Like it or not, it's time. We've had a Black President and a Latina Supreme Court Judge, why is America not ready for the "Best Dance Crew" to be Gay?
As if anyone had a choice or say-so in the matter, Vogue Evolution has arrived to the set of ABDC and it's received various reactions. I'm speaking as someone who watched the first two seasons just to see the commotion and I've always been impressed with the overall artistry and ability these dancers possess.
Besides,...I can't do it.
So with JabbaWockeeZ winning season 1, Super Cr3w winning season 2 and Quest Crew cleaning house on season 3, does it matter if season 4's winner's are the masters of the art of vogue? Gay or straight, the best is the best. Underneath those masks any one of the JabbaWockeeZ could've been the gayest thing since gay came to gay town. Super Crew could've been openly gay as well or even bi-sexual. Who would know. Quest Crew could've had a male preference as well, it never was, has or would be the topic of conversation. All the questions directed towards their performances had to do with precision, ability, rhythm and amazement.
So all of a sudden Vogue Evolution comes on the scene and the status comments on Facebook read:
African American Male #1: "I'm not watchin this show again until they kick them f^gs off"
African American Male #2: "...Alright,...they did cool. But I hope this don't turn into some 'I'm gonna vote for them cause their gay' thing..."
Did it occur to either of you that they're not on this show for your approval? They're here to prove they are the best. Period. Collectively they beat out; I'm sure, hundreds of other crews to earn the chance to entertain the judges. So don't be salty if your crew from Star Quest isn't up on that stage popping and ripping off moves from Ginuwine. They're here, they're queer,...get used to it.
This is a beautiful representation of the cross-sections of America. Just as we're not a nation of Black and White, dance isn't restricted to Hip Hop or Classically Trained (as evidenced by that clogging group from last season). America needs to see this diversity. We're surrounded by men and women who are gay every day and it doesn't seem to bother anyone, you know why? BECAUSE NO ONE IS BOTHERING YOU!
I'm most disappointed in my black brother's but understand at the same time. The whole essence of manhood in the black community is not to be gay. Consequently, men on the downlow perpetrate a heterosexual life for fear of being ousted. A prisoner of their own self-loathing. Black men are by and large homophobic, ...I get that.
But it wasn't that long ago that African Americans, Blacks, Negroes, Coloreds, Spooks, Jigs and yes even Niggers weren't allowed to dance in the same room as Whites. We had some of the most talented artists in the world, from Chuck Berry and Etta James to Frankie Lymon and James Brown and Muddy Waters and Little Walter. Pioneers who all were passed over for the lack of fairness in their skin. Even had their music stolen and re-recorded by white groups to greater fan-fare...how's that for fairness.
It's like the phrase goes, "you think they stopped making guns when they made yours?" well the fight for equality didn't stop at Civil Rights. This may be just a dance competition, but soon your prejudice can keep you from electing the best mayor or govenor or president for the job. It can keep you from going to a particular bank teller or shopping mall. People can become prisoners of their own oppression even as they comprehend being oppressed themselves. It's unnecessary.
So to both black man #1 & #2, I urge you to push the limits of your comfort zone. Remember how it feels to be judged not based on your talent but by other's prejudice. Look beyond the term "gay" (and please don't use the word "f^g"). Look at their lines. Look at the precision. Check the rhythm. Marvel at their ability. Regardless of whether you would want to or not...you can't do it.
