theroot--2020-12-11--Naomi Osaka Stuns in Vogue Cover Debut, Centers Racial Justice: 'There Are Things Going on...That Re

Naomi Osaka Stuns in Vogue Cover Debut, Centers Racial Justice: 'There Are Things Going on...That Really Scare Me'

In many respects , tennis player Naomi Osaka has grown up right before our eyes .
Known for being understated and shy when she first emerged as a top contender in 2018 with her surprise upset over her idol , Serena Williams , since then , Osaka has come into her own as one of her sport ’ s brightest stars .
B etween June 2019 and June 2020 , h er combined prize money and endorsements made her the highest-paid female athlete of all time , according to Forbes .
With that glow-up has come a much bigger platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with intention and care , as evidenced in her latest debut as a cover girl , this time for none other than American Vogue .
Osaka is stunning on the cover of the January 2021 issue , photographed by Annie Leibovitz .
Wearing an asymmetrical striped Louis Vuitton dress , Osaka looks like a young woman in complete possession of her talents , her natural curls lifted by a gentle breeze ( or , in all likelihood , a fan ) , her makeup minimal and natural .
But what has made Osaka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tennis ’ foremost voice on racial justice issues .
The 23-year-old spoke at length about her interest in racial justice , which began when she was just a teenager living in Florida .
“ I feel like this is something that was building up in me for a while , ” Osaka told the magazine .
“ I watched the Trayvon stuff go down .
For me that was super-scary.
” As the story notes , she was 14 and living in Boca Raton , just three hours north of where Trayvon was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggressive neighborhood vigilante .
“ I travel so much during the year that I don ’ t always know the news that ’ s centered in the U.S .
But then when the pandemic hit , there were no distractions .
I was forced to look.
” Osaka participated in the Black Lives Matter protests alongside her boyfriend , rapper Cordae , in Minneapolis in the days following Floyd ’ s death at the hands of local police .
She told Vogue it was the first rally of any kind she had ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it matters if you ’ re shy or not , or if you ’ re introverted or extroverted .
You ’ re just there in the moment .
When you see it in real life—so many cameras filming everyone , police with guns outside the city hall , the parents of other victims telling their stories—it kind of hits you differently .
You ’ re able to process it on your own terms.
” Since then , Osaka has been vocal about the need to protect Black lives on social media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bucks ’ impromptu wildcat strike during the NBA playoffs , she also pos tponed her appearance at a Grand Slam tournament in support of the athletes .
When she won this year ’ s U.S. Open tournament , she did so while acknowledging victims of racial violence , honoring a different person by wearing their names printed on a facemask each time she stepped out for a match .
Osaka ’ s focus on racial justice is particularly significant given her multiracial heritage .
She was born in Japan to a Japanese mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took on her mother ’ s last name for practical purposes .
But though she represents Japan when she plays tennis , she has spent much of her life in the United States .
This grants her a unique perspective—and an opportunity to talk about racism directly to audiences who normally don ’ t spend much time considering it .
But while she has been attacked for her stances , Osaka is at ease with her role—even if who she is and what she stands for confuses people .
“ Because some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stick to that label , ” she told Vogue .
“ Since I represent Japan , some people just expect me to be quiet and maybe only speak about Japanese topics .
I consider myself Japanese-Haitian-American .
I always grew up with a little bit more Japanese heritage and culture , but I ’ m Black , and I live in America , and I personally didn ’ t think it was too far-fetched when I started talking about things that were happening here .
There are things going on here that @ @ @ @ @

Anne Branigin on The Glow Up, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

In many respects, tennis player Naomi Osaka has grown up right before our eyes. Known for being understated and shy when she first emerged as a top contender in 2018 with her surprise upset over her idol, Serena Williams, at the U.S. Open, Osaka has come into her own as one of her sport’s brightest stars. Between June 2019 and June 2020, her combined prize money and endorsements made her the highest-paid female athlete of all time, according to Forbes.
With that glow-up has come a much bigger platform, and Osaka has wielded her voice with intention and care, as evidenced in her latest debut as a cover girl, this time for none other than American Vogue.
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Osaka is stunning on the cover of the January 2021 issue (one of four) , photographed by Annie Leibovitz. Wearing an asymmetrical striped Louis Vuitton dress, Osaka looks like a young woman in complete possession of her talents, her natural curls lifted by a gentle breeze (or, in all likelihood, a fan), her makeup minimal and natural.
But what has made Osaka special this year is her emergence as tennis’ foremost voice on racial justice issues.
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The 23-year-old spoke at length about her interest in racial justice, which began when she was just a teenager living in Florida.
“I feel like this is something that was building up in me for a while,” Osaka told the magazine. “I watched the Trayvon stuff go down. For me that was super-scary.”
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As the story notes, she was 14 and living in Boca Raton, just three hours north of where Trayvon was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, an aggressive neighborhood vigilante.
“I travel so much during the year that I don’t always know the news that’s centered in the U.S. But then when the pandemic hit, there were no distractions. I was forced to look,” she continued.
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Osaka participated in the Black Lives Matter protests alongside her boyfriend, rapper Cordae, in Minneapolis in the days following Floyd’s death at the hands of local police. She told Vogue it was the first rally of any kind she had ever attended.
“I don’t think it matters if you’re shy or not, or if you’re introverted or extroverted. You’re just there in the moment,” she explained. “When you see it in real life—so many cameras filming everyone, police with guns outside the city hall, the parents of other victims telling their stories—it kind of hits you differently. You’re able to process it on your own terms.”
Advertisement
Since then, Osaka has been vocal about the need to protect Black lives on social media and on the court. Following the Milwaukee Bucks’ impromptu wildcat strike during the NBA playoffs, she postponed her appearance at a tournament in support of the athletes. When she won this year’s U.S. Open tournament, she did so while acknowledging victims of racial violence. Each time she stepped out for a match, Osaka honored a different person by wearing their names printed on a black facemask.
Osaka’s focus on racial justice is particularly significant given her multiracial heritage. She was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Haitian American father, and took on her mother’s last name for practical purposes. But though she represents Japan when she plays tennis, she has spent much of her life in the United States.
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This grants her a unique perspective—and an opportunity to talk about racism directly to audiences who normally don’t spend much time considering it. But while she has been attacked for her stances, Osaka is at ease with her role—even if who she is and what she stands for confuses people.
“Some people label me, and they expect me to stick to that label,” she told Vogue. “Since I represent Japan, some people just expect me to be quiet and maybe only speak about Japanese topics. I consider myself Japanese-Haitian-American. I always grew up with a little bit more Japanese heritage and culture, but I’m Black, and I live in America, and I personally didn’t think it was too far-fetched when I started talking about things that were happening here. There are things going on here that really scare me.”


theroot--2020-12-11--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: Empathy for the Devil

