The Anti-Black Way We Talk About Our Grandparents/Ancestors | @Jouelzy

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[@AlwaysAmeera]

“I am not my ancestors” has always bothered my spirit. It’s giving Kanye west

[@kennedyjojackson1202]

It's giving me slavery issa choice vibes. Selling shoes that look like air conditioning units vibes. Running for real/ fake president so you can split the ticket vibes. Calling Afro- Americans 'new slaves' in one breath to profit, then in the same stank breath selling his own slightly upright values to appease a white audience. It's talking big noise about racial purity, then refusing dark skin women in his own video whilst having a mixed daughter. I don't even think he puts his shoes on the right foot at this point. He's a pigeon-toed contradiction.

[@AlwaysAmeera]

@@kennedyjojackson1202 I just hollered!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@femdivinemind7777]

@@kennedyjojackson1202 The thing is. He's right. Many of our ancestors dies because they fought. It is and always was a choice. I'd have definitely jumped over board before they could take me to bullshit. It sounds offensive at first but when you deep it....Haiti made a choice COLLECTIVELY and freed themselves.

[@allab0ut-fl0wers-74]

@@kennedyjojackson1202 still the greatest rapper to ever do it

[@allab0ut-fl0wers-74]

@@femdivinemind7777 exactly Haitians CHOSE not to be slaves, and their choice helped us all become free across the Americas. Still was a tasteless thing to say though

[@janeporter1283]

I am my Ancestors returned. They survived the middle passage, chattel slavery, Jim Crow, etc. We come from such a strong stock of Africans that survived the worst of the worst. We are still here because of them. I give thanks and honor them daily. Any rhetoric outside of that irritates my soul

[@sashao.1534]

This!!

[@Shalondria]

I’ve given thought to the notion that we are the strongest of our ancestors. Darker skinned people underwent directed evolution through artificial selection. We were literally bred to be stronger, faster, possibly smarter? or the opposite. Hmm. Learning/studying the answers to these questions would be super controversial. Possibly even harmful. Something to ponder about.

[@oprincesslivie02]

I love this

[@incoco2]

Beautiful!

[@peterabilodeau]

And to make the feat ever more impressive, survived all that with hope and dreams of a better society. That’s some serious faith, that the racist society can be reformed and is even worth fighting for. That’s some heroic heritage.

[@Meekismwisdom]

Don’t say “I am not my ancestors “ and then say “ I am my ancestors wildest dreams”.

[@125loopy]

I think this is similar to the "slaves" vs "enslaved people" thing. Words matter. I don't think I could've been as strong as my ancestors. I suffer from chronic pain - I would not have survived on a sugar cane plantation in Jamaica.

[@klassycountryk]

Yes!!!

[@bnsmit14]

"I am my ancestors wildest dreams" *inserts a picture of me with my white partner

[@blackmenachievellc1950]

@@125loopy except we can say that and mean it. They wanted white approval… their entire goals were to fit into a system that wasn’t created for them. We have no desire to do that. Both things can be true. Nuance is a thing babe.

[@blackmenachievellc1950]

@@OBSJake except yes they do. They are exactly the same. U tryna separate black women is anti black

[@Baruch1girl]

My grandmother was born in 1913. She often spoke of how black people moved in silence to build businesses, buy property and raise their children. My grandfather and her worked together to buy land and a home during the great depression. To pass down that property to 3 generations. I have so much more to say about this but there are stories of black success that are yet to be told.

[@TheBiggestMoronYouKnow]

i can see why they moved silently, hated for being poor, hated for working hard and earning wealth despite the bs. 🙄you can't ever win with rules like that

[@lucytoo2130]

Love this

[@ziolp]

@@TheBiggestMoronYouKnow exactly, or they get it taken from them via bombings/burnings

[@WilliamsPinch]

I posted that the “I am not my ancestors” tshirt was fucking insulting when our ancestors sacrificed their survival for the betterment of the whole. The creators of the T Shirt were offended 😒🙄.

[@TheMichelex20]

Yessss. I been saying that for a few years. I am so offended by those shirts.

[@TititoDeBologay]

And It also implied that They were weak and unintelligent. Disrespectful !

[@brianacherry776]

Good. Some ppl need to be offended.

[@MsTishalish]

They're offended because it might affect their sales. That's all sis.

[@MsTishalish]

Troll alert!

