullshit—as if black people don ’ t have enough problems .
But what was in that envelope though ?
The streets wan na know .

Pittsburg Steelers great James Harrison is a character.
For 15 seasons, the same guy who can bench press 500 pounds mauled any man that stood before him on his way to becoming a Pro Bowl linebacker for six different teams before calling it a career in 2017. Along the way, he made plenty of big hits and maimed just about everyone but his own mother, so of course he had an answer on deck when the hosts of the Going Deep with Chad and JT podcast asked him about the biggest fine he had ever received during his playing days.
His answer? The brutal helmet-to-helmet exorcism he performed on Cleveland Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi in 2010—which you can watch here if you want to see a dead body—that cost him $75,000.
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“Listen, everything I love, on my daddy’s grave, I hit that man with about, max, 50 percent of what I had, and I just hit because I wanted him to let loose of the ball,” he recalled. “If I had known they were going to fine me $75,000, I would have tried to kill him. Dude, I’m telling you, 75?”
He continued, “I ain’t going to lie to you. When that happened, right? The G-est thing [Pittsburg Steeler’s coach] Mike Tomlin ever did, he handed me an envelope after that. I ain’t going to say what, but he handed me an envelope after that.”
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Wait, what?
After all the controversy over 2012’s “Bountygate,” in which New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams were suspended until Jesus comes for cashing out Saints players who injured their opponents, did Harrison just insinuate…
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“Absolutely not. Never happened,” Bill Parise, Harrison’s longtime agent, told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I would have known that. It didn’t happen.”
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Okay, but he said…
“I am very certain nothing like this ever happened,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. “I have no idea why James would make a comment like this, but there is simply no basis for believing anything like this.”
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Perhaps sensing an NFL investigation was looming, Mr. Monday Night himself unleashed a lengthy tirade on Instagram to clarify his comments.
“Wow y’all really comparing what I said to BOUNTYGATE?!? Mike T. Has NEVER paid me for hurting someone or TRYING to hurt someone or put a bounty on ANYBODY!” he posted. “AGAIN AT NO TIME did Mike T. EVER suggest anybody hurt anybody or that they’d be rewarded for anything like that. GTFOH with that BS!!!”
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Then what was in the envelope?
If Harrison says that Tomlin never paid him to hurt players then I guess we’ll roll with it. But he’s gotta be much more mindful of what he says, and how it can be interpreted, or else people like Tomlin can get caught up some in some bullshit—as if black people don’t have enough problems.
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But what was in that envelope though? The streets wanna know.


theroot--2020-05-15--Gabrielle Union on Parenting: Love and Support Have to Start In The Home

Three years ago I interviewed Gabrielle Union about her New York Times bestseller We ’ re Going to Need More Wine , and that day will always be memorable to me because it was also the day I revealed my sexuality to my mother .
At that time , my mother was not a fan of my lifestyle .
Words were exchanged and we didn ’ t end the conversation on a good note .
Fast forward three years later and we ’ re in a much better place with our relationship and she loves me unconditionally for who I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This kind of love and support is something that Union and her husband Dwyane Wade are known for showing their children .
“ We are all we ’ ve got , ” Union said .
Union added that that kind of love and support have to start at home , “ to show our kids what it looks like and what they should be expecting from others.
” As Union continues her journey with parenthood she holds this one fact near to her heart and that is that there is no one way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and however you want to exist in this world is OK. For Gabrielle Union , the road to parenthood ain ’ t been no crystal stair .
but through many trials and tribulations , she welcomed her beautiful baby girl Kaavia into the world via surrogate and is now celebrating that blessing with her new children ’ s book Welcome to the Party .
“ I wanted to celebrate those informal bonds that people in marginalized communities have , ” says Union .
Her children ’ s book highlights the different journeys every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this to be a love letter to all kinds of families , and I wanted to give this next generation literature that allows them to have the conversation that not all your playmates and classmates are going to have the same origin story .
Our origin stories don ’ t have to match to be amazing.
” Union believes that we do our children a disservice by trying to stick them in bubbles under the guise of protection .
For Union , protection is to “ say that I see and acknowledge your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it.
” The idea of protection isn ’ t meant to shield you from the world , but to open you up to its possibilities and allow you space to be free .
Union learned a lesson about freedom as a black woman that she wished she knew sooner and that was the concept means doing “ anything and everything ” she wants that makes her soul sing .
It is no secret that Union is an intentional woman and she carried that characteristic through her book ’ s development .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black female editor and black female illustrator ” to be part of this journey .
Union says these were all nonnegotiables and stood firm in her stance .
During production she felt this book had the potential to be a success and wanted black women to reap those benefits .
During her journey many have had their fair share of opinions on how she has chosen to live her life and one common question seems to always be at the tip of everyone ’ s unsolicited tongues “ why do you always share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Union the answer is clear , “ when you share so much of your pain , then it ’ s ok to share some of your joy , ” and that ’ s what Kaavia represents to the Union-Wade family .
Welcome to the Party can be purchased here .

Corey Townsend on The Glow Up, shared by Corey Townsend to The Root

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-05-15--Mitch McConnell: My Bad, Obama Did Leave a Pandemic Playbook But I Couldn’t See It From Inside Trump

Mitch McConnell: My Bad, Obama Did Leave a Pandemic Playbook But I Couldn’t See It From Inside Trump’s Ass