Please allow me to introduce myself I ’ m a bag of white hot hate I ’ ve been around for four long years You can read me every Friday I answer emails , DMs and tweets trying to help you understand race And when you call me the n-word I don ’ t fly into a rage Pleased to meet you Can you guess who I am ?
Here ’ s a hint : I ’ m a mailbag that claps back Although I think of “ Sympathy for the Devil ” as a rare example of white excellence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person play the Rolling Stones at a cookout .
That one was for the white people .
On most Fridays , the Clapback Mailbag focuses on hate mail .
But this week , I ’ d like to shout out the white people who recognize me as the world ’ s greatest living writer .
Yes , this week is all about the love I receive from our readers These first two guys read the article about Georgia ’ s Senate race and realized the true strength and power of Black people Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a coupe , and subsequent Civil War ... .you won ’ t make it very far to worry much about it .
No snow flake liberal , ’ like you , will .
Cancel culture , “ Blame Da Hu-White mans ” BLM supporters like you will be the first to go .
You know , the most disgusting thing to me is that you are part of the “ Original Nazi ” Democrat party ... not only the party of DEATH , but the party of SLAVERY !
Yup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected & ultimately fought to KEEP SLAVERY !
!
The Republican Party , which you are so wrongly against , was established to fight AGAINST & END SLAVERY !
!
You & people like you are traitors to your own history Ok , continue your fight against your “ hated white person of week ” , you WEAK , Bigoted simpleton .
Assholes like you are the reason why the people in this country will never get together .
Maybe the Senate races will be won based upon the race and religion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just want the GOP to control the Senate , take over the House in two years and win back the WH in four .
Race is not a consideration .
National security , the economy , education and all that is best for America are my motives .
We have a horse ’ s ass as President elect and a bigger horse ’ s ass as VP elect .
BLM and Antifa are going to be free to continue to spread hate and jackasses like you will name White Supremacy as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
I ’ ve heard people say they love my writing but these are the highest compliments I have ever received .
David , to think that my words are not only going to start a civil war , but your acknowledgment that the liberals will win is quite a statement .
And Tony , your assertion that I will be the one who gets America to finally recognize white supremacy as the biggest threat is far too kind .
While I ’ m honored , I can ’ t take credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are far too many people to name but I ’ d especially like to thank : • The first racist white people in America : The Virginia explicitly states that the colonists ’ goal was the “ to bring the infidels and salvages living in those parts to humane civilitie and to a setled and quiet govermente.
” • The United States of America : For enshrining slavery in the constitution .
• All three branches of government : Including the legislative branch , which passed laws like the Fugitive Slave Act ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judicial branch , which Black people “ had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.
” • Racists : I wouldn ’ t be here without you • Every institution in America : The discriminatory banks , the unequal education system , the biased courts , unjust criminal justice system , the bigoted system of policing , the voting systems , the private corporations , the media , the music industry , the television and film industry , the sports complex that blackballed Kaepernick and resists Black coaches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and especially the mail writing industry .
The fact that you think that my words will be the thing that causes a civil war and opens white people ’ s eyes is quite flattering .
Especially when I consider that every single American thing that ever was , is and ever will be is infused with white supremacy .
You are far , too kind .
I accept this nomination on behalf of all the white people who do actual racist things for me to write about .
Thank you so much .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ She ’ s in the other room sleeping right now ) .
Tom was big mad about this : I recently read your article from Monday , 12/7/2020 , entitled , “ Virginia Military Institute Removes Monument to White Supremacy.
” I feel it should be pointed out to you there are several glaring inaccuracies in your article as follows : 1 .
- First and foremost , that statue of Jackson at VMI was never intended to be a “ Monument to White Supremacy ” , but rather simply a statue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ albeit for the Confederacy ) in American history .
Like him or hate him , his military movements and tactics against vastly superior forces are still studied and admired today at such prestigious military institutions the world over , such as West Point , Annapolis , and even Sandhurst in Great Britain .
Sure , he fought for the rebellious Confederacy , but that doesn ’ t take away from what he accomplished as a military commander in the field .
This is not simply an opinion , but a fact of reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an “ alumnus ” of VMI .
He was an instructor there for a few years prior to the Civil War .
He certainly wasn ’ t the school ’ s most celebrated alumnus .
Not even close .
That honor would undoubtedly belong to U.S. Army General George C. Marshall , ( Secretary of the Army , Secretary of Defense , Secretary of State , Nobel Prize winner , etc. )
.
A statue of Marshall has stood on campus for decades in honor of him .
This is also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not remotely considered a “ Confederate Disneyland ” .
That ’ s simply someone ’ s wildly exaggerated opinion .
You ’ d be hard pressed to find anyone who honestly agrees with that assertion .
This too is a fact .
4 .
- The new interim VMI Superintendent is U.S. Army Major General Cedric T. Wins , ( Not “ Rims ” ) .
He ’ s a black 1985 graduate of VMI .
Institutional racism does not exist at VMI .
Yes , there have been some idiotic individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found anywhere ) , but it is definitely not permeated into the institution itself .
This will be proven by Virginia Governor Northam ’ s $ 1M independent third party investigation in the coming months .
I have no doubt General Wins would strongly agree with me on these four points listed here .
This will most assuredly become a fact in due time .
Your article seems to be more skewed towards your opinions than actual facts .
Don ’ t become too confused by these inconvenient facts .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grind with this piece .
It also speaks volumes about your abilities as a writer and your character .
Finally , it must be exhausting to be filled with such hate and anger all the time , but then again I guess it ’ s worth it since it apparently pays your bills .
Best of luck with your blossoming “ career ” , You ’ re too negative .
Instead of focusing on the things I did wrong , you should focus on the positive .
For example , here is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter : • The part about people admiring “ significant military tactician and leader.
” I won ’ t lie , I ’ m still kekekeing about that .
The Confederate Army had more than any military force in modern history .
Now , to your credit , it could be that the Confederates were extreme cowards and Jackson succeeded just by making them look like a barely organized , shitty army .
How many actual people have you ever heard say this who weren ’ t at VMI ?
• The fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best field commander , yet his statue remains while others have been removed kinda undercuts your argument that Jackson ’ s statue is not a monument to white supremacy .
But I like it .
Everyone loves monuments of 11th-place finishers .
• I like the fact that you say it ’ s not a Confederate Disneyland when your school officially maintains a site at the and lists itself as an • The sentence : “ Institutional racism does not exist at VMI.
” I damn near choked on this one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black people salute Stonell Jackson ( a racist ) , celebrate the men who fought to enslave their ancestors ( racists ) and , by every single account , treated Black students worse than white students ( racists ) .
• But my favorite part is the insinuation that I have “ an axe to grind.
” Bruh , I literally have no thoughts for a mediocre school filled with mediocre white men whose most accomplished alumnus managed to achieve the exact same rank ( Confederate General ) as men who finished last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re white , but do you really think people sit around with extra fucks to give and say : “ I know , I ’ ll give a fuck about VMI.
” I ’ m not angry at all .
I ’ m just stating facts .
The only exhausting about this is the time I spent reading your letter .
I could have been picking up my award .
And finally , someone read an old article and wanted to weigh in : I am a Texas State student expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While I ’ m very late to having read your obviously biased opinion regarding the incoherent , emotional tribunal from one Rudy Martinez ( a self proclaimed communist although we both know he has zero context for such a claim ) , I think it ’ s even more relevant to call you out now than ever .
I found it absolutely hilarious that every instance the notion of racism of against whites was prompted you pathetically had to label it as “ so-called ” .
I can ’ t fault you for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shined brighter than the sun through ever line .
It is very likely you are one of many who is unintelligent and arrogant enough to create and assume your own definition of racism .
The good old “ racism is prejudice plus power ” .
Real clever way to avoid responsibility for any and all racist behavior committed by minorities .
It became more and more apparent as I read your article , what an indoctrinated swine you really are .
“ YOu kNoW wHiTe sTuFf ” .
Really ironic considering the absolute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used that same phrasing in reference to a black person you would be the first warrior of the people to get online and write another essay of incoherent , biased , emotional dribble .
Go fuck yourself you partisan hack .
I admit to being biased towards justice .
I could never be as unbiased as an intelligent person who would attribute a “ professional sense of victimhood ” to someone after reading one article .
I find it hilarious that you rant about my made-up definition of racism that I have never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if someone who is as big-brained as you managed to even check , you would see that I wholly reject that definition and use the one in the dictionary to define racism .
Is this what they ’ re teaching at Texas State ?
If you weren ’ t a senior already , I probably could ’ ve gotten you into a better school .
Have you ever considered VMI ?