[@ChrisBrooks34]

Comments like these can only be made without the full context of History. Because when you know when you really know what black people live fought and died for and sacrificed with blood sweat and tears you could never disrespect ancestors like that.

[@Llovelylady1]

Without the full context or the experience. These comments are made out of stupidity in my opinion. These idiots don’t even get nor can they comprehend what our ancestors survived. I’m proud of my heritage and what my ancestors were able to accomplish in spite of their circumstances.

[@heiress.]

👏🏽 WE 👏🏽 WOULDN’T 👏🏽 BE 👏🏽 HERE 👏🏽 WITHOUT 👏🏽 THEIR 👏🏽 PERSEVERANCE 👏🏽 Our ancestors not only survived 400+ goddamn years of the worst human right abuses, the oppression of Jim Crow and white supremacy. THEY PRESERVED OUR CULTURE!! KINGS AND QUEENS.

[@Tonia682]

Thank you for this video! For years the whole "I am not my ancestors" comment bothered me. My grandparents were born in 1920 and 1921 in the south. The things they lived through I couldn't even imagine. I honor and appreciate the strength of those who came before me.

[@indiefairy09]

same!! my grandpa was born in 1918 and my grandma in 1930. She passed away last year at 89. I cant even imagine all the things they lived through and imagine living until 89! That incredible

[@tawdryhepburn4686]

I don’t think I have ever learned more in a single 25 minute period. Seriously, this is thesis paper presentation level summary, analysis and critique. I know the word _eloquent_ is loaded, but I’m this case the implied _for a _____ _person.”_ means “For a person who isn’t giving a formal scholarly lecture.” Bravo.

[@indiefairy09]

RIGHT? I learn so much from her videos

[@regisnyder]

How she is not the head of a African American Studies department at a university is shocking to me! She is a gem! I would fly out to sit in one of her lectures if she held some!!!! And I’m 51!!!

[@Shalondria]

So Jouelzy…when r u taking this show on the road? I’d pay to hear/see you speak.

[@tawdryhepburn4686]

Glad people read the whole thing instead of jumping on my word usage… 93 likes. That might be a personal record. Glad it could be in service of praising something actually worthwhile.

[@sashao.1534]

It’s crazy how we let Kanye get away with his disrespectful ass speech about enslavement being a choice. It still boils my blood 😡 Even tho I could care less about what a celebrity thinks, but the fact he thought it was okay to make such a statement so public.Ugh!

[@Flameofblaze7]

Some y’all interpretations be off

[@heiress.]

Honestly 😡🙄

[@ambriaashley3383]

and there are a lot of Black people, often young men, who feel this way. "They'd never enslave me!" type stuff. but they don't know the history of how the ancestors got down ... they plotted, rebelled, bucked their chains even then! and those who went down, often went down fighting.

[@ambriaashley3383]

and it's really the arrogance for me. you went to bed with a full belly last night, but have the nerve to look down on people, YOUR bloodline, who were getting starved, abused, r*ped, humiliated, bought/sold & worked to death? you wanna judge literally any of the choices they made?? the fking ARROGANCE. as if the dummies of today could do any better in those circumstances

[@R0mbVs]

Kanye does have manic depression and I believe has also suffered a brain injury. I am not defending the stuff he says now, but prior to injury he was actually saying lots of really smart stuff challenging racism.

[@EloiseInParis]

I also think it's because people didn't talk to their grandparents and ask real questions. My great grandparents were the first generation all born free of my Black American Ancestors. To put it in other words my Grandparents knew their Grandparents the majority of which were born enslaved. I can remember as a child watching miniseries with my Grandmother and her shaking her head at certain points because of lies. There were way more slave uprisings then they will ever tell. And white folks used to just die and disappear too. You really think the people who cooked the food and took care of the infirmed never dropped in some poison or put a pillow over a head? Cause that's not what I heard... I also hate when Black Gen Z kids jump on the OK Boomer train. That's not out business. Black Boomers were the children on the Civil Rights movement. They were the ones first bussed to schools. They were the ones leading the charge during the Black Power Movements. They were the LGBTQ people raising hell at Stonewall and struggling through the AIDS crisis. Stop saying Gen X didn't do anything, when they grew up in the middle of the crack epidemic and dealt with police brutality as young adults before cell phone cameras. As an Elder Millennial I'm not trying to sh*t on anybody, but we (nor Gen Z) didn't invent a damn thing. We are able to move the way we do because of groundwork laid before us. Our Ancestors are proud of us, we should be thankful to them. Yes read a book. Yes watch a documentary. But also talk to your people. They have stories to tell. Stories that will make you proud and stories that will break you down in tears. I can't speak for others, but my people have always had hands. And heart. And brains.

