Let's jump right into a major fact
Luxury brands have become more than just material possessions; they are often tied to an individual's sense of self-worth. There is no debating me on this. It's true! In many cases, black and brown people may feel pressured or compelled to chase these brands as a means of validation or social acceptance within society.
This connection between luxury brands and self-worth can be traced back to historical narratives where certain groups were excluded from accessing symbols of affluence due to systemic racism and discrimination. As a result, some black folks may view owning luxury items as a way to challenge stereotypes or prove their worthiness in predominantly white spaces.
Despite the desire to attain luxury brands, we continue to face significant wealth disparities. This can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including limited access to quality education, discriminatory hiring practices, and ongoing racial biases within economic systems. Although these factors work against us and deepen the wealth gap in our community we still gotta have that Louie.
I get it! As black people who have historically been marginalized, owning luxury items can be seen as a symbol of overcoming adversity and gaining recognition in a society that often undervalues our contributions. I see no issue with liking nice things and using your money to buy what the hell you want.
Here's the issue though, our culture, call it black, African American, or simply African has always been the blueprint for many of these European designers but we find it difficult to see the value in creating or supporting brands within our own culture. It's time for a shift towards supporting and investing in our own culture. We have a mandate to instill a sense of pride in black-owned businesses and encourage economic growth within the community. Our youth are being negatively impacted due to what we've taught them about chasing luxury brands over products/services cultivated in our very own communities. Statistics reveal a disheartening reality - every year, numerous young lives are lost due to incidents related to coveted luxury items like sneakers or high-end fashion brands. The allure and status associated with these products can sometimes overshadow more critical priorities, leading to devastating outcomes for individuals and their families.
The phenomenon of black youth dying over luxury brands is an alarming issue that demands attention and introspection. By exploring this topic further, I hope to raise awareness about the consequences of materialism within the black community and encourage a shift towards more meaningful investments.
Join me on Sundays at 7 pm EST - LIVE from my kanikajamila Facebook page as I delve into the underlying causes behind this trend and examine how it impacts not only individual lives but also perpetuates systemic disparities within society. Let's teach our youth how to recognize value in our own people and invest in products/services that promote collective economic pathways for our people everywhere. Together, we can work towards creating a future where young lives are no longer lost over superficial symbols of status but instead thrive through investments in education, entrepreneurship, and community development.
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