Please allow me to introduce myself
I’m a bag of white hot hate
I’ve been around for four long years
You can read me every Friday I answer emails, DMs and tweets
trying to help you understand race
And when you call me the n-word
I don’t fly into a rage Pleased to meet you
Can you guess who I am?
Here’s a hint:
I’m a mailbag that claps back
Although I think of “Sympathy for the Devil” as a rare example of white excellence, I have never heard a Black person play the Rolling Stones at a cookout. That one was for the white people.
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On most Fridays, the Clapback Mailbag focuses on hate mail. But this week, I’d like to shout out the white people who recognize me as the world’s greatest living writer. Yes, this week is all about the love I receive from our readers
These first two guys read the article about Georgia’s Senate race and realized the true strength and power of Black people
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To: Michael Harriot
From: David Don’t worry Mike.... if there’s a coupe, and subsequent Civil War....you won’t make it very far to worry much about it. No snow flake liberal,’ like you, will. Cancel culture, “Blame Da Hu-White mans” BLM supporters like you will be the first to go. You know, the most disgusting thing to me is that you are part of the “Original Nazi” Democrat party...not only the party of DEATH, but the party of SLAVERY! Yup! Your beloved democrat party perpetuated, protected & ultimately fought to KEEP SLAVERY!! The Republican Party, which you are so wrongly against, was established to fight AGAINST & END SLAVERY!! You & people like you are traitors to your own history Ok, continue your fight against your “hated white person of week”, you WEAK, Bigoted simpleton.
From: Tony M
To: Michael Harriot Assholes like you are the reason why the people in this country will never get together. Maybe the Senate races will be won based upon the race and religion of the candidates. I hope not. I just want the GOP to control the Senate, take over the House in two years and win back the WH in four. Race is not a consideration. National security, the economy, education and all that is best for America are my motives. We have a horse’s ass as President elect and a bigger horse’s ass as VP elect. BLM and Antifa are going to be free to continue to spread hate and jackasses like you will name White Supremacy as the biggest threat to our country. Fuck you. Anthony R. M***** American
Wow, guys.
I’ve heard people say they love my writing but these are the highest compliments I have ever received. David, to think that my words are not only going to start a civil war, but your acknowledgment that the liberals will win is quite a statement. And Tony, your assertion that I will be the one who gets America to finally recognize white supremacy as the biggest threat is far too kind.
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While I’m honored, I can’t take credit for all of this myself. There are far too many people to name but I’d especially like to thank:
The first racist white people in America: The Virginia charter living in those parts to humane civilitie and to a setled and quiet govermente.”
The Virginia living in those parts to humane civilitie and to a setled and quiet govermente.” The United States of America: For enshrining slavery in the constitution.
For enshrining slavery in the constitution. All three branches of government: Including the legislative branch, which passed laws like the Fugitive Slave Act; the executive branch, a q uarter of whom owned slaves ruled
Including the legislative branch, which passed laws like the Fugitive Slave Act; the executive branch, a q Racists: I wouldn’t be here without you
I wouldn’t be here without you Every institution in America: The discriminatory banks, the unequal education system, the biased courts, unjust criminal justice system, the bigoted system of policing, the voting systems, the private corporations, the media, the music industry, the television and film industry, the sports complex that blackballed Kaepernick and resists Black coaches, the voting systems, the healthcare industry and especially the mail writing industry.
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The fact that you think that my words will be the thing that causes a civil war and opens white people’s eyes is quite flattering. Especially when I consider that every single American thing that ever was, is and ever will be is infused with white supremacy. You are far, too kind. I accept this nomination on behalf of all the white people who do actual racist things for me to write about.
Thank you so much.
Wait till I tell your mama (She’s in the other room sleeping right now).
Tom was big mad about this:
From: Tom O.
To: Michael Hariot Mike, I recently read your article from Monday, 12/7/2020, entitled, “Virginia Military Institute Removes Monument to White Supremacy.” I feel it should be pointed out to you there are several glaring inaccuracies in your article as follows: 1. - First and foremost, that statue of Jackson at VMI was never intended to be a “Monument to White Supremacy”, but rather simply a statue to a significant military tactician and leader (albeit for the Confederacy) in American history. Like him or hate him, his military movements and tactics against vastly superior forces are still studied and admired today at such prestigious military institutions the world over, such as West Point, Annapolis, and even Sandhurst in Great Britain. Sure, he fought for the rebellious Confederacy, but that doesn’t take away from what he accomplished as a military commander in the field. This is not simply an opinion, but a fact of reality. 2. - Jackson was technically not an “alumnus” of VMI. He was an instructor there for a few years prior to the Civil War. He certainly wasn’t the school’s most celebrated alumnus. Not even close. That honor would undoubtedly belong to U.S. Army General George C. Marshall, (Secretary of the Army, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, Nobel Prize winner, etc.). A statue of Marshall has stood on campus for decades in honor of him. This is also a fact. 3. - VMI certainly is not remotely considered a “Confederate Disneyland”. That’s simply someone’s wildly exaggerated opinion. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who honestly agrees with that assertion. This too is a fact. 4. - The new interim VMI Superintendent is U.S. Army Major General Cedric T. Wins, (Not “Rims”). He’s a black 1985 graduate of VMI. Institutional racism does not exist at VMI. Yes, there have been some idiotic individual racists there, (as can be found anywhere), but it is definitely not permeated into the institution itself. This will be proven by Virginia Governor Northam’s $1M independent third party investigation in the coming months. I have no doubt General Wins would strongly agree with me on these four points listed here. This will most assuredly become a fact in due time. Your article seems to be more skewed towards your opinions than actual facts. Don’t become too confused by these inconvenient facts. It’s quite apparent you had an axe to grind with this piece. It also speaks volumes about your abilities as a writer and your character. Finally, it must be exhausting to be filled with such hate and anger all the time, but then again I guess it’s worth it since it apparently pays your bills. Best of luck with your blossoming “career”, Tom O
Tom,
You’re too negative. Instead of focusing on the things I did wrong, you should focus on the positive. For example, here is a list of things I liked about your letter:
The part about people admiring “significant military tactician and leader.” I won’t lie, I’m still kekekeing about that. The Confederate Army had more defectors, deserters and unfought surrenders The fact that Jackson was not an alumnus or the best field commander, yet his statue remains while others have been removed kinda undercuts your argument that Jackson’s statue is not a monument to white supremacy. But I like it. Everyone loves monuments of 11th-place finishers. I like the fact that you say it’s not a Confederate Disneyland when your school officially maintains a site at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War attraction for Civil War enthusiasts. The sentence: “Institutional racism does not exist at VMI.” I damn near choked on this one. Your school (an institution) made Black people salute Stonell Jackson (a racist), celebrate the men who fought to enslave their ancestors (racists) and, by every single account, treated Black students worse than white students (racists). But my favorite part is the insinuation that I have “an axe to grind.” Bruh, I literally have no thoughts for a mediocre school filled with mediocre white men whose most accomplished alumnus managed to achieve the exact same rank (Confederate General) as men who finished last in their class
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The only exhausting about this is the time I spent reading your letter.
I could have been picking up my award.
And finally, someone read an old article and wanted to weigh in:
From: John
To: Michael Harriot I am a Texas State student expected to graduate in the spring of 2020. While I’m very late to having read your obviously biased opinion regarding the incoherent, emotional tribunal from one Rudy Martinez (a self proclaimed communist although we both know he has zero context for such a claim) , I think it’s even more relevant to call you out now than ever. I found it absolutely hilarious that every instance the notion of racism of against whites was prompted you pathetically had to label it as “so-called”. I can’t fault you for that. Your professional sense of victimhood shined brighter than the sun through ever line. It is very likely you are one of many who is unintelligent and arrogant enough to create and assume your own definition of racism. The good old “racism is prejudice plus power”. Real clever way to avoid responsibility for any and all racist behavior committed by minorities. It became more and more apparent as I read your article, what an indoctrinated swine you really are. “YOu kNoW wHiTe sTuFf”. Really ironic considering the absolute fact that if a white person had used that same phrasing in reference to a black person you would be the first warrior of the people to get online and write another essay of incoherent, biased, emotional dribble. Go fuck yourself you partisan hack.
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Dear John,
I admit to being biased towards justice. I could never be as unbiased as an intelligent person who would attribute a “professional sense of victimhood” to someone after reading one article. I find it hilarious that you rant about my made-up definition of racism that I have never used in my life. In fact, if someone who is as big-brained as you managed to even check, you would see that I wholly reject that definition and use the one in the dictionary to define racism.
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Is this what they’re teaching at Texas State? If you weren’t a senior already, I probably could’ve gotten you into a better school.
Have you ever considered VMI?


theroot--2020-12-11--Joe Biden Met With Civil Rights Leaders, and I’m Going to Need Him to Watch His Tone

If you are a Black person , you already know what I ’ m talking about .
If you are white reader , then let me explain something that doesn ’ t work with Black people around the world : tone .
Tone is the raising of your voice .
It can also be associated with “ talking to me like I ’ m a damn child.
” It is usually met with a confused look and even possibly a turned head to see if the perpetrator is possibly speaking to someone else in the area and is most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are you talking to ?
” So it ’ s with that I say , respectfully , to President-elect Joe Biden , “ Who the fuck are you talking to ?
” Biden was apparently on what our ancestors call “ one ” when he spoke with civil rights leaders .
In leaked bits of audio reportedly from the virtual meeting , Biden appears to be , at one point , raising his voice and claiming that he was the only one willing to “ run on Charlottesville.
” Listen to this fuckshit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t done .
Biden also appeared to claim that “ defund the police ” is at least partially responsible for Democrats ’ dismal showing in down ballot races and even added that civil rights leaders needed to be more cautious in their criminal justice messaging .
“ That ’ s how they beat the living hell out of us across the country , ” Biden said .
Umm , let me stop this man right here .
While Biden was using getting “ the living hell beat out of us ” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think the former vice president didn ’ t realize that he was speaking to a room full of people who ’ ve been fighting for Black folks and have literally gotten the “ living hell beat out of ” them or worse by the police .
He continued : “ ... saying that we ’ re talking about defunding the police .
We ’ re not .
We ’ re talking about holding them accountable , ” Biden said Tuesday , but news is only coming to light now that audio is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden began soft-shoeing around issues of systemic racism but promised to follow through with his pledge to address it , adding , let ’ s not get “ too far ahead of ourselves ” with critical Senate runoff elections in Georgia on Jan. 5 .
“ We can go very far .
It matters how we do it .
I think it matters how we do it , ” Biden said , NBC News reports .
If Kamala ’ s lil friend , aka Father Crime , don ’ t get the fuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullshit around systemic racism when Black people are disproportionately fucked over more than any other race .
But Biden thinks that when being systemically beaten the fuck up and over , we need to watch the tone in our voices as we yell .
Some civil rights leaders had the niggadacity to ask Biden to use his executive authority to aid criminal justice reform , like creating a national database of police misconduct .
Biden said he ’ s willing to undo much of Trump ’ s bullshit by executive order but added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violate the Constitution.
” “ Where I have executive authority , I will use it to undo every single damn thing this guy ’ s done by executive authority , ” Biden said , according to the audio , NBC News reports .
“ But I ’ m not going to exercise executive authority where it ’ s a question where I can come along and say I can do away with assault weapons .
There ’ s no executive authority to do that .
And no one has fought harder to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
You can ’ t do it by executive order.
” Biden ’ s in-your-face and animated style has become a cornerstone of his legacy and not something that his press office wants to shy away from .
His transition team didn ’ t deny that was Biden on the audio and , in fact , doubled down on his position and his tone ; at least that ’ s how this statement they gave to NBC News reads : But I still have one question , “ Who the fuck does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
”

If you are a Black person, you already know what I’m talking about. If you are white reader, then let me explain something that doesn’t work with Black people around the world: tone. Tone is the raising of your voice. It can also be associated with “talking to me like I’m a damn child.” It is usually met with a confused look and even possibly a turned head to see if the perpetrator is possibly speaking to someone else in the area and is most likely followed by, “Who the fuck are you talking to?”
So it’s with that I say, respectfully, to President-elect Joe Biden, “Who the fuck are you talking to?”
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Biden was apparently on what our ancestors call “one” when he spoke with civil rights leaders. In leaked bits of audio reportedly from the virtual meeting, Biden appears to be, at one point, raising his voice and claiming that he was the only one willing to “run on Charlottesville.”
Listen to this fuckshit here:
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Oh, and he wasn’t done. Biden also appeared to claim that “defund the police” is at least partially responsible for Democrats’ dismal showing in down ballot races and even added that civil rights leaders needed to be more cautious in their criminal justice messaging.
“That’s how they beat the living hell out of us across the country,” Biden said. Umm, let me stop this man right here. While Biden was using getting “the living hell beat out of us” as a metaphor for down ballot losses, I think the former vice president didn’t realize that he was speaking to a room full of people who’ve been fighting for Black folks and have literally gotten the “living hell beat out of” them or worse by the police.
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He continued: “...saying that we’re talking about defunding the police. We’re not. We’re talking about holding them accountable,” Biden said Tuesday, but news is only coming to light now that audio is being leaked, NBC News reports.
Biden began soft-shoeing around issues of systemic racism but promised to follow through with his pledge to address it, adding, let’s not get “too far ahead of ourselves” with critical Senate runoff elections in Georgia on Jan. 5.
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“We can go very far. It matters how we do it. I think it matters how we do it,” Biden said, NBC News reports.
If Kamala’s lil friend, aka Father Crime, don’t get the fuck out of here with this respectability politics bullshit around systemic racism when Black people are disproportionately fucked over more than any other race. But Biden thinks that when being systemically beaten the fuck up and over, we need to watch the tone in our voices as we yell.
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Some civil rights leaders had the niggadacity to ask Biden to use his executive authority to aid criminal justice reform, like creating a national database of police misconduct.
Biden said he’s willing to undo much of Trump’s bullshit by executive order but added, “I am not going to violate the Constitution.”
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“Where I have executive authority, I will use it to undo every single damn thing this guy’s done by executive authority,” Biden said, according to the audio, NBC News reports. “But I’m not going to exercise executive authority where it’s a question where I can come along and say I can do away with assault weapons. There’s no executive authority to do that. And no one has fought harder to get rid of assault weapons than me, me. You can’t do it by executive order.”
Biden’s in-your-face and animated style has become a cornerstone of his legacy and not something that his press office wants to shy away from.
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His transition team didn’t deny that was Biden on the audio and, in fact, doubled down on his position and his tone; at least that’s how this statement they gave to NBC News reads:
“President-elect Biden is the same person behind closed doors that he is public; honest, direct and realistic about the challenges facing our nation the day he is sworn in. As he made clear throughout the campaign, he believes in supporting bold and urgent reform to our criminal justice system while continuing to support law enforcement’s mission to keep our communities safe.”
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But I still have one question, “Who the fuck does he think he’s talking to?”