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) has made no apologies about creating a safe space inside President Trump ’ s ass .
As such , he ’ s found himself spouting claims he heard Trump say without fact-checking because , like most Trump supporters , he doesn ’ t give a shit .
So when Trump claimed that he wasn ’ t given the keys to the White House without an instructor ’ s manual on how to handle things , the lie-detector test determined that was a lie .
On Monday , McConnell , the saggiest neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump White House had not been briefed by the outgoing Obama administration on how to handle a pandemic like , umm , I don ’ t know the coronavirus , and he also noted that former President Barack Obama should have kept his mouth shut when talking about the worst presidency in the history of America , despite the fact that Trump can ’ t keep Obama ’ s name out of his anus-shaped mouth .
“ We want to be early , ready for the next one , because clearly the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration any kind of game plan for something like this , ” McConnell said Monday during a virtual interview with Lara Trump , the president ’ s daughter-in-law , which means she ’ s also an adviser or some shit .
On Thursday , McConnell—who should ’ ve been fined by police for sagging in public—had to fix his mouth to kiss Obama ’ s ass .
“ I was wrong , ” McConnell said in an evening interview with Fox News ’ Bret Baier , Politico reports .
“ They did leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly made a mistake in that regard.
” Politico notes it ’ d reported on Obama ’ s 69-page explainer on how to handle all kinds of problems including “ many of the problems plaguing the nation ’ s coronavirus response — from shortages of personal protective equipment to the need for unified public guidance on the crisis , ” in March .
Now the White House is switching course as they ’ ve been known to do when they ’ re called on their lies ; so the story has switched from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything ” to “ what he left wasn ’ t good enough.
” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that the “ Obama-Biden plan that has been referenced was insufficient , ” and said the Trump administration had prepared its own pandemic report and exercises last year .
“ In other words , the Obama-Biden paper packet was superseded by a President Trump-style pandemic preparedness response plan , “ McEnany said .
“ Which was much better , “ Trump followed up .
“ We were given very little when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind Trump holding up two binders to represent the work the Trump administration had supposedly done , but no one has seen said binders to see if they were filled with Trump ’ s stick-figure artwork .
The point of this story is this : Mitch McConnell had to kiss Obama ’ s ass publicly .
That ’ s it .
That ’ s the story .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has made no apologies about creating a safe space inside President Trump’s ass. As such, he’s found himself spouting claims he heard Trump say without fact-checking because, like most Trump supporters, he doesn’t give a shit. So when Trump claimed that he wasn’t given the keys to the White House without an instructor’s manual on how to handle things, the lie-detector test determined that was a lie.
On Monday, McConnell, the saggiest neck in all the land, claimed that the Trump White House had not been briefed by the outgoing Obama administration on how to handle a pandemic like, umm, I don’t know the coronavirus, and he also noted that former President Barack Obama should have kept his mouth shut when talking about the worst presidency in the history of America, despite the fact that Trump can’t keep Obama’s name out of his anus-shaped mouth.
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“We want to be early, ready for the next one, because clearly the Obama administration did not leave to this administration any kind of game plan for something like this,” McConnell said Monday during a virtual interview with Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, which means she’s also an adviser or some shit.
On Thursday, McConnell—who should’ve been fined by police for sagging in public—had to fix his mouth to kiss Obama’s ass.
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“I was wrong,” McConnell said in an evening interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Politico reports. “They did leave behind a plan. So, I clearly made a mistake in that regard.”
Politico notes it’d reported on Obama’s 69-page explainer on how to handle all kinds of problems including “many of the problems plaguing the nation’s coronavirus response — from shortages of personal protective equipment to the need for unified public guidance on the crisis,” in March.
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Now the White House is switching course as they’ve been known to do when they’re called on their lies; so the story has switched from “Obama didn’t leave us anything” to “what he left wasn’t good enough.”
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that the “Obama-Biden plan that has been referenced was insufficient,” and said the Trump administration had prepared its own pandemic report and exercises last year.
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“In other words, the Obama-Biden paper packet was superseded by a President Trump-style pandemic preparedness response plan,“ McEnany said.
“Which was much better,“ Trump followed up. “We were given very little when we came into this administration.” McEnany stood behind Trump holding up two binders to represent the work the Trump administration had supposedly done, but no one has seen said binders to see if they were filled with Trump’s stick-figure artwork.
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The point of this story is this: Mitch McConnell had to kiss Obama’s ass publicly. That’s it. That’s the story.


theroot--2020-05-15--TGIF Playlist: Emo Flashback

TGIF Playlist: Emo Flashback

Thank goodness it ’ s Friday .
I don ’ t know if I ’ m showing my age or not , but some of the best bops I loved growing up came from emo groups .
I don ’ t know if my mood has been “ emotional ” or what , but I ’ ve been gravitating to Panic !
At The Disco , and Hellogoodbye to get me through the workday .
In fact , I ’ m old enough to remember exactly where I was when Fall Out Boy and Panic released their debut albums .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tour .
So anyway , that ’ s what inspired today ’ s playlist theme : Emo Flashback .
Because it is , indeed , a flashback .
So enjoy this blast to the past and try not to remember checkered vans and overly straightened hair from your flat iron .
Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version .
They ’ re still doing 3 months of FREE listens .
2 .
“ I ’ m Not Okay ( I Promise ) ” — My Chemical Romance 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off ” —Panic !
At The Disco 6 .
“ A Little Less Than Sixteen Candles , A Little More ” —Fall Out Boy 12 .
“ The Curse Of Curves ” —Cute Is What We Aim For And here ’ s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment :

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

3 Months Free | Amazon Music Unlimited
Thank goodness it’s Friday. I don’t know if I’m showing my age or not, but some of the best bops I loved growing up came from emo groups. I don’t know if my mood has been “emotional” or what, but I’ve been gravitating to Panic! At The Disco, and Hellogoodbye to get me through the workday. In fact, I’m old enough to remember exactly where I was when Fall Out Boy and Panic released their debut albums. I remember Fueled By Ramen and Warped Tour. So anyway, that’s what inspired today’s playlist theme: Emo Flashback. Because it is, indeed, a flashback. So enjoy this blast to the past and try not to remember checkered vans and overly straightened hair from your flat iron. Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version. They’re still doing 3 months of FREE listens.
1.“Sugar, We’re Going Down” — Fall Out Boy
2. “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” — My Chemical Romance
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3. “MakeDamnSure” — Taking Back Sunday
4. “Lying Is The Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off” —Panic! At The Disco
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5. “Maps” —The Front Bottoms
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6. “A Little Less Than Sixteen Candles, A Little More” —Fall Out Boy
7. ‘Welcome To The Black Parade” —My Chemical Romance
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8. “I’m Just a Kid” —Simple Plan
9. “Crushcrushcrush” —Paramore
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10. “Here (In Your Arms)” —Hellogoodbye
11. “When I Come Around” —Green Day
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12. “The Curse Of Curves” —Cute Is What We Aim For
13. “Plane vs. Tank vs. Submarine” —Tigers Jaw
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14. “The Kill” —Thirty Seconds To Mars
15. “Freak On A Leash” —Korn
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16. “Say Anything (Else)” —Cartel
And here’s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment:
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Until next week, everyone.