[@design401]

🙌🏾

[@kennedyjojackson1202]

Hello! First off my gramma's name is Eloise! I found out my great grandparents were late-stage sharecroppers (into the 50s). I found out from my grandmother that her mother sent her up to New York from Virginia to keep her kids from marching (she had 7), she'd seen other kids get chased by police dogs. Some of my great aunts and uncles still went marching. Both sets of my grandparents always brag to other people about how good the schools we went to are, how my sister has a master's degree, my brother and I are on our way to bachelor's degrees. My family and I talked about the OK boomer trend when it first happened. We all agreed that even though black elders, middle-aged, and youths have disagreements. We don't smack talk the older ones, it's just an unspoken thing. I am standing on their shoulders! 💗

[@pisceanbeauty2503]

Agree with your point on the boomer trope. Our parents and grandparents did not have the same access to resources in the past as their white contemporaries and were not the ones making political and economic decisions that are harming younger people (really all people) today. They are the ones reeling from the breakdown of the social contract and lack of safety net.

[@WilliamsPinch]

GIRL! A word! I usually don’t read comments that lengthy, but you nailed it🎯

[@ambriaashley3383]

my grandparents died before I was born, & I think a lot of people either lost that connection young or never asked 💔 it's important to ask whoever is around now, be the uncles, aunts, friends, etc. Even if they're not much older than you, preserve their history. and yes, READ. history has the tendency to get lost when we are too busy simply surviving life to record it, or our elders are too ashamed/traumatized to speak on it. so let's encourage them to talk ☺ the boomer stuff, much like the Gen Z/millennial war, I never saw as aimed at me or my people, & always felt it was directed generally at white people lol. but generational tensions do exist, & it's important we know the impact each one of us has made on society, bc it's important, & in some cases its still developing.

[@starcherry6814]

Survival is such an underrated form of resistance

[@galaxylucia1898]

YES!!❤️🙏🏾

[@DorothyDanso-lt2ez]

To "just stay black and/till you die" is way harder than it sounds. Our ancestors have to be saluted!

[@EvadoCouto]

Whew thank you Jouelzy. It’s shocking that people know so little about the extreme lengths that were extended to establish capitalism and it COULD. NOT. HAVE. BEEN. DONE. without slavery. People invested in the enslavement of our people. I love what you said about Black history not being depressing. I couldn’t agree more. I’m so proud to be Black and Indigenous. Also, you are beautiful 💝

[@ninasmith6625]

That's Right Eva! I find it embarrassing that some of our people are embarrassed of thruth in the wicked Slave Trade. At that time those demons had guns our people didn't!

[@EvadoCouto]

@@victorybeginsinthegarden I couldn’t agree more! Nothing as powerful as our stories

[@EvadoCouto]

@@ninasmith6625 I agree with you wholeheartedly. It is a shame.

[@kevsamuelsdiedwafathookeri2254]

@@ninasmith6625 What an irrelevancy. What white people *really* had, was civilization, the ability to travel and do commerce internationally, when Africans couldn't and didn't. Africans didn't circumnavigate our own continent until the later-1800's. And it's debatable if we even did that, or if it's just more disingenuous Afrocentric history. And empowered Africans at that time were more than willing to supply those TA slaves to Euros/Mexicans/Peruvians by their own enforced "injustice" and captured war chattel. Bottom line is~ We as black people have "had guns" now for over 75+ years. And what have we done with them, aside from killing ourselves and digging ourselves deeper into criminality and cannibalizing each other in our own communities? That's the question neither you., the OP of the original comment, and certainly not the uploader of this video, wants to answer.

[@mereiam]

It's easier to shame the victim than to hold the oppressor accountable because then you'll have to do something about your situation. It's easier for them to say black women chose welfare than say American society gave them no choice and they were taking care of what they could. If they hadn't and starved they would have blamed us anyways

[@ambriaashley3383]

you're so right. they guilt us for however we choose to survive

[@mothergoose80]

Exactly! They keep taking snippets from history to create a narrative that black women are the reason for everything not right.