theroot--2020-12-11--Kyrie Irving's War With the Media Won't End Well: 'I Do Not Talk to Pawns'

Whether the NBA likes it or not , Kyrie Irving is undergoing a metamorphosis .
The bubbly , harmonious neophyte of yesteryear has been replaced by a battle-tested superstar who ’ s tasted the spoils of championship victory , as well the criticism of his peers .
Now on his third team in only nine seasons , he ’ s survived quarrels with LeBron James , an unceremonious exit in Boston , and an endless onslaught of injuries that have seemingly all played a contributing factor into the latest incarnation of Kyrie Irving .
Gone are the days of telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the six-time NBA All-Star would much rather wax poetic about the Earth being flat or sow seeds of dissension as the NBA prepared to resume play in June .
“ I don ’ t support [ resuming the NBA season in ] Orlando , ” Irving reportedly said during a conference call in June .
“ I ’ m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit .
[ … ] Something smells a little fishy .
Whether we want to admit it or not , we are targeted as black men every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a protagonist willing to save the princess or sacrifice himself for the greater good , Kyrie is much more at home as a mercenary .
He ’ s gon na do whatever the hell he wants , whenever the hell he wants to do it , and the NBA will just have to deal—or so he thinks .
Unfortunately for him , while NBA superstardom has provided a life the rest of us can only dream about , it also comes with a stringent set of contractual obligations .
And if Kyrie wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s due this season , one of those requirements calls for him to play nice with the media .
However , thus far , the 2016 NBA champion has refused to do so—he ’ s declined media members access entirely—and has every intention of dying on this hill for the foreseeable future .
In response , the NBA—which has a product to promote—is understandably pissed off , and has fined Kyrie and the Nets $ 25,000 each for his insubordination .
But instead of seeing the error in his ways and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has doubled down on his stance as only he can .
On Friday , he took to his Instagram Stories and opened with a quote from Malcolm X ( “ I ’ ve had enough of someone else ’ s propaganda ” ) before making it abundantly clear that the media can kiss his entire Black ass .
“ I pray we utilize the ‘ fine money ’ for marginalized communities in need , especially seeing where our world is presently , ” he wrote .
“ I am here for Peace , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distracting me and my team , and appreciate the Art .
We move different over here .
“ I do not talk to Pawns .
My attention is worth more.
” Did this nigga just call me—a media member—a damn pawn ?
!
As news of Kyrie ’ s comments began to circulate , former teammate Kevin Love made it clear to reporters that he wasn ’ t feeling it : “ Calling anybody a pawn is a sure sign of disrespect.
” And Love is right .
It ’ s absolutely disrespectful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But was Kyrie respectful when he sent a shot at LeBron about not being clutch ?
Or how he handed his exit in Boston ?
Or pretty much anything with his involvement ?
This is who is he is now .
It ’ s also a war he has absolutely no chance in hell at winning .
Because at the end of the day , he ’ s still an employee .
And as long as the NBA signs his checks , he ’ s gon na have to either learn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his kidneys to pay the bills , or make a move to OnlyFans .
The choice is yours , Kyrie .

Whether the NBA likes it or not, Kyrie Irving is undergoing a metamorphosis.
The bubbly, harmonious neophyte of yesteryear has been replaced by a battle-tested superstar who’s tasted the spoils of championship victory, as well the criticism of his peers.
Advertisement
Now on his third team in only nine seasons, he’s survived quarrels with LeBron James, an unceremonious exit in Boston, and an endless onslaught of injuries that have seemingly all played a contributing factor into the latest incarnation of Kyrie Irving.
Gone are the days of telling people what they want to hear, the six-time NBA All-Star would much rather wax poetic about the Earth being flat or sow seeds of dissension as the NBA prepared to resume play in June.
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“I don’t support [resuming the NBA season in] Orlando,” Irving reportedly said during a conference call in June. “I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. […] Something smells a little fishy. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are targeted as black men every day we wake up.”
Advertisement
No longer a protagonist willing to save the princess or sacrifice himself for the greater good, Kyrie is much more at home as a mercenary. He’s gonna do whatever the hell he wants, whenever the hell he wants to do it, and the NBA will just have to deal—or so he thinks.
Unfortunately for him, while NBA superstardom has provided a life the rest of us can only dream about, it also comes with a stringent set of contractual obligations. And if Kyrie wants to collect on the $33 million he’s due this season, one of those requirements calls for him to play nice with the media. However, thus far, the 2016 NBA champion has refused to do so—he’s declined media members access entirely—and has every intention of dying on this hill for the foreseeable future.
Advertisement
In response, the NBA—which has a product to promote—is understandably pissed off, and has fined Kyrie and the Nets $25,000 each for his insubordination. But instead of seeing the error in his ways and opting to comply, the Duke product has doubled down on his stance as only he can.
On Friday, he took to his Instagram Stories and opened with a quote from Malcolm X (“I’ve had enough of someone else’s propaganda”) before making it abundantly clear that the media can kiss his entire Black ass.
Advertisement
“I pray we utilize the ‘fine money’ for marginalized communities in need, especially seeing where our world is presently,” he wrote. “I am here for Peace, Love, and Greatness. So stop distracting me and my team, and appreciate the Art. We move different over here.
“I do not talk to Pawns. My attention is worth more.”
Advertisement
Hold up.
Did this nigga just call me—a media member—a damn pawn?!
As news of Kyrie’s comments began to circulate, former teammate Kevin Love made it clear to reporters that he wasn’t feeling it: “Calling anybody a pawn is a sure sign of disrespect.”
Advertisement
And Love is right. It’s absolutely disrespectful, which was Kyrie’s intent. But was Kyrie respectful when he sent a shot at LeBron about not being clutch? Or how he handed his exit in Boston? Or pretty much anything with his involvement?
This is who is he is now.
It’s also a war he has absolutely no chance in hell at winning. Because at the end of the day, he’s still an employee. And as long as the NBA signs his checks, he’s gonna have to either learn to co-exist with the media, auction off his kidneys to pay the bills, or make a move to OnlyFans.
Advertisement
The choice is yours, Kyrie.


theroot--2020-12-11--The 10 Best Deals of December 11, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of December 11, 2020