theroot--2020-05-15--Auntie Unfiltered: Friendship, Favors, and Why Molly And Issa Are Trash

Have you been watching this season of Insecure ?
If you haven ’ t but you plan to , stop right here , because I am about to spoil it for you .
If you don ’ t care , then keep reading .
This week on Auntie Unfiltered , I discuss friendship—specifically c ommunication in friendships .
If your friendships ( or any other relationship for that matter ) don ’ t have open and honest communication , they will never work .
Communication is the foundation upon which all levels of intimacy are built .
If you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t have it or do it or make it happen–because how will anyone know ?
This season on Insecure , Molly and Issa ’ s friendship is falling apart , and having watched this show from the beginning , I can tell you with confidence that their biggest problem is communication .
They don ’ t communicate with each other .
They don ’ t communicate with other people .
Hell , Molly is working on having a whole-ass relationship with Andrew , but we ’ ve already seen that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
This is a problem , but your auntie is here to talk about it .
As always , I look forward to hearing from you .
Do you need advice ?
Do you have a topic you think I should discuss ?
Please let me know .
Email me at AuntieSubmissions @ theroot.com .
Check out the video , and I ’ ll see y ’ all next week .


theroot--2020-05-15--There Are No Summer Movies, So Play These Games Instead

The month of May typically signals the beginning of the summer movie season .
This year was set to be full of potential bangers from Fast and Furious 9 to Black Widow .
Given that the many of films set to be released this summer have been postponed to either winter or next year , the summer is looking pretty vacant .
Fear not , though .
If you find yourself craving some summertime spectacle , I got you .
Here are some games to get you through the drought .
If you ’ re looking for the traditional summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Uncharted series .
The games follow treasure hunter Nathan Drake , his mentor Sully and on-again , off-again love interest Elena as they venture to far-off locales and search for ancient artifacts and lost cities .
The games started as basically not-Indiana Jones but its growing focus on the interpersonal relationships between the characters allowed it to develop a unique identity of its own .
The games boast some of the most memorable set pieces in all of gaming .
From shooting your way out of a burning mansion to scaling a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cliff to a wild motorcycle chase that stands as one of the most impressive set pieces this console generation , the games are jam packed with the kind of spectacle that only the best summer blockbusters deliver .
Both The Uncharted Collection , which features the first three games in the series , and Uncharted 4 : A Thief ’ s End are $ 20 on the Playstation Store , meaning you can experience some of the most impressive adventures in all of gaming without breaking the bank .
For Those Who Need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spider-Man Marvel ’ s Spider-Man on the Playstation 4 is arguably the greatest superhero video game of all time .
It certainly is a front-runner for one of the best games of this console generation .
The game follows a completely original story and isn ’ t based on any particular movie or comic-book arc .
This allows developer Insomniac Games to craft a wholly unique take on the Spider-Verse , one that feels entirely new yet distinctly familiar .
The combat is an acrobatic thrill , swinging through the beautifully rendered New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set pieces in this thing go hard .
Seriously , this game starts strong and never lets up .
Filled with the humor , emotion and acrobatic action the webhead is known for , if you ’ re looking for a superhero fix you really can ’ t do much better than this .
We ’ re in a , uh , interesting time right now , and no one would blame you for not wanting to spend your coins .
Luckily , if you have a PC , Grand Theft Auto V @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The amount of content on deck here between GTA Online and the base game ’ s story mode is a hell of a deal .
If you ’ ve mained GTA Online without giving story mode a look , check it out .
The game ’ s story is basically just Rockstar doing their best Michael Mann impression but it ’ s a pretty damn good impression .
You scout locations and pull off incredibly over-the-top heists .
While the writing can be a little too try-hard at times , some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive seven years later .
If you want to create your own adventures with your homies , GTA Online provides you with an impressive array of tools to do just that .
For Those Really Bummed About Fast 9 : Just Cause 4 Since I was a wee 8-year-old , the Fast movies have been a staple of the summer movie season .
What started out as a story about folks racing for pink slips and stealing DVD players has evolved into a story about folks driving cars out of planes and defying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physics-based mayhem has made the Fast series one of my all time favorites .
It ’ s also why the Just Cause series has been one of my B-tier favs for the past decade .
The latest entry in the series , Just Cause 4 will provide a similar level of thrills .
The Just Cause games have you play as Rico Rodriguez , an operative for a group known only as “ The Agency.
” The story has you dropping into some exotic locale to liberate the people from a dictator by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ya know , is a pretty accurate depiction of U.S military intervention .
The story is honestly secondary to the gameplay which involves using a grapple hook , wingsuit and a litany of gadgets to destroy everything in your path .
The game is literally a playground of destruction and the only thing really limiting you is your imagination .
Want to attach a bunch of balloons and rocket boosters to an oil tanker and turn it into a floating bomb ?
Do it .
Want to use your grappling hook to skyjack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not .
Want to weaponize the fucking weather ?
Sure dog , go for it .
If you ’ re looking for an experience that puts a premium on stretching physics to their known limits , the Just Cause series is for you .
You may not be able to go to the movies this summer but that doesn ’ t mean you have to be deprived of the spectacle that ’ s a staple of the season .
If there are any games you would suggest that could fill the summer movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments !

The month of May typically signals the beginning of the summer movie season. This year was set to be full of potential bangers from Fast and Furious 9 to Black Widow. Given that the many of films set to be released this summer have been postponed to either winter or next year, the summer is looking pretty vacant.
Fear not, though. If you find yourself craving some summertime spectacle, I got you. Here are some games to get you through the drought.
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The Obvious Choice Here: Unchartered Series
Advertisement Advertisement
If you’re looking for the traditional summer blockbuster experience, look no further than the Uncharted series. The games follow treasure hunter Nathan Drake, his mentor Sully and on-again, off-again love interest Elena as they venture to far-off locales and search for ancient artifacts and lost cities. The games started as basically not-Indiana Jones but its growing focus on the interpersonal relationships between the characters allowed it to develop a unique identity of its own.
The games boast some of the most memorable set pieces in all of gaming. From shooting your way out of a burning mansion to scaling a train that’s derailed off a cliff to a wild motorcycle chase that stands as one of the most impressive set pieces this console generation, the games are jam packed with the kind of spectacle that only the best summer blockbusters deliver.
Advertisement
Both The Uncharted Collection, which features the first three games in the series, and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End are $20 on the Playstation Store, meaning you can experience some of the most impressive adventures in all of gaming without breaking the bank.
For Those Who Need Their Marvel Fix: Marvel’s Spider-Man
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Marvel’s Spider-Man on the Playstation 4 is arguably the greatest superhero video game of all time. It certainly is a front-runner for one of the best games of this console generation. The game follows a completely original story and isn’t based on any particular movie or comic-book arc. This allows developer Insomniac Games to craft a wholly unique take on the Spider-Verse, one that feels entirely new yet distinctly familiar.
The combat is an acrobatic thrill, swinging through the beautifully rendered New York City is a joy and the set pieces in this thing go hard. Seriously, this game starts strong and never lets up. Filled with the humor, emotion and acrobatic action the webhead is known for, if you’re looking for a superhero fix you really can’t do much better than this.
Advertisement
That Dollar Theater Hype: Grand Theft Auto V
Advertisement
We’re in a, uh, interesting time right now, and no one would blame you for not wanting to spend your coins. Luckily, if you have a PC, Grand Theft Auto V is free on the Epic Games Store. The amount of content on deck here between GTA Online and the base game’s story mode is a hell of a deal. If you’ve mained GTA Online without giving story mode a look, check it out.
The game’s story is basically just Rockstar doing their best Michael Mann impression but it’s a pretty damn good impression. You scout locations and pull off incredibly over-the-top heists. While the writing can be a little too try-hard at times, some of the moments Rockstar pulls off are still impressive seven years later. If you want to create your own adventures with your homies, GTA Online provides you with an impressive array of tools to do just that.
Advertisement
For Those Really Bummed About Fast 9: Just Cause 4
Advertisement
Since I was a wee 8-year-old, the Fast movies have been a staple of the summer movie season. What started out as a story about folks racing for pink slips and stealing DVD players has evolved into a story about folks driving cars out of planes and defying all known laws of physics. The physics-based mayhem has made the Fast series one of my all time favorites. It’s also why the Just Cause series has been one of my B-tier favs for the past decade.
The latest entry in the series, Just Cause 4 will provide a similar level of thrills. The Just Cause games have you play as Rico Rodriguez, an operative for a group known only as “The Agency.” The story has you dropping into some exotic locale to liberate the people from a dictator by blowing literally everything up.
Advertisement
Which, ya know, is a pretty accurate depiction of U.S military intervention.
The story is honestly secondary to the gameplay which involves using a grapple hook, wingsuit and a litany of gadgets to destroy everything in your path. The game is literally a playground of destruction and the only thing really limiting you is your imagination.
Advertisement
Want to attach a bunch of balloons and rocket boosters to an oil tanker and turn it into a floating bomb? Do it.
Want to use your grappling hook to skyjack an airplane out of midair? Why not.
Want to weaponize the fucking weather? Sure dog, go for it.
If you’re looking for an experience that puts a premium on stretching physics to their known limits, the Just Cause series is for you.
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You may not be able to go to the movies this summer but that doesn’t mean you have to be deprived of the spectacle that’s a staple of the season. If there are any games you would suggest that could fill the summer movie void, let me know in the comments!


theroot--2020-05-15--Why Were the Louisville Police Who Fatally Shot Breonna Taylor Not Wearing Body Cameras?

The three Louisville Metro police officers who raided the home of 26-year-old EMT Breonna Taylor weren ’ t wearing body cameras at the time of the shooting , raising questions about the department ’ s policies as local and state officials called for the FBI to review the high-profile killing .
Three officers were responsible for serving a warrant at Taylor ’ s house on March 13 : Sergeant Jon Mattingly , who was shot and injured during the incident ; Detective Myles Cosgrove , and Detective Brett Hankison , reports WAVE 3 News .
According to the LMPD , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Criminal Interdiction Division , a relatively new team comprising several units of officers that work mainly on narcotics and violent crime cases .
LMPD Major Paul Humphrey told the local news station that these officers are generally not issued body cameras “ due to the desire to protect some of the people that they interact with and to protect their investigation.
” But as attorney Leland Hulbert told WAVE 3 , the officers weren ’ t gathering information the night they arrived at Taylor ’ s home , they were serving a warrant—and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly impossible to know what actually happened that night .
“ We would ’ ve known whose story was right , because in these barge-in type cases , the police always say they did everything right , ” Hulbert said .
“ The victims say they didn ’ t do anything right .
The police are all wrong .
A body cam would take care of about 75-80 percent of that and clear up a lot of things.
” River City Fraternal Order of Police President Ryan Nichols told the TV station the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body camera protocols so narcotics officers wear cameras more often .
“ When they ’ re putting on their raid vest that says police , their tactical vest , whatever they ’ re doing to prepare for that warrant prior to the execution , ” Nichols said .
“ They could possibly wear a body camera during the execution of that warrant.
” While body camera footage isn ’ t a panacea for police brutality cases—far from it , in fact—such video could resolve one key dispute between Taylor ’ s family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence before they took a battering ram through Taylor ’ s apartment door .
The three cops attained a “ no knock ” warrant , which doesn ’ t legally require them to announce their presence when serving the document .
But officers said they did , as well as knocking “ multiple times ” on Taylor ’ s door .
Taylor ’ s neighbors , as well as her boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , who was in the home with Taylor at the time , dispute this claim .
Walker , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers , said he thought intruders were breaking into Taylor ’ s apartment and fired at them in self-defense .
As Walker ’ s attorney told the Louisville Courier-Journal , the front door “ suddenly explode [ d ] , ” with gunshots following .
Walker , a licensed gun owner , shot back at the officers as they were entering the apartment , Taylor family attorney Ben Crump said .
“ Don ’ t African Americans have the right to the Second Amendment ?
” Crump recently asked .
“ He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to protect himself.
” Had the officers been wearing body cameras , investigators could know more about the cops ’ conduct that night , and whether a self-defense argument is plausible .
The only footage and photos available were taken in the aftermath of the raid , and show the damage down to Taylor ’ s house , as well as the harrowing moments when officers called for Walker to step out from the apartment .
Walker has been charged with attempted murder .
Attorneys for both the Walker and Taylor families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have called for police to drop the charges .
The past few days have seen a surge in a GoFundMe intended to pay for Walker ’ s legal fees , reports the Courier-Journal .