[@asho345]

I’d say it’s way easier to shame the oppressor than hold ourselves accountable. People like being told they’re perfect and have nothing to change.

[@thetruth9413]

It's funny that you same women complaining about why Blk Women are being held accountable are the same Women who Blame Blk Men and don't give Blk Men any of those passes you want. It's the hypocrisy for me Lol.

[@mothergoose80]

@@thetruth9413 It's the lack of ownership for me. First, you don't know us, so why make generalizations about what we do or don't do? Since you want to make a generalization, let me give you one too. A black man shouldn't (then or now) put his family in dire predicaments where his woman has to seek financial assistance from a government that requires the family to be broken. Bottom line, no one should be pointing fingers or getting passes on this.

[@felicitys3621]

Commenting for the algorithm, Polynesian-Black solidarity!

[@Lindamorena]

One love ❤💛💚🇯🇲

[@AkaMagenta]

@MR. SNOWMAN WHY the fuck you here?!

[@lineofumanisa]

I’m subscribed to this channel but I don’t have any recommendations for the videos, it’s so weird. I have to search for it

[@TheZanReviews]

I love all of this. I just saw a tweet that said “our elders didn’t prioritize joy and self-preservation” and they didn’t want that for themselves and im like we honestly don’t give our elders enough for what they did to survive

[@ryanfoxx3142]

to me its just a very weird flex to be like "look ancestors, look at me thriving because I wasn't born into chattel slavery 🖕🤪🖕" like huh??? you litterally did nothing but get lucky enough to be born into a century of racism that isn't explicitly torturous...

[@pisceanbeauty2503]

LOL, what a way to put it. But that is exactly it.

[@izdiharmuhammadproductions4640]

Did whoever make that explain that quote?

[@shadorismartin]

Girl, this was a lot to unpack. I definitely need to rewatch and rewatch. Take some notes and look at my own life as a reference.

[@theaansel8738]

True words

[@TheKpopRookie1]

A few men I know were recently having this conversation of welfare and were going on about how much they enjoy Kevin Samuels because he "doesn't allow women to get away with being mediocre when men have to work so hard" and, Lord, I wish I had the information to be as eloquent as you are Jouelzy cause I couldn't stay in their presence.

[@asew4897]

Girl there aint nothung else to do but get up and leave a cesspool.

[@greenkidsblueplanet]

What a joke. I know women that were purposely led to leave the father off the birth certificate to get housing all while the guy laid up in that very housing eating the food purchased through wic. Guys know how this system works so to say that women "chose welfare over men" is a lie. No one is more mediocre than a man that doesn't take care of their children. Kevin Samuels is a not a credible source because he is blinded by his disdain for BW.

[@agapefaithh]

People forget there wasn’t a level playing field. I’ve heard elders say “I still have to live here” in response to allowing things to go on. It’s easy to forget people could harm your whole family without any repercussions for what YOU did.

[@daviadouglas9252]

Kevin Samuels can only speak on his own behalf. He’s a 55 year old Black man whom has had no serious long term relationships nor is an accredited psychologist/psychiatrist. He needs to take several seats. Love that u referenced his ignorant podcast in ur soliloquy.

[@masteringlife7526]

Kevin acts like mister from the color purple.

[@taylorstep1413]

There's a video of a older black grandma on IG who admitted to only getting married for survival while she was living in Jim crow. Black Marriages were for survival

[@liyahmeridy7997]

What blows my mind about Kevin is that he often reflects back to the "good ol days" as if he was a young buck trying to find his Nancy. But he was a child - how can he confidently attest to the sanctity of marriage through that lense? That he hasn't acknowledged his own rose tinted glasses is - by this point - a choice. Also, kind of frustrates me to think that Joe would never invite a conversation like this to his show. Not that he or his show is worth a damn - but I'd watch it to see him learn a few things instead of perpetuate toxicity.

[@MakaykayLAMB]

This is such a good topic that i had never even thought about. The reality of it is, i couldn't have gone through 1/20 of what my ancestors had to face.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

This is a form of victim shaming. Our ancestors were survivors, and they lived so that we could live. My heart breaks for each of those individuals that created a shirt to disrespect both themselves, and their ancestors. Our people have a lack of respect of self, because, if they had respect they would do better. Love the content!!!!😍😍😍😍

[@ambriaashley3383]

going further than lack of self respect, some of it is just self-hate or straight up internalized racism.