It ’ s December 11 , and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day .
Upgrade your security system with the Arlo Pro 2 .
Stay cozy with the knit caps ( 5-Pack ) .
And smell your best with the mini holiday perfume travel set from Sephora .
If you ’ re still craving more deals , take a peek at Friday ’ s best deals overall .
# 1 : Last of us Look , we all saw it coming .
The Last of Us Part II won game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Game Awards .
Not only that , Naughty Dog ’ s game cleaned house entirely , picking up seven awards .
No other game won more than two awards .
Last year ’ s biggest winner , Disco Elysium , only pulled in four .
It was a straight up sweep .
Despite the predictability of the win , it won ’ t stop the old discourse machine , which booted up in seconds .
YouTube hacks cried “ rigged ” at the idea of the best reviewed game of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thunk ? )
.
The more academic wing of gaming fairly revived criticism about the crunch culture that led to the game ’ s creation .
There ’ s a lot to process , but at least we ’ re not arguing about Cyberpunk 2077 anymore .
For those who simply want to play the game and see if it lives up to the sweep , you can grab it for $ 30 over at Amazon .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
If you just moved into your own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bella should be one of the first things you purchase after the furniture and the like .
Only $ 40 because of an early Black Friday sale , you can make salmon , mozzarella sticks , fries , and whatever else your heart desires with a flick of the wrist .
Wouldn ’ t this look so damn cute on your countertop ?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
Cyberpunk 2077 's launch has been interesting , to say the very least .
It ’ s spurred a hot bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychopathic reactions from its most ardent supporters .
On top of all that , it ’ s running into performance issues across just about every console , from bugs to graphical hitches .
Even with those flaws , a lot of players seem to be enjoying their time in Night City so far .
If you ’ re looking to jump in , but are a little put off by the bug buzz , Eneba is currently selling a digital key for the Xbox One version of the game for $ 48 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ promo code CP20OFFXBOX at checkout to get that discount .
That ’ s definitely the cheapest price we ’ ve seen for the game so far , so it might be a good excuse to dive in .
Disclaimer : While we ’ ve heard your complaints about our use of Eneba links in the past , note the redirection to EU region-locked products has since been resolved by our affiliate partners at Eneba and Awin .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
There isn ’ t much to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t been said before , but the 7-in-1 pressure cooker is down to $ 60 which is only $ 10 higer than its lowest price of $ 50 !
You ’ ll save and be able to cook whatever the hell you want with the touch of a button .
Plus , it comes in three cute colors to match the rest of the decor in your kitchen .
Grab it before it ’ s gone .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
If you ’ re quarantining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep a close eye on your apartment while you ’ re out and about , a good security system can help give you the peace of mind that everything ’ s safe and sound .
That extra security isn ’ t cheap , though ; an Arlo security system can run over $ 400 depending on your configuration .
Now and then , though , a good deal comes by and you can get a few lenses to watch over your humble abode for a decent price .
Right now , Newegg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with four cameras for $ 250 , down from $ 380 .
While still pricey , you ’ ll get four weatherproof cameras with 720p recording , motion detection , and seven-day cloud storage .
It also works with Google Assistant , Amazon Alexa , and Apple Homekit , so it ’ ll tie into all your other smart home gizmos without any trouble .
This deal was originally posted by Jordan McMahon .
As we are firmly in December holidays gifts are on the mind especially if you ’ ll be sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in person .
Saving money is a premium factor this year as well , so here ’ s an ideal collection to help cross off that extra present you ’ ve been contemplating .
In this 5 pack knit cap bundle you ’ ll get the perfect winter accessory for men or women for just $ 15 .
There are a few groupings to pick from so different tastes can be met .
There ’ s a light multicolor , a dark multicolor , an all black , or an all charcoal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the option of pom-pom or just a sleek slouchy knit .
Made from faux fur , yarn , and acrylic each sure to keep you warm while snuggly fitting your head no matter the elements .
They also just look very cute and are masters of hiding bad hair days .
They ’ re easy to wash by hand if needed and give you some nice options for different yuletide looks .
The beauty is at this price you can keep them for yourself or just buy a bundle for the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few of our pieces on SideDeal before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise , it ’ s a flat rate of $ 8 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Looking to grow your Funko Pop collection ?
GameStop is currently running a sale with select figures for $ 3 .
There ’ s a little something for everyone in the picks too .
Pokémon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in there and they ’ re admittedly pretty cute .
You ’ ve got Morty , Fox from Persona 5 , Jughead , the singer from Def Leppard , Liu Ka— wait , what .
Yep , that ’ s definitely the singer from Def Leppard .
In fact you can get every member of Def Leppard as a Funko Pop ?
And Duran Duran ?
Am I on another planet right now ?
Are there huge Lepheads out there who are just dying to memorialize the hair metal band in Funko form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I guess .
I ’ ll stick with Vulpix here .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
Nothing is more classic or comfortable than a hoodie and I ’ ve had many of these Champion ones over the years .
My go to currently is the one I ’ ve stolen from my boyfriend .
If you ’ re a significant other like me maybe it ’ s time you buy a few more so no one is left out in the cold .
Take 40 % off Champion ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shipping today .
These are as cozy as they come .
Made from Powerblend fleece warmth and comfort are key .
It ’ s also not bulky which means layering is a great option .
The two-ply hood adds to the level of snuggly as the material is also super soft .
And of course , there ’ s the kangaroo pocket to store snacks in for your movie marathons .
These Champion hoodies are durable and hold up after multiple washes .
There are 11 colors available but grab the one ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this price they ’ re selling out fast .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
If you ’ re stumped on what to get the beauty guru in your life may I recommend one of Sephora ’ s perfume sample sets ?
This Mini Holiday Perfume Travel Set is just $ 25 and takes the guessing out of what your glamorous pal might like .
I ’ ve been gifted a few of Sephora ’ s sample sets like this over the years and it ’ s such a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scents you ’ ve ways wanted to try .
The best part is at the end when you ’ ve selected the one you want just take the scent certificate to the store and redeem it for a full-size version .
With this set , you ’ ll be exchanging your voucher for a full-size travel spray or rollerball ( 0.33 oz/10 mL ) .
There are some coveted brands in this collection like Viktor & Rolf ’ s Flowerbomb and one of my go tos Chloé ’ s Signature Rose Tangerine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ouai , Replica , and Miu Miu .
2020 may have been a garbage year but at least you can leave it smelling lovely .
To get free shipping use the code FREESHIP and if you order today it ’ s guaranteed to get to you by Christmas .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
With all the exciting news from Disney yesterday we ’ re all in for so treats from every franchise the house of mouse oversees .
In honor of that goodness over at the Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire order .
This is a spend more , save more deal so if you ’ re still buying gifts you ’ ll see those savings ( 20 % ) once you hit $ 100 just use the code SAVEMORE at checkout .
There will be Marvel for ages to come !
Every single one of those trailers for the Dinsey Plus shows looks brilliant and I personally can ’ t wait for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier .
So while we wait for each of these to be released get cozy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this comfy classic heather grey zip-up hoodie .
Fire up your snack machines too .
The announcement of the wonderful Chris Evans lending his voice to a Buzz Lightyear series means the only acceptable food for a Pixar binge is from Pizza Planet .
This pizza maker lets you do just that without the fear of little green men trying to steal a slice .
And of course , there was Star Wars news galore .
I know there is someone on your list this year who is a fan and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and functional .
Loungefly makes beautiful durable stuff and this bag should be no different .
Free shipping on orders over $ 75 just use the code SHIPMAGIC .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .

Juliana Clark on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Friday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s December 11, and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day. Upgrade your security system with the Arlo Pro 2. Stay cozy with the knit caps (5-Pack). And smell your best with the mini holiday perfume travel set from Sephora.
If you’re still craving more deals, take a peek at Friday’s best deals overall.
#1: Last of us
Look, we all saw it coming. The Last of Us Part II won game of the year at last night’s Game Awards. Not only that, Naughty Dog’s game cleaned house entirely, picking up seven awards. No other game won more than two awards. Last year’s biggest winner, Disco Elysium, only pulled in four. It was a straight up sweep. Despite the predictability of the win, it won’t stop the old discourse machine, which booted up in seconds. YouTube hacks cried “rigged” at the idea of the best reviewed game of the year winning awards at (who would have thunk?). The more academic wing of gaming fairly revived criticism about the crunch culture that led to the game’s creation. There’s a lot to process, but at least we’re not arguing about Cyberpunk 2077 anymore. For those who simply want to play the game and see if it lives up to the sweep, you can grab it for $30 over at Amazon.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#2: Bella air fryer
If you just moved into your own apartment, a tiny air fryer from Bella should be one of the first things you purchase after the furniture and the like. Only $40 because of an early Black Friday sale, you can make salmon, mozzarella sticks, fries, and whatever else your heart desires with a flick of the wrist. Wouldn’t this look so damn cute on your countertop?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#3: Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077's launch has been interesting, to say the very least. It’s spurred a hot bed of debate, leading to some genuinely psychopathic reactions from its most ardent supporters. On top of all that, it’s running into performance issues across just about every console, from bugs to graphical hitches. Even with those flaws, a lot of players seem to be enjoying their time in Night City so far. If you’re looking to jump in, but are a little put off by the bug buzz, Eneba is currently selling a digital key for the Xbox One version of the game for $48. You’ll have to use the promo code CP20OFFXBOX at checkout to get that discount. That’s definitely the cheapest price we’ve seen for the game so far, so it might be a good excuse to dive in.
Disclaimer: While we’ve heard your complaints about our use of Eneba links in the past, note the redirection to EU region-locked products has since been resolved by our affiliate partners at Eneba and Awin.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#4: Instant pot duo
There isn’t much to say about the Instant Pot Duo Nova that hasn’t been said before, but the 7-in-1 pressure cooker is down to $60 which is only $10 higer than its lowest price of $50! You’ll save and be able to cook whatever the hell you want with the touch of a button. Plus, it comes in three cute colors to match the rest of the decor in your kitchen. Grab it before it’s gone.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#5: Arlo pro 4 pack
If you’re quarantining away from home, or just need to keep a close eye on your apartment while you’re out and about, a good security system can help give you the peace of mind that everything’s safe and sound. That extra security isn’t cheap, though; an Arlo security system can run over $400 depending on your configuration. Now and then, though, a good deal comes by and you can get a few lenses to watch over your humble abode for a decent price. Right now, Newegg has a refurbished Arlo Pro security system with four cameras for $250, down from $380.
While still pricey, you’ll get four weatherproof cameras with 720p recording, motion detection, and seven-day cloud storage. It also works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Homekit, so it’ll tie into all your other smart home gizmos without any trouble.
This deal was originally posted by Jordan McMahon.
#6: Knit hats
As we are firmly in December holidays gifts are on the mind especially if you’ll be sending those to loved ones instead of seeing them in person. Saving money is a premium factor this year as well, so here’s an ideal collection to help cross off that extra present you’ve been contemplating. In this 5 pack knit cap bundle you’ll get the perfect winter accessory for men or women for just $15.
There are a few groupings to pick from so different tastes can be met. There’s a light multicolor, a dark multicolor, an all black, or an all charcoal pack to pick from. You also get the option of pom-pom or just a sleek slouchy knit. Made from faux fur, yarn, and acrylic each sure to keep you warm while snuggly fitting your head no matter the elements. They also just look very cute and are masters of hiding bad hair days. They’re easy to wash by hand if needed and give you some nice options for different yuletide looks. The beauty is at this price you can keep them for yourself or just buy a bundle for the whole family.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on SideDeal before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#7: $3 funko pops
Looking to grow your Funko Pop collection? GameStop is currently running a sale with select figures for $3. There’s a little something for everyone in the picks too. Pokémon like Pichu and Mr. Mime are in there and they’re admittedly pretty cute. You’ve got Morty, Fox from Persona 5, Jughead, the singer from Def Leppard, Liu Ka— wait, what. Yep, that’s definitely the singer from Def Leppard. In fact you can get every member of Def Leppard as a Funko Pop? And Duran Duran? Am I on another planet right now? Are there huge Lepheads out there who are just dying to memorialize the hair metal band in Funko form? Look, to each their own I guess. I’ll stick with Vulpix here.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#8: Champion fleece hoodies
Nothing is more classic or comfortable than a hoodie and I’ve had many of these Champion ones over the years. My go to currently is the one I’ve stolen from my boyfriend. If you’re a significant other like me maybe it’s time you buy a few more so no one is left out in the cold. Take 40% off Champion’s Powerblend Fleece Hoodies and get free shipping today.
These are as cozy as they come. Made from Powerblend fleece warmth and comfort are key. It’s also not bulky which means layering is a great option. The two-ply hood adds to the level of snuggly as the material is also super soft. And of course, there’s the kangaroo pocket to store snacks in for your movie marathons. These Champion hoodies are durable and hold up after multiple washes. There are 11 colors available but grab the one(s) you want now because at this price they’re selling out fast.
50% off Champion’s Powerblend Fleece Sweatshirt Soft brushed interior for a cozy fit
Whether you're dreaming by the fire or out there picking apples for a pie, Powerblend fleece keeps you warm all season long. Buy for $20 at Macy's
Free shipping 0n all orders today.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#9: Sephora perfume sets
If you’re stumped on what to get the beauty guru in your life may I recommend one of Sephora’s perfume sample sets? This Mini Holiday Perfume Travel Set is just $25 and takes the guessing out of what your glamorous pal might like.
I’ve been gifted a few of Sephora’s sample sets like this over the years and it’s such a great way to discover new brands and explore scents you’ve ways wanted to try. The best part is at the end when you’ve selected the one you want just take the scent certificate to the store and redeem it for a full-size version. With this set, you’ll be exchanging your voucher for a full-size travel spray or rollerball (0.33 oz/10 mL). There are some coveted brands in this collection like Viktor&Rolf’s Flowerbomb and one of my go tos Chloé’s Signature Rose Tangerine. There’s also Yves Saint Laurent, Ouai, Replica, and Miu Miu. 2020 may have been a garbage year but at least you can leave it smelling lovely.
To get free shipping use the code FREESHIP and if you order today it’s guaranteed to get to you by Christmas.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#10: Disney sitewide sale
With all the exciting news from Disney yesterday we’re all in for so treats from every franchise the house of mouse oversees. In honor of that goodness over at the Disney Store take up 30% off your entire order. This is a spend more, save more deal so if you’re still buying gifts you’ll see those savings (20%) once you hit $100 just use the code SAVEMORE at checkout.
There will be Marvel for ages to come! Every single one of those trailers for the Dinsey Plus shows looks brilliant and I personally can’t wait for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. So while we wait for each of these to be released get cozy and go back through the MCU catalog in this comfy classic heather grey zip-up hoodie.
Fire up your snack machines too. The announcement of the wonderful Chris Evans lending his voice to a Buzz Lightyear series means the only acceptable food for a Pixar binge is from Pizza Planet. This pizza maker lets you do just that without the fear of little green men trying to steal a slice.
And of course, there was Star Wars news galore. I know there is someone on your list this year who is a fan and this backpack of The Child is both adorable and functional. Loungefly makes beautiful durable stuff and this bag should be no different.
Free shipping on orders over $75 just use the code SHIPMAGIC.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.