The three Louisville Metro police officers who raided the home of 26-year-old EMT Breonna Taylor weren’t wearing body cameras at the time of the shooting, raising questions about the department’s policies as local and state officials called for the FBI to review the high-profile killing.
Three officers were responsible for serving a warrant at Taylor’s house on March 13: Sergeant Jon Mattingly, who was shot and injured during the incident; Detective Myles Cosgrove, and Detective Brett Hankison, reports WAVE 3 News. According to the LMPD, all three cops are part of the Criminal Interdiction Division, a relatively new team comprising several units of officers that work mainly on narcotics and violent crime cases.
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LMPD Major Paul Humphrey told the local news station that these officers are generally not issued body cameras “due to the desire to protect some of the people that they interact with and to protect their investigation.”
But as attorney Leland Hulbert told WAVE 3, the officers weren’t gathering information the night they arrived at Taylor’s home, they were serving a warrant—and the lack of body cameras makes it nearly impossible to know what actually happened that night.
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“We would’ve known whose story was right, because in these barge-in type cases, the police always say they did everything right,” Hulbert said. “The victims say they didn’t do anything right. The police are all wrong. A body cam would take care of about 75-80 percent of that and clear up a lot of things.”
River City Fraternal Order of Police President Ryan Nichols told the TV station the case might lead LMPD to review its body camera protocols so narcotics officers wear cameras more often.
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“When they’re putting on their raid vest that says police, their tactical vest, whatever they’re doing to prepare for that warrant prior to the execution,” Nichols said. “They could possibly wear a body camera during the execution of that warrant.”
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While body camera footage isn’t a panacea for police brutality cases—far from it, in fact—such video could resolve one key dispute between Taylor’s family and the LMPD: whether officers announced their presence before they took a battering ram through Taylor’s apartment door.
The three cops attained a “no knock” warrant, which doesn’t legally require them to announce their presence when serving the document. But officers said they did, as well as knocking “multiple times” on Taylor’s door.
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Taylor’s neighbors, as well as her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, who was in the home with Taylor at the time, dispute this claim. Walker, who shot and injured one of the police officers, said he thought intruders were breaking into Taylor’s apartment and fired at them in self-defense.
As Walker’s attorney told the Louisville Courier-Journal, the front door “suddenly explode[d],” with gunshots following. Walker, a licensed gun owner, shot back at the officers as they were entering the apartment, Taylor family attorney Ben Crump said.
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“Don’t African Americans have the right to the Second Amendment?” Crump recently asked. “He was trying to protect Breonna. He was trying to protect himself.”
Had the officers been wearing body cameras, investigators could know more about the cops’ conduct that night, and whether a self-defense argument is plausible.
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The only footage and photos available were taken in the aftermath of the raid, and show the damage down to Taylor’s house, as well as the harrowing moments when officers called for Walker to step out from the apartment.
Walker has been charged with attempted murder. Attorneys for both the Walker and Taylor families, along with advocates and activists, have called for police to drop the charges. The past few days have seen a surge in a GoFundMe intended to pay for Walker’s legal fees, reports the Courier-Journal.


theroot--2020-05-15--Breathe Easy: Vava's Newly Released Air Purifier Is $40 Off [Exclusive]

Tired of breathing in the filthy quarantine air pervading your home ?
You don ’ t HAVE to keep torturing @ @ @ @ @ air purifier , which just came out recently , is down 27 % to $ @ @ @ @ @ coupon on the page and entering our exclusive promo code KINJAAP8 at checkout .
Made @ @ @ @ @ 323 square feet ( more than half the size of my apartment ) , it @ @ @ @ @ just 9 minutes , thanks to the bulit-in anions mode .
A smart air quality @ @ @ @ @ real time while adjusting fan speed depending on results .
You can also customize the @ @ @ @ @ four options to choose from and two modes .
After a while , though , @ @ @ @ @ need replacing over time as indicated by a filter change light .
Fortunately , we @ @ @ @ @ .

Gabe Carey on Kinja Deals, shared by Quentyn Kennemer to The Root

Vava HEPA Air Purifier | $8 0 | Amazon | Use code KINJAQID4 + clip coupon
Tired of breathing in the filthy quarantine air pervading your home? You don’t HAVE to keep torturing yourself: the Vava air purifier is $30 off the list price when you clip the coupon on the page and enter our exclusive promo code KINJAQID4 at checkout.
Built to cover sizable rooms as large as 1,350 square feet, this HEPA air filter also uses a built-in UV light to help kill airborne viruses and bacteria. Grab an extra HEPA filter for $27 right now with a coupon clip to save yourself the hassle of buying a replacement filter in 6-8 months.
This story was originally published by Gabe Carey on 05/15/2020 and updated by Andrew Hayward with new information on 06/01/2021.