[@Thepeejay]

This video Girl!!!

[@NaturallyTiii]

when you really look at the dynamics of a lot of people’s grandparents and great grandparents you’ll see a lot of things you don’t like. ESPECIALLY colorism or searching out lighter skinned women to make “honest.” Not at all to slight our wonderful grand/ great grandparents but it’s a truth. Let’s not even mention the grand/ great grandfather’s that had multiple families.

[@yazzy6860]

This 💯

[@DawnofA]

You ever think about why they are colorist or has multiple families? It was a way to survive. This is what she means when she says the systems in place. Yeah it may be ignorant or backwards but you have to consider the circumstances.

[@NaturallyTiii]

@@DawnofA I have. I understand it historically. My comment was not to shame our ancestors. It was to directly disagree with the logic of Kevin Samuel. I think every generation has had harmful and shameful (if you want to judge) customs. I love my great grands regardless, as we all should.

[@Boahemaa]

only that's not what they are ashamed of then for because they still engage in those activities

[@ambriaashley3383]

yes, it's important to acknowledge this & unpack the generational trauma there as well. their trauma + mistakes can live on in us, so we can also honor them by not allowing that to happen 💜

[@charitychapman3181]

Imagine having the AUDACITY to fix your mouth to disrespect your ancestors, A.K.A. the people who had the strength to make choices and sacrifices that allow you to live the life you have today.

[@adriannelew7919]

People spend all day at their 9-5 job ( that they loathe) scrolling through Twitter, reading/writing think pieces, as they hide their phone from their boss to avoid being reprimanded, yet they think they would’ve somehow ended slavery🥴

[@brianacherry776]

The psychological, spiritual, and physical trauma that they endured so that we could be here today is astronomical compared to anything we will ever see. Their blood courses through us. And to say that we are not them is disrespectful. And those old times were crazy. Talk to the majority of grands/ great grands now and they'll tell you. Their man was to be "kept" regardless of if he had an entire family out of town. They didn't talk about it. Many of the women felt that they could not leave because they depended on the man.

[@ChasityXoxo]

My VA benefits is the only way I’m getting by I’m gonna be real with you. Same with my mama and daddy who are doing well but didn’t until they received those same benefits. I come from a military family who all work government jobs. I’m glad someone even mentioned that.

[@mimiandy1683]

Listen, my grandmother was born in 1926. When I was in my twenties, she would occasionally tell me about her "hoe tales" which occurred in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. And she told me some things that happened to people that she knew: -menage a trois, -women marrying dudes because they had money - out-of-wedlock kids. Married men bringing home babies. Married women having other men's babies. - Married men getting killed by their side-pieces. Or by the husbands of their side-pieces. - Women having "Hot Girl Summers" while their husbands were at war. - undercover gays. Undercover lesbians. - people with addictions. I'm saying this to say that people indeed got down, back in them "Glory Days". They just keep silent about it. So, whenever I hear the younger people romanticize those eras, I just laugh.

[@googleuser7454]

Exactly. It reminds me when Cedric the Entertainer spoke about MLK in the Barber Shop movie and BP were outraged

[@ziolp]

aint nothin changed LOL

[@sp123]

I need to stop playing and spend some lunch money on that Jouelzy Patreon

[@godsbeloved6280]

Right I need to stop playing myself

[@sunnydaze80]

I blame alot of this on lack of knowledge. Black history isn't taught in full. Few history classes talk about Stono, maroon colonies, the Haitian revolution in its proper context, etc. Outside of Nat Turner and MLK, there's not much talk about resistance. Edited to say, the same goes for the end of Reconstruction and the fine print on the New Deal and which groups of people were denied those federal benefits.

[@blackgirlburntout]

@Alexis To be fair, How can you teach something you don't know? My mom couldnt teach me about critical race theory because she has no knowledge of critical race theory. And on another note, schools do not teach black history. They teach "black people had problems, they overcame them and now they are here." No mention of how white people are part of the problem they "overcame"(overcoming but I digress)... I went to predominantly wealthy black schools with masters/doctorate educated black teachers and had never even heard of Black wall street. I agree, schools and families can and should do better. But to always play devil's advocate, when does a person who literally works 2 jobs to pay rent have time to "pick up a book"? Those are the people who need help but they don't have time to fight racism because they spend their entire day just trying to make enough money to feed and clothe themselves at an acceptable capitalist level. One of my favorite influencers calls it being "lost in the sauce". Anecdotal example: My best friend works three jobs to make sure that her rent,car insurance, and car payment are paid. She doesn't even have enough money or time to take a vacation, let alone spend time reading a book on black race theory. Just conversing, no hate! Love talking to other BW on the internet!