theroot--2020-12-11--US Olympic Committee Says It Won't Sanction Athletes for Racial Justice Protests

This year , people from all walks of life used their voices to protest against the injustice they saw around the world .
Among those participating in protests in 2020 were athletes in the NBA , WNBA , U.S. women ’ s soccer , NFL , and other fields , who received comparatively less outrage than professional players have in the past ( see : Colin Kaepernick ) , but historically , the Olympics has been a space where athletes who protest issues of racial justice are swiftly punished .
John Carlos and Tommie Smith , the former track and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1968 Olympics amid the civil rights movement , were memorably suspended from Team USA for their actions at the time .
Now the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee says it will no longer impose similar sanctions on athletes who demonstrate “ peacefully and respectfully ” in support of racial and social justice .
“ The USOPC values the voices of Team USA athletes and believes that their right to advocate for racial and social justice , and be a positive force for change , absolutely aligns with the fundamental values of equality that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paralympic movements , ” said USPOC CEO Sarah Hirshland in a statement from the organization on Thursday .
The decision came in response to the International Olympic Committee ’ s soliciting of recommendations for input on the issue of demonstrations at the games and was arrived at through the contributions of a Team USA Athlete ’ s Council on Racial and Social Justice formed this year , said the USPOC .
Carlos was among the former Olympians whose experiences helped inform the decision , and in a letter to athletes , Hirschland extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reprimanded in the past for their demonstrations .
Just last year , hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Race Imboden were put on 12 months probation by USPOC for respectively raising a fist and kneeling at the 2019 Pan American games .
“ It is now clear that this organization should have supported instead of condemned , and advocated for understanding instead of relying on previous precedent , ” said Hirschland .
“ For that I apologize , and look forward to a future where rules are clear , intentions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The recommendation from USPOC will now go to the International Olympic Committee .
The organization that governs the Games is currently considering whether to amend Rule 50 under the Olympic Charter , which prohibits “ demonstration or political , religious , or racial propaganda ” at any Olympic venues .
The next Olympics will take place in Tokyo in Summer 2021 .

This year, people from all walks of life used their voices to protest against the injustice they saw around the world. Among those participating in protests in 2020 were athletes in the NBA, WNBA, U.S. women’s soccer, NFL, and other fields, who received comparatively less outrage than professional players have in the past (see: Colin Kaepernick), but historically, the Olympics has been a space where athletes who protest issues of racial justice are swiftly punished.
John Carlos and Tommie Smith, the former track and fielders who raised their fists at the 1968 Olympics amid the civil rights movement, were memorably suspended from Team USA for their actions at the time.
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Now the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee says it will no longer impose similar sanctions on athletes who demonstrate “peacefully and respectfully” in support of racial and social justice.
“The USOPC values the voices of Team USA athletes and believes that their right to advocate for racial and social justice, and be a positive force for change, absolutely aligns with the fundamental values of equality that define Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic movements,” said USPOC CEO Sarah Hirshland in a statement from the organization on Thursday.
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The decision came in response to the International Olympic Committee’s soliciting of recommendations for input on the issue of demonstrations at the games and was arrived at through the contributions of a Team USA Athlete’s Council on Racial and Social Justice formed this year, said the USPOC. Carlos was among the former Olympians whose experiences helped inform the decision, and in a letter to athletes, Hirschland extended an apology to him and others who have been reprimanded in the past for their demonstrations.
Just last year, hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Race Imboden were put on 12 months probation by USPOC for respectively raising a fist and kneeling at the 2019 Pan American games.
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“It is now clear that this organization should have supported instead of condemned, and advocated for understanding instead of relying on previous precedent,” said Hirschland. “For that I apologize, and look forward to a future where rules are clear, intentions are better understood, and voices are empowered.”
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The recommendation from USPOC will now go to the International Olympic Committee. The organization that governs the Games is currently considering whether to amend Rule 50 under the Olympic Charter, which prohibits “demonstration or political, religious, or racial propaganda” at any Olympic venues. The next Olympics will take place in Tokyo in Summer 2021.


theroot--2020-12-11--The Republican Party Goes All In Against Democracy, Files Brief to Supreme Court Asking to Void Mill

The Republican Party Goes All In Against Democracy, Files Brief to Supreme Court Asking to Void Millions of Votes [Update: SCOTUS Rejects Texas' Lawsuit]

Though it may be easy and somewhat comforting to hold onto the idea that President-elect Biden ’ s win and soon-coming inauguration will fix the problems in America ’ s democracy exposed by Donald Trump , the reality of today ’ s Republican Party upends that notion .
This week , 106 out of the 196 Republicans in the House signed onto an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to void the election results from Pennsylvania , Michigan , Wisconsin and Georgia—states that went for Biden in the 2020 election .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The decision to back the suit was led by Representative Mike Johnson ( R-La . )
, according to the Washington Post , and the legal brief supporting the call to invalidate millions of votes boasts signatures from Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise .
Paxton spent much of the lead up to the 2020 election instituting measures in Texas that appeared to aim at voter turnout , including targeting mail-in voting , and the President himself has flagged the Supreme Court as his final hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not earn , since his campaign has spectacularly lost numerous suits brought to lower courts to invalidate the results of the targeted states .
“ It is much easier for the Supreme Court of the United States to follow the Constitution and do what everybody knows has to be done , ” Trump tweeted on Friday .
The unprecedented call to block the counting of electoral votes from four key states earned incredulous responses from the attorneys ’ general representing Pennsylvania , Georgia , and Wisconsin .
From the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this seditious abuse of the judicial process , and should send a clear and unmistakable signal that such abuse must never be replicated , ” a brief for Pennsylvania said .
“ Let us be clear , ” the brief continued .
“ Texas invites this court to overthrow the votes of the American people and choose the next president of the United States .
That Faustian invitation must be firmly rejected.
” Christopher M. Carr , Georgia ’ s attorney general , seemed particularly taken aback by Texas ’ s suit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote , “ Georgia did what the Constitution empowered it to do : it implemented processes for the election , administered the election in the face of logistical challenges brought on by Covid-19 , and confirmed and certified the election results — again and again and again .
Yet Texas has sued Georgia anyway.
” The briefs said Texas was in no position to tell other states how to run their elections , adding that its filing was littered with falsehoods .
“ Texas proposes an extraordinary intrusion into Wisconsin ’ s and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a task that the Constitution leaves to each state , ” Wisconsin ’ s brief said .
The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether it will consider the suit before the Electoral College vote takes place on Monday .
Whatever the justices decide , the Republican Party ’ s escalating efforts to dismiss the validity of the American people ’ s choice at the ballot box is undoubtedly seeding a distrust in the electoral system that spells dangers for the country ’ s political process and governance in the future .
Updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the Supreme Court said no to all that shit .
The New York Times reports that in a brief , one-page order , the highest court in the land rejected the lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton , which drew support from 17 other states and more than a hundred House Republicans .
The order noted that Texas had no business filing the sham of a lawsuit and that it “ has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections.
” Basically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this dumb shit out of here.
” Trump , who packed the court with three justices—including the rushed confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett right before the election—had hoped SCOTUS would help overturn any election that didn ’ t go his way .
Looks like that didn ’ t work out so well for him .