theroot--2020-05-15--Social Studies: Black Twitter 'Versuz' White Twitter

Because of slavery , Jim Crow , redlining and white flight , there are many black people who have not had the chance to acquire firsthand knowledge of white people .
Luckily , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , etc .
allows for great insight into the practices and habits of people who buy clothes from QVC .
If not for Facebook , we would have no idea about the Caucasian aversion to leg washing .
And if not for Wikipedia , I wouldn ’ t have known why this tweet was funny : Of course , I know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was either a musician or a Formula ONE race-car driver .
Or maybe he ’ s a former football player who Keith Jackson references in his football commentary .
Wait ... Nelly Furtado is a woman ?
Well , I guess this guy was right : OK .
I guess if Jesus can name a white man “ Keith Jackson ” then there can be a woman named Nelly .
Anyway , when Ludacris battles the real Nelly on Instagram , who wins ?
You can laugh all you want , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this joke ?
Somehow , black funeral homes created their own advertising industry by stapling popsicle sticks to construction paper and slapping MLK ’ s face on the front .
And don ’ t act like you didn ’ t want the usher to give you a new fan instead of one of the old fans after your church re-upped on these original Holy Ghost air conditioners .
I firmly believed the Martin Luther King Jr. fans produced a wind that was a few degrees cooler than the Mahalia Jackson fans .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mountaintop .
Also , am I the only one who feels this joke is kind of disrespectful ?
I honestly feel like Jenifer Lewis is “ some kin ” to me ( For our white readers , “ some kin ” means “ related.
” Wait ... do white people even know who Jenifer Lewis is ?
If you don ’ t , I ’ ll fill you in .
She ’ s the mother of Carl Lewis , Emmanuel Lewis , Lennox Lewis , Louis Gossett Jr. and both Lewis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people didn ’ t go as I expected .
Who knew that they were going to die from coronaviricide ?
© Meanwhile , Black Twitter be like : She probably doesn ’ t understand it was meant for White Twitter .
Being a teenager is a white privilege .
When you ’ re black , you get headlines like how Mike Brown ’ s death was reported : These short films are astute political analyses from White Twitter ’ s YouTube account : But Black Twitter did the same thing with one GIF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WorldStarHipHop was the original Black Twitter , and they ’ re not just a platform to watch fights and video versions of Soundcloud rappers : But here is the biggest difference between White Twitter and Black Twitter :

Social media is a great educational tool.
Because of slavery, Jim Crow, redlining and white flight, there are many black people who have not had the chance to acquire firsthand knowledge of white people. Luckily, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. allows for great insight into the practices and habits of people who buy clothes from QVC.
If not for Facebook, we would have no idea about the Caucasian aversion to leg washing. And if not for Wikipedia, I wouldn’t have known why this tweet was funny:
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Of course, I know that Nelly Furtado exists. I probably understood he was either a musician or a Formula ONE race-car driver. Or maybe he’s a former football player who Keith Jackson references in his football commentary.
Wait... Nelly Furtado is a woman? Well, I guess this guy was right:
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OK. I guess if Jesus can name a white man “Keith Jackson” then there can be a woman named Nelly. Anyway, when Ludacris battles the real Nelly on Instagram, who wins?
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You can laugh all you want, but how many white people could even get this joke?
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Somehow, black funeral homes created their own advertising industry by stapling popsicle sticks to construction paper and slapping MLK’s face on the front.
And don’t act like you didn’t want the usher to give you a new fan instead of one of the old fans after your church re-upped on these original Holy Ghost air conditioners. I firmly believed the Martin Luther King Jr. fans produced a wind that was a few degrees cooler than the Mahalia Jackson fans.
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It was probably because he had been to the mountaintop.
Also, am I the only one who feels this joke is kind of disrespectful? I honestly feel like Jenifer Lewis is “some kin” to me (For our white readers, “some kin” means “related.”
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Wait...do white people even know who Jenifer Lewis is?
If you don’t, I’ll fill you in.
She’s the mother of Carl Lewis, Emmanuel Lewis, Lennox Lewis, Louis Gossett Jr. and both Lewis and Clark.
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Basically, she’s everyone’s mom.
White Twitter be like:
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This final season of white people didn’t go as I expected. Who knew that they were going to die from coronaviricide?©
Meanwhile, Black Twitter be like:
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This headline upset The Root’s Managing Editor:
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She probably doesn’t understand it was meant for White Twitter. Being a teenager is a white privilege. When you’re black, you get headlines like how Mike Brown’s death was reported:
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These short films are astute political analyses from White Twitter’s YouTube account:
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But Black Twitter did the same thing with one GIF:
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Black Twitter even offers recipes and life coaching:
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Let’s be honest. WorldStarHipHop was the original Black Twitter, and they’re not just a platform to watch fights and video versions of Soundcloud rappers:
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But here is the biggest difference between White Twitter and Black Twitter:
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Ludacris is gonna drag Nelly Furtado!


theroot--2020-05-15--The Root Jams Weekly (5/15/2020): 'A Long Walk'

This week ’ s playlist is both in honor of Jilly from Philly and E. Badu ’ s Verzuz battle @ @ @ @ @ also because in our current climate , a long walk is what many of us @ @ @ @ @ of peace .
The Naked and Famous “ Punching In A Dream ” Linky First @ @ @ @ @ ”

Panama Jackson on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

This week’s playlist is both in honor of Jilly from Philly and E. Badu’s Verzuz battle from last weekend, but also because in our current climate, a long walk is what many of us rely on for a bit of peace.
J’Na Jefferson
India.Arie “Can I Walk With You”
Frank Ocean featuring JAY-Z, Tyler, the Creator “Biking”
The Naked and Famous “Punching In A Dream”
MGMT “Electric Feel”
MGMT “Kids”
Joe Jurado
Nujabes “Modal Soul”
Rina Sawayama “Where U Are”
Thundercat “Dragonball Durag”
Jay Connor
Kamasi Washington “Truth”
Rashad “Goosebumps”
Terrace Martin “In The Sky”
Tonja Stidhum
Frank Ocean “Moon River”
The Cinematic Orchestra featuring Patrick Wilson “To Build a Home”
Maxwell “Drowndeep: Hula”
Monique Judge
Cardi B “Bodak Yellow”
Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé “Savage (Remix)”
Lil Jon featuring Bangladesh, Freeway & CyHi tha Prince “Rep Yo Click”
Luke “Scarred”
Luke “I Wanna Rock”
Migos “Stir Fry”
Gucci Mane featuring Migos “I Get The Bag”
Anne Branigin
Phony Ppl featuring Megan Thee Stallion “Fkn Around”
Frank Ocean “Forrest Gump”
Pharoah Sanders “Love Is Everywhere”
Panama Jackson
The Whispers “Keep On Lovin’ Me”
Mary Mary “Walking”
Jill Scott “A Long Walk”
Roy Ayers Ubiquity “Running Away”
Erykah Badu “I Want You”
Les Nubians “Makeda”
Wizkid “Ojuelegba”
Michael Harriot
Ohio Players “Sweet Sticky Thing”
Big Krit “Standby (Interlude)”
Curren$y “Montreaux”
PJ Rickards
Linky First “Rock and Come In”
Busy Signal “Stay So”
Rick James “Moon Child”
Knowledge “don’t be afraid”
Salif Keita “Mandjou”
Previous Playlists: 4/17/2020, 4/24/2020, 5/1/2020, 5/8/2020