[@parkerh6556]

On your Patreon when you reminded black women that our liberties were gifted to us at the loss of our female relatives I felt that shit. It opened my eyes to my own undeserved judgment made towards my mother and grandmother In regards to the toxic behavior they were dealt from men. It's was one of the most profound lessons a modern black woman could learn.

[@TheMichelex20]

FINALLY somebody has said it. I loathe those shirts. I wondered if I was crazy bc no one was talking about how offensive “ I am not my ancestors” is. I’m here to tell you I don’t think I’m as strong as my immediate ancestors let alone the ones that endured slavery. Also the harkening to some ideal time when our grandparents were so perfect is also disturbing to me. Bottom line many of the women in my family didn’t have choices and often stayed in situation because of trauma and lack of access to anything. Often the rhetoric that yesteryear was better and that we had better values is code for bring back the good old days of patriarchy.

[@ChristinaLove844]

Exactly. I couldn't believe that people were actually wearing those disrespectful ass shirts.

[@technojunkie123]

This is the first time I'm hearing about people having an "I'm not my ancestors" mentality and I'm shocked! I could talk all day about how the colorism, xenophobia, sexism, conservatism, and patriarchy my ancestors perpetuated have scarred my parents and ultimately me, but I would NEVER minimize or invalidate the struggles they went through. To survive under harsh British colonialism & the subsequent violence following the partition of the Indian subcontinent was no easy feat, and I wouldn't be here without the struggles my ancestors overcame in the past

[@theaansel8738]

Me too, did not know anything about this and that some people could be so disrespectful to make it a thing in the first place.

[@ashleyrp2007]

I think the whole “I’m not my ancestors” thing comes from us hearing our grandparents and elders saying “just fall in line, do the right thing, don’t shake the table”. Basically, just go along with what the system says and don’t question why. We must acknowledge this

[@BreonaMcQueen]

I agree. The quote definitely stems from these things. So with that being said, I’d have to agree with it🤷🏽‍♀️

[@cherrelles.7889]

No, it comes from what happened back in the day when white people will spit in their face, beat them, etc. The saying is beyond ignorant, because it took out ancestors to do what they had to; to not be killed on sight.

[@UNDEFINEDpreSENCE]

Yet, it took a lot for them to not shake the table, but eventually, they did shake the table because they could only take so much. MOST rational folks will advise you to not initiate or participate in such affairs where you could likely end up hurt, dead or prison. They say that you couldn’t stand up for yourself at all, or to just take it. The thing is… Some battles aren’t worth fighting for, or there are other clever ways to beat them instead of lower ourselves to their level.

[@UNDEFINEDpreSENCE]

Moreover, for those who actually witnessed the atrocities back then (e.g., the overt racism during civil rights movement), they have a valid reason to say what they say. They say it because they realize that the enemy still & often do get away with doing what they do.

[@design401]

Thank you for saying this. I was just screaming about this 2 days ago. They just won’t read the history... 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@elgloriea6789]

I just wanna express how desperately needed your voice is within the YT sphere… Thank you for spreading the good word and encouraging people to fully educate themselves on this country and its history. We appreciate you.

[@kristalcampbell3650]

I am not my ancestors because im not sure id possess that much strength. They didn't come out the other side unscathed but I don't know that I'd come out of the other side at all.

[@gdjwarren2]

Precisely. In the Caribbean, we do not have this "vibe". We learn about our history and also keep moving forward.

[@tabg9782]

Thank you

[@UNDEFINEDpreSENCE]

Yet, that’s not what most of the ones who say this mean when they blurt out the phrase. It’s the context that you need to pay attention to. They are often implying that Black folks didn’t fight back - they’re saying they were too weak; passive; a doormat, which is far from true. They were dealing with overt racism during chattel slavery & post-chattel slavery, civil rights movements, etc. A lot of the racism we deal with now is implicit, which is why some of it goes right over our heads. Yet, we still have the obvious type of racism happening to this day - it’s just not always straightforward like it was back then. So, yeah, when I think about it too, I feel the same way as you do, but most Black folks who have said that bs line are throwing shade at those who fought & died for us to have half the rights we got. They think they’re stronger, bolder, & more rebellious than they were, but are overlooking the fact that our ancestors dealt with a lot of overt racism & abuse, & the consequences for rising was detrimental af back then (so, it’s understandable why some were afraid to rock the boat yet many did anyway), & the only reason why we’re as brave as we are now is because of them - they endured most of the pain & lost for us to have such rights. All we’re doing is continuing where they left off at.