Though it may be easy and somewhat comforting to hold onto the idea that President-elect Biden’s win and soon-coming inauguration will fix the problems in America’s democracy exposed by Donald Trump, the reality of today’s Republican Party upends that notion.
This week, 12 6 out of the 196 Republicans in the House signed onto an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to void the election results from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia—states that went for Biden in the 2020 election. The case is now before the Supreme Court.
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The decision to back the suit was led by Representative Mike Johnson (R-La.), according to the Washington Post, and the legal brief supporting the call to invalidate millions of votes boasts signatures from Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise.
Paxton spent much of the lead up to the 2020 election instituting measures in Texas that appeared to aim at voter turnout, including targeting mail-in voting, and the President himself has flagged the Supreme Court as his final hope for being granted an electoral victory he did not earn, since his campaign has spectacularly lost numerous suits brought to lower courts to invalidate the results of the targeted states.
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“It is much easier for the Supreme Court of the United States to follow the Constitution and do what everybody knows has to be done,” Trump tweeted on Friday.
The unprecedented call to block the counting of electoral votes from four key states earned incredulous responses from the attorneys’ general representing Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin.
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From the New York Times:
“The court should not abide this seditious abuse of the judicial process, and should send a clear and unmistakable signal that such abuse must never be replicated,” a brief for Pennsylvania said. “Let us be clear,” the brief continued. “Texas invites this court to overthrow the votes of the American people and choose the next president of the United States. That Faustian invitation must be firmly rejected.” Christopher M. Carr, Georgia’s attorney general, seemed particularly taken aback by Texas’s suit. “This election cycle,” he wrote, “Georgia did what the Constitution empowered it to do: it implemented processes for the election, administered the election in the face of logistical challenges brought on by Covid-19, and confirmed and certified the election results — again and again and again. Yet Texas has sued Georgia anyway.” The briefs said Texas was in no position to tell other states how to run their elections, adding that its filing was littered with falsehoods. “Texas proposes an extraordinary intrusion into Wisconsin’s and the other defendant states’ elections, a task that the Constitution leaves to each state,” Wisconsin’s brief said.
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The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether it will consider the suit before the Electoral College vote takes place on Monday.
Whatever the justices decide, the Republican Party’s escalating efforts to dismiss the validity of the American people’s choice at the ballot box is undoubtedly seeding a distrust in the electoral system that spells dangers for the country’s political process and governance in the future.
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Updated: 12/11/20, 7:06 p.m: ...And the Supreme Court said no to all that shit.
The New York Times reports that in a brief, one-page order, the highest court in the land rejected the lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, which drew support from 17 other states and more than a hundred House Republicans. The order noted that Texas had no business filing the sham of a lawsuit and that it “has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections.”
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Basically, the justices say, “Get this dumb shit out of here.”
Trump, who packed the court with three justices—including the rushed confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett right before the election—had hoped SCOTUS would help overturn any election that didn’t go his way. Looks like that didn’t work out so well for him.


theroot--2020-12-11--Grammys 2021: Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five to Receive a Lifetime Achievement Award

On the Strength of their catalogue , Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five will be named Life Achievement Award recipients at the 63rd Grammy Awards !
One of The Furious Five members , Rahiem , took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the big news .
“ I just learned Grandmaster Flash & the Furious 5 will be receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Grammys , ” the Instagram post read .
“ I didn ’ t know the Grammys knew we existed , but it ’ s very nice we weren ’ t forgotten and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rahiem told HipHopDX in a statement .
“ It ’ s still sinking in though , so when the feeling finally hits me , a celebration of some sort will commence [ laughs ] .
” Some history on The Furious Five from HipHopDX : Back in 2012 , Grandmaster Flash , Melle Mel and Scorpio joined LL Cool J , Lupe Fiasco and Rick Ross for a special performance of “ The Message ” at The Grammy Nominations Concert Live .
“ The Message ” was chosen by The Library of Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Registry in 2002 .
In 2007 , the group became the first hip-hop act to be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame .
“ What Les Paul and Chuck Berry did for the electric guitar , Flash did for the turntable , ” Jay-Z said during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony .
The Root has reached out to The Recording Academy to provide a comment and statement on this honor .
The 63rd Grammys , hosted by Trevor Noah , will broadcast live on Jan. 31 , 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. PT .

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Grapevine, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

On the Strength of their catalogue, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five will be named Life Achievement Award recipients at the 63rd Grammy Awards!
One of The Furious Five members, Rahiem, took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the big news. “I just learned Grandmaster Flash & the Furious 5 will be receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Grammys,” the Instagram post read.
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“I didn’t know the Grammys knew we existed, but it’s very nice we weren’t forgotten and it’s a tremendous honor,” Rahiem told HipHopDX in a statement. “It’s still sinking in though, so when the feeling finally hits me, a celebration of some sort will commence [laughs].”
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Some history on The Furious Five from HipHopDX:
Formed in 1978 by Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, The Kidd Creole, Keef Cowboy, Scorpio and Rahiem in the South Bronx, the innovative group achieved mainstream success with the 1982 song “The Message,” a roughly six-minute deep dive into the poverty and socio-political issues they were witnessing in their community at the time.
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Back in 2012, Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel and Scorpio joined LL Cool J, Lupe Fiasco and Rick Ross for a special performance of “The Message” at The Grammy Nominations Concert Live.
“The Message” was chosen by The Library of Congress to be archived in the National Recording Registry in 2002. In 2007, the group became the first hip-hop act to be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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“What Les Paul and Chuck Berry did for the electric guitar, Flash did for the turntable,” Jay-Z said during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The Root has reached out to The Recording Academy to provide a comment and statement on this honor. The 63rd Grammys, hosted by Trevor Noah, will broadcast live on Jan. 31, 2021, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.


theroot--2020-12-11--Auntie Unfiltered Talks Holiday Cheer With Niecy Nash

Can you believe we are just two weeks away from Christmas ?
Three weeks away from the new year ?
What the hell is time and what the fuck is happening here ?
The year 2020 has been on one , literally and figuratively , and we have been coasting along with it , trying not to drown or catch the R ona .
The holidays snuck up on us , and with Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror , we are looking forward to Christmas and all that it brings .
Except what all will it bring ?
In my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fresh new stay-at-home order , and gatherings are being strongly advised against .
They want everyone to stay in their houses and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 from getting any worse than it already is .
So with so much going on , how can we find a way to create some holiday cheer in the midst of all the drama happening around us ?
She recently sat down with me to tell me how she , her new wife Jessica Betts and their entire family have found ways to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cheer this year is trying to drag along with it .
She shares her secrets on how to have fun , be joyful and spread love this holiday season .
We also had a moment to dish about Claws and other things she has going on this year .
How are y ’ all creating joy for yourselves this holiday season ?
As always , I want to hear from you .
If you have questions , comments , or concerns ; if you need advice , or if you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please hit me up at AuntieSubmissions @ theroot.com , and I ’ ll see y ’ all next week !

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-12-10--The Best Computer Desk Is a Standing Desk: Our Top Picks to Help You Reach New Heights