theroot--2020-05-15--The Tekashi 6ix9ine We Need: Ousted U.S. Vaccine Official Rick Bright Gives It All Up

Former top U.S. vaccine official , Rick Bright , walked into Congress Thursday and asked for a large bag of Flamin ’ Hot Cheetos , a Nehi grape soda , and a pack of Marlboro Lights 100s and proceeded to give up everything he knew about how fucking screwed Americans are if they are waiting for the Trump administration to save them from the coronavirus .
And he didn ’ t just stop there ; Bright also claimed because of incompetence and the refusal to listen to people who study this shit , many lives were lost and the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re unfamiliar with Bright , he was removed from his senior position at the Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) as director of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ( BARDA ) last month for refusing to push bogus drugs like hydroxychloroquine to treat the coronavirus , which Trump was all in on when he wasn ’ t trying to convince people to take shots of bleach .
Bright called the reassignment a good look at how things work in Trump ’ s administration in which retribution for disobeying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was reassigned to a lesser post and locked out of his email account as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority after pushing back against plans for the government to invest in unproven covid-19 treatments such as the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine .
The therapeutic that Trump touted largely has been abandoned by the government as trials since showed it can cause heart problems and other side effects in covid-19 patients .
Bright also went further , painting a bleak picture of the U.S. government ’ s ability going forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if one coincides with the country ’ s winter flu season .
Bright said there is still “ no master plan ” for assessing the need for and distribution of masks , testing swabs and other medical equipment .
Bright also said the government was doing a disservice to Americans by playing down the possibility that it could take years to develop a vaccine that could be ready for mass distribution .
The United States faces the “ darkest winter in modern history ” if it does not develop a more coordinated national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window of opportunity is closing.
” Trump did the usual thing he does when he ’ s attacked ; he took to Twitter to act like he doesn ’ t know the guy .
“ I don ’ t know the so-called Whistleblower Rick Bright , ” Trump tweeted Thursday morning , the Post notes .
“ Never met him or even heard of him , but to me he is a disgruntled employee , not liked or respected by people I spoke to and who , with his attitude , should no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” We all know by now that when Trump says he doesn ’ t know someone , he ’ s probably had them over to Mar-a-Lago for some tough Trump steaks slathered in ketchup .
What was shocking was that HHS also came for Bright during his testimony , releasing a statement asking why Bright “ has not yet shown up for work ” and is “ using his taxpayer-funded medical leave to work with partisan attorneys.
” Bright has been on medical leave since his reassignment .
Peter Navarro , Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was critical of Bright and claimed he ’ s abandoned his mission .
“ I see him not just as a disgruntled employee but as a deserter in the war on the China virus , ” Navarro told the Post .
“ That ’ s a harsh thing to say , but here ’ s what I mean : He was asked to move to NIH to be the field general for a billion-dollar testing effort to protect and defend the American people , and he refused that assignment so he could cling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his post and he ’ s not a guy I ’ d ever want to share a foxhole with.
” Mike Bowen , “ co-owner of Prestige Ameritech , the country ’ s last full-line medical mask manufacturer , ” also spoke to Congress Thursday , and noted how he offered to increase N95 mask production in January and was largely ignored .
Bowen said that had the Trump administration listened to him , he could ’ ve produced some 7 million masks by now .
When pressed by Republicans as to why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that plan , Bowen explained that without a contract of at least a year , he could ’ ve found himself hiring additional staff only to fire them months later .
“ Bowen said he went through that after the government cut short expected contracts in 2009 during the H1N1 pandemic , and it nearly bankrupted the business , ” the Post reports .
Bowen also noted that he ’ s a Republican and voted for Trump and was sickened by the way Republicans had treated Bright during his questioning .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little while ago .
It seemed like everyone who was beating up on Dr .
Bright was a Republican and everyone who was defending him was a Democrat .
I ’ m a Republican , I voted for President Trump and I admire Dr.
Bright , ” Bowen added : “ I don ’ t know what he did in all of the other activities , but I think what he said made a lot of sense , and I believe him , ” the Post reports .
Asked later if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had handled or mishandled in many cases , the pandemic , including reassigning Bright , Bowen said he had been .
“ I ’ m a lifelong Republican , and I ’ m embarrassed by how that ’ s been handled , ” Bowen said .
“ Like Rick Bright said , it ’ s the scientists we need to be listening to , and we ’ re not.
” This is where both Bright and Bowen got it wrong as Trump has no problem listening to scientists as long as they toe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have you seen Trump ’ s ties ?
Those fat shits are large enough to be “ a line ” and as such ... fine , toe the company fat-ass tie !
Is that better ?

