Black capitalism rests upon two primary myths: the circulating Black dollar and Black buying power. For purposes of this essay, in honor of National Black Business Month, we will use tariffs and trade to highlight the contradictions and limitations of each myth while decoupling the legitimate sentiments that may drive us to support them. . . .
black business class
Anti-Consumerism & Voluntary Poverty
‘Mutual Aid’ as both concept and practice was reignited under the conditions of the pandemic that called for collective approaches for survival. However, as the years have continued, mutual aid has been redefined continuously and is now synonymous with ‘charity’ (which is not a bad thing, but is quite different). Crowdfunding links are flooding the internet by the hundreds, but as time continues, pushing more people into the margins and squeezing them financially, that method seems to be increasingly becoming less and less effective. And for whatever reason requests for funds are made, the fact that it is overwhelming, continuous . . .
Understanding Exploitation through the “Saweetie Meal”
Already underpaid, overworked, and disrespected, McDonald’s employees then begin to prepare for a flood of customers who expect them to deliver not just the Saweetie Meal itself, but the “Saweetie Meal Experience” that has been crafted. While many in the “diversity economy” created around the meal receive a material benefit (even if crumbs) from their participation in the event, the workers see no change in their material condition. . . .