Buying a new desk doesn ’ t seem that difficult , right ?
Find one that ’ ll look good in your space , has enough storage and surface area for your work needs and fun trinkets alike , and then hope for the best .
Shopping online complicates that process a bit , though , and there ’ s no good way to know whether a desk you ’ re buying based on photos will be good for your body over the long haul .
Ergonomics are tricky , and a poor setup can trigger serious back or wrist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to commit to a standing desk to resolve such woes , however : a few accessories and adaptations might make your current desk usable .
But it certainly doesn ’ t hurt to have the option to get up on your feet for a while during your long workday .
Whether your current desk has put the hurt on your posture or you just want to take precautions to avoid that eventuality , you ’ ll want a standing desk that can meet all of your needs .
Here are some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first six months of quarantine back in my childhood home , my wrists and lower back were in pretty awful shape .
Holding my phone hurt after a long day of typing , and I found myself slouching a little too often in my family ’ s stiff dining room chairs .
Once I got back home to California , I jumped on grabbing an Uplift V2 Standing Desk—and haven ’ t looked back since .
It ’ s one of the most customizable options you can get , with a slew of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and accessories to tack on .
The base model starts at $ 599 ( currently down to $ 549 ) , and can easily reach over $ 1,000 depending on how you customize it .
Its surface is sturdy and looks nice in my office , the adjustable-height mechanism is smooth and stable , and the setup is pretty quick even if you have to do it solo .
If you ’ re looking for more than just a desk , you can upgrade to have a couple of outlets right on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , get some upgraded cable management gear to keep things tidy , or even grab a slide-out keyboard tray for improved ergonomics and a little extra surface room .
I ’ d recommend getting the commercial C-Frame model for increased stability , even if it ’ s an $ 80 add-on .
It ’ s also worth it to get the advanced keypad if you ’ re planning on switching between sitting and standing a lot , or if it ’ s going to be used by more than one person .
Nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the more expensive end , and that ’ s a reasonable dealbreaker .
Standing desks don ’ t have to raid your savings , though .
The Monomi electric height-adjustable standing desk is one of the best available on Amazon right now , according to reviewers , and a 48 '' model costs just $ 26 0 right now with a coupon clip .
Like the Uplift , the Monomi has a keypad that lets you quickly adjust the height of the desk , extendable up to 46 '' .
Unlike the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keyboard tray are included , so you won ’ t have to sweat the upgrade prices .
It ’ s not as elegant-looking as pricier options , not to mention it lacks the C-frame to improve stability , but at half the price , it ’ s not something you ’ ll fret too much—the basics are more than plenty .
For those looking for a minimalist desk , or anyone who likes to use their surface for scribbling as much as they do hunting and pecking , the Upper Square Babin is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uplift or Monomi , this desk has a groove in the front to get you a little closer to the monitor .
Additional features include a glass surface that doubles as a dry erase board you can use for brainstorming , a slide-out drawer , and a built-in USB port .
As with the other options , its height is adjustable and comes with three pre-programmed heights , reaching up to 47 '' .
It typically sells for about $ 530 ( though it ’ s on sale right now for $ 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not too far off from the Uplift , without any upgradeable options , you won ’ t have to worry about a shocking price tag at checkout .
Currently sitting at 4.7 stars on Wayfair , based on over 700 reviews , customers like it for its easy setup , handy whiteboard surface , and the quality of its height adjustment mechanism .
On the other hand , if you don ’ t want to abandon your current desk and but you want the flexibility of a standing setup , why not use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t cheap , but are still a fraction of the cost of most true standing desks , plus they have the benefit of mobility .
If you want the cheapest option with the most positive reception , grab the FlexiSpot standing desk converter .
Only $ 100 on Amazon right now , it doesn ’ t look as elegant in your office as an elevating desk , but it gets the job done .
It can reach up to 28 '' high and measures about 28 '' wide , so it won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your house or apartment , plus there ’ s an electric motor for easy adjustments .
Oh , and it ’ s even got a keyboard tray , so you won ’ t be giving up too much of that limited surface space .
It ’ s currently sitting at about five stars based on 127 reviews , and customers seem to have few issues with it .
As long as you ’ re okay with a slightly clunky aesthetic , you shouldn ’ t be disappointed .
This story was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated by Andrew Hayward with new information on 12/10/2020 .

Jordan McMahon and Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Featured Product: Flexispot EC9 Standing Desk | $250 | Amazon | Clip coupon
Look, a lot of us have had to make do with sub-par home offices recently. Whether you’ve ended up setting up in your bedroom, the kitchen, or just the most convenient closet in your home, it could be that you need to upgrade your equipment. One of the best ways to refresh any home office, no matter how improvised it may well have been, is to get a nice new desk.
However, there are a lot of different desks out there, and even picking one can be a huge undertaking. One of the trickiest things about the whole process is trying to figure out what size you actually need. If you’re just working then maybe you just need the best small computer desk, but if you’re looking for something that can also support a second monitor for gaming, then you need a bit more. That’s literally just the size, that’s not even taking into account how comfortable or ergonomic it’s going to be.
Our preferred answer to that specific worry is to go with a standing desk. A standing desk allows you to properly stretch out as you work or game, and because they’re easy to adjust, you can also accommodate an exercise ball, or whatever strange yoga pose you want to be in as you’re typing away. So, we’ve gone ahead and listed the best desks around here, so you can pick the one you want.
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After spending my first six months of quarantine back in my childhood home, my wrists and lower back were in pretty awful shape. Holding my phone hurt after a long day of typing, and I found myself slouching a little too often in my family’s stiff dining room chairs. Once I got back home to California, I jumped on grabbing an Uplift V2 Standing Desk—and haven’t looked back since.
It’s one of the most customizable options you can get, with a slew of different finishes, sizes, frame configurations, and accessories to tack on. The base model starts at $600, and can easily reach over $1,000 depending on how you customize it. Its surface is sturdy and looks nice in my office, the adjustable-height mechanism is smooth and stable, and the setup is pretty quick even if you have to do it solo.
If you’re looking for more than just a desk, you can upgrade to have a couple of outlets right on top of your setup for easy access, get some upgraded cable management gear to keep things tidy, or even grab a slide-out keyboard tray for improved ergonomics and a little extra surface room. I’d recommend getting the C-Frame model for increased stability, even if it’s an $80 add-on. It’s also worth it to get the advanced keypad if you’re planning on switching between sitting and standing a lot, or if it’s going to be used by more than one person.
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Nice as it is, the UpLift is on the more expensive end, and that’s a reasonable dealbreaker. Standing desks don’t have to raid your savings, though. The Monomi electric height-adjustable standing desk is one of the best available on Amazon right now, according to reviewers, and a 48" model costs just $221 right now at Amazon.
Like the Uplift, the Monomi has a keypad that lets you quickly adjust the height of the desk, extendable up to 46". Unlike the Uplift, though, its keypad and keyboard tray are included, so you won’t have to sweat the upgrade prices. It’s not as elegant-looking as pricier options, not to mention it lacks the C-frame to improve stability, but at half the price, it’s not something you’ll fret too much—the basics are more than plenty.
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Here’s another great option for an affordable, straightforward standing desk. Flexispot’s EC9 electric standing desk ranges between 28.7” to 48.4”, providing a slightly taller standing level than the Monomi model above. It’s also incredibly easy to set up, with only a handful of simple steps needed to connect the legs and plug in the wiring for the hydraulic motor.
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In use, Flexispot’s desk smoothly converts thanks to the little up/down control switch on the right side. There’s just a smidge of wobbliness at the absolute top level, but not enough to be concerning or distracting, and it lessens the lower you go.
Flexispot’s desk doesn’t have extra frills like a keyboard drawer, but it’s a great pick for a minimal, affordable, and solidly sturdy desk that you can get up and running in a hurry. Clip the coupon on the page right now to save $50, dropping the price to $250.
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For those looking for a minimalist desk, or anyone who likes to use their surface for scribbling as much as they do hunting and pecking, the Upper Square Babin is highly rated on Wayfair. Unlike the Uplift or Monomi, this desk has a groove in the front to get you a little closer to the monitor. Additional features include a glass surface that doubles as a dry erase board you can use for brainstorming, a slide-out drawer, and a built-in USB port.
As with the other options, its height is adjustable and comes with three pre-programmed heights, reaching up to 47". It typically sells for about $550. While that’s not too far off from the Uplift, without any upgradeable options, you won’t have to worry about a shocking price tag at checkout. Currently sitting at 4.7 stars on Wayfair, based on over 700 reviews, customers like it for its easy setup, handy whiteboard surface, and the quality of its height adjustment mechanism.
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Maybe you love the idea of a standing desk but you also know you like a lot of room. It turns out you don’t actually have to give up on anything, or even compromise really, as long as you know where to go. The VIVO L-Shaped Adjustable Desk measures 60" deep, 67" w, and 24.7" high at its lowest, and can go all the way up to 50.3" high thanks to the electric motors that allow it to become a proper standing desk.
Along with the size of the desk itself, you’ll be happy to know that it can support up to 208lbs, which is great news if you’re planning on keeping everything about your PC up on the desk itself. That’s all thanks to an entirely steel frame, which allows it to carry that load. Not only that, but the simple design means it’ll fit in no matter where you put it.
Having an L-shaped desk isn’t essential for everyone, but if you’re the kind of person that always feels like they could do with a bit more room, then you should pick this up. It’s amazing having space for your monitors, your PC, and even a laptop too, and it’s ideal for people who take a lot of written notes as they work, or just like space for all of their PC accessories.
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Best Standing Desk Converter: Jumbo DeskStand
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A lot of standing desk converters are big, heavy things that are designed to stay put in your chosen position, but the Jumbo DeskStand is different. This converter is also easily convertible, letting you rearrange the shelves as needed and then take it down and hide it out of sight when you’re done. It’s a bit chunky and it’s not cheap, but you might appreciate the perks—especially if you’re tight on space.
Gizmodo’s Catie Keck is a fan of the Jumbo DeskStand:
“Ultimately, I really liked the way this standing desk solution performed and the way it looked even when it wasn’t in use. It wasn’t an eyesore, it was easy to break down in a pinch, and it was sturdy enough to balance a heavy monitor and laptop without me having to worry too much about weight distribution. If your desk isn’t actually going anywhere and you have space and money for it, a more traditional standing desk might be a better option. But for someone in a smaller space, the DeskStand’s an option I’d definitely recommend.”
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On the other hand, if you don’t want to abandon your current desk and but you want the flexibility of a standing setup, why not use an add-on convertor? Quality ones aren’t cheap, but are still a fraction of the cost of most true standing desks, plus they have the benefit of mobility.
If you want the cheapest option with the most positive reception, grab the FlexiSpot standing desk converter. Only $100 on Amazon right now, it doesn’t look as elegant in your office as an elevating desk, but it gets the job done. It can reach up to 28" high and measures about 28" wide, so it won’t occupy a ton of room in your house or apartment, plus there’s an electric motor for easy adjustments. Oh, and it’s even got a keyboard tray, so you won’t be giving up too much of that limited surface space. It’s currently sitting at about five stars based on 127 reviews, and customers seem to have few issues with it. As long as you’re okay with a slightly clunky aesthetic, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
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This story was originally published by Jordan McMahon on 10/19/2020 and updated by Jason Coles with new information on 01/24/2022.