Former top U.S. vaccine official, Rick Bright, walked into Congress Thursday and asked for a large bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, a Nehi grape soda, and a pack of Marlboro Lights 100s and proceeded to give up everything he knew about how fucking screwed Americans are if they are waiting for the Trump administration to save them from the coronavirus.
And he didn’t just stop there; Bright also claimed because of incompetence and the refusal to listen to people who study this shit, many lives were lost and the Trump administration is to blame.
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If you’re unfamiliar with Bright, he was removed from his senior position at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as director of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) last month for refusing to push bogus drugs like hydroxychloroquine to treat the coronavirus, which Trump was all in on when he wasn’t trying to convince people to take shots of bleach. Bright called the reassignment a good look at how things work in Trump’s administration in which retribution for disobeying command is the norm.
From the Washington Post:
Bright alleged he was reassigned to a lesser post and locked out of his email account as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority after pushing back against plans for the government to invest in unproven covid-19 treatments such as the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine. The therapeutic that Trump touted largely has been abandoned by the government as trials since showed it can cause heart problems and other side effects in covid-19 patients. Bright also went further, painting a bleak picture of the U.S. government’s ability going forward to manage a second wave of the virus if one coincides with the country’s winter flu season. Bright said there is still “no master plan” for assessing the need for and distribution of masks, testing swabs and other medical equipment. Bright also said the government was doing a disservice to Americans by playing down the possibility that it could take years to develop a vaccine that could be ready for mass distribution. The United States faces the “darkest winter in modern history” if it does not develop a more coordinated national response, he said. “Our window of opportunity is closing.”
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Trump did the usual thing he does when he’s attacked; he took to Twitter to act like he doesn’t know the guy.
“I don’t know the so-called Whistleblower Rick Bright,” Trump tweeted Thursday morning, the Post notes. “Never met him or even heard of him, but to me he is a disgruntled employee, not liked or respected by people I spoke to and who, with his attitude, should no longer be working for our government!”
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We all know by now that when Trump says he doesn’t know someone, he’s probably had them over to Mar-a-Lago for some tough Trump steaks slathered in ketchup. What was shocking was that HHS also came for Bright during his testimony, releasing a statement asking why Bright “has not yet shown up for work” and is “using his taxpayer-funded medical leave to work with partisan attorneys.” Bright has been on medical leave since his reassignment.
Peter Navarro, Trump’s adviser for trade and manufacturing, was critical of Bright and claimed he’s abandoned his mission.
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“I see him not just as a disgruntled employee but as a deserter in the war on the China virus,” Navarro told the Post. “That’s a harsh thing to say, but here’s what I mean: He was asked to move to NIH to be the field general for a billion-dollar testing effort to protect and defend the American people, and he refused that assignment so he could cling to his old job. He deserted his post and he’s not a guy I’d ever want to share a foxhole with.”
Mike Bowen, “co-owner of Prestige Ameritech, the country’s last full-line medical mask manufacturer,” also spoke to Congress Thursday, and noted how he offered to increase N95 mask production in January and was largely ignored. Bowen said that had the Trump administration listened to him, he could’ve produced some 7 million masks by now. When pressed by Republicans as to why he didn’t just move ahead with that plan, Bowen explained that without a contract of at least a year, he could’ve found himself hiring additional staff only to fire them months later.
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“Bowen said he went through that after the government cut short expected contracts in 2009 during the H1N1 pandemic, and it nearly bankrupted the business,” the Post reports.
Bowen also noted that he’s a Republican and voted for Trump and was sickened by the way Republicans had treated Bright during his questioning.
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“I’ve watched all of this a little while ago. It seemed like everyone who was beating up on Dr. Bright was a Republican and everyone who was defending him was a Democrat. I’m a Republican, I voted for President Trump and I admire Dr. Bright,” Bowen added: “I don’t know what he did in all of the other activities, but I think what he said made a lot of sense, and I believe him,” the Post reports.
Asked later if he was upset by the way the administration had handled or mishandled in many cases, the pandemic, including reassigning Bright, Bowen said he had been.
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“I’m a lifelong Republican, and I’m embarrassed by how that’s been handled,” Bowen said. “Like Rick Bright said, it’s the scientists we need to be listening to, and we’re not.”
This is where both Bright and Bowen got it wrong as Trump has no problem listening to scientists as long as they toe the company tie. C’mon, have you seen Trump’s ties? Those fat shits are large enough to be “a line” and as such...fine, toe the company fat-ass tie! Is that better?


theroot--2020-05-15--Fenty's First Sitewide Sale Saves You 25% on Everything

If you have ever been curious about trying Fenty now is the time .
They have never run a sitewide @ @ @ @ @ until May 18 you can get 25 % off anything .
This even includes sale @ @ @ @ @ You can snag the best seller pro filt ’ r long wear foundation for almost @ @ @ @ @ love my Moroccan Spice palette which is just $ 35 right now .
This is @ @ @ @ @ ve been waiting for and if it goes well maybe we will get another one @ @ @ @ @ on all orders and the discount comes off once you add the items to your @ @

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

25% off Sitewide | Fenty Beauty
If you have ever been curious about trying Fenty, now is the time. They run sitewide sales now and then but for only a few days. From now until September 27, you can save 25% off anything. This will include sale items and value sets.
Stunna Lip Paint is a personal favorite, and it lasts all day. It’s still available in eight highly pigmented shades to give you the perfect pout. Each finishes matte but doesn’t dry your lips out or make them appear dry. Your lips will be soft no matter which c olor you rock . Uncensored is my shade .
I’m a big fan of the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter. This is a long-wear cream powder you brush on with ease, and it never feels heavy. And a little goes a long way. You don’t need much, even for just a tiny glow on your cheekbones or nose. Adding a glimmer before a zoom call can brighten up the face even if you don’t want to be on it. They won’t know because you’ll look gorgeous and sparkle. There are eight different compacts still available . My current one is Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal.
Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Killawatt keeps skin lit all day!
Cream-powder hybrid that instantly melts into skin. Buy for $27 at Fenty Beauty
Blotting powder can save your life, well, face. If you have an oily t-zone or forehead, lightly dusting this can make a huge difference. While reducing shine, it also minimizes the look of your pores. I’ve found this works exceptionally well around the sides of the nose and undereye. Invisimatte gives you a more natural-looking matte look than other blotting powders. This is essential to keep in your purse, especially if you’re on the go. It won’t interfere with whatever makeup you also have on as it is translucent. It’s light and keeps you camera-ready at all times.