[@DawnofA]

I hate it. They have sacrificed so much and we just so easily disrespect them.

[@cj10109]

Our ancestors did what they could to survive…. Just like us. Don’t say what you would have done because you have not been through their situation!

[@chenanigans]

Unpopular opinion but it piggybacks off of this; this is why I say that when we sit around acting like we are so extremely oppressed, that is disrespectful and a slap in the face of our ancestors to me. None of us today could even fathom going through what they went through. People today couldn't even fathom living how people lived back then, none the less the way enslave persons had to live. Yes today has its challenges too. But I personally think many of our ancestors would find it disrespectful some of the attitudes we have today.

[@ambriaashley3383]

I think our ancestors would be *inspired* by some of the attitudes we have today. Black people fighting for legislation, Black people building community aid projects, Black people standing up against slave patrols _ahem_ police abuse? Black people fighting for their legacy to be properly taught in schools? Black people who want to preserve the right to vote, that many of those ancestors died for? Our people would surely be proud to see several Black representatives in government, but don't you think they would _demand_ more? Want better for us? Our people were activists, planners, inventors, & fighters from the beginning. We're carrying on that legacy, & every attitude you see today is a reflection of them, while countless actions are executed in their honor. We may mess up some times, but so did they. No one is infallible. So no, there may be something disrespectful things we're doing, but our attitudes of constantly pushing for change, wouldn't be it.

[@asho345]

@@ambriaashley3383 Just like our ancestors, we posses both good and bad qualities. There is no need to romanticize the past, just like there is no need to romanticize the present. If we take responsibility for our suffering, we can actually grow and become more capable of overcoming any obstacle in our way, because the world will ALWAYS be full of obstacles.

[@CharacterJ]

This perspective can be healing. We did not deserve the trauma that was passed down to us, and they did not deserve the trauma that they experienced. Like you said, we're all just trying to do our best to survive. It doesn't make the healing process any easier to think about it this way, but it brings in a different perspective.

[@gissellel663]

How marriages survive the best is when two self-sufficient individuals get together and see each other as compliments to each other's lives and not as a dependence on one another. At the end of the day that unbalance will most likely end up causing feelings of insecurity, unhappiness and anxiety/depression. Unless you go into the relationship where each partner knows exactly what they want and maybe one partner truly wants to be the provider and wishes to have the partner as the 'homemaker" and the other partner truly wants that too then you're good! If not, then it's in your best interest to spend as much time focusing on yourself as an individual and create a lifestyle that you love for yourself and when you get into a relationship your partner is just the added bonus and if things go south you can still walk away feeling independent and happy within yourself. All that other stuff about just know your role and do what our grandparents did is trash advice, you shouldn't have to be forced into a role, that should be YOUR decision. If your partner wants you to fit a role and you don't want to, then that's not the relationship for you boo, Period!

[@Mell7106]

Okay just finished the video. And omg Jouelzy Jouelzy. It’s so interesting how the universe works; I had nno clue who Kevin S was until a male friend from the past came and intruded my life with so many of his negative ideas about black women. You literally tackled a lot of the things he was saying. He blames black women for so much. And I said some of the things you said but not as eloquently and not as informed on some specific topics. I also regard our ancestors with respect and view every single black person that was/is still alive to this point today to be incredibly special because when you think about it we are the evidence that we survived despite everything that tried to erase us. I agree with so many things you said. Lol I’m trying to mentioned it all… I know I’ll remember something else after submitting 😭But anyways as someone who double majored in Psychology and Africana Studies, I recognized that many people do not consider the barriers black folks were faced with and the ways black folks did “fight” back. People often see resistance as physical-something outwardly profound like an actual fight. But I recall reading this article in college about the ways enslaved black folks resisted particularly, black women. What I’m remembering most vividly is that some black women aborted their babies by drinking special drinks/pushing sticks up there etc. to prevent their offspring experiencing the atrocities of slavery.

[@cv8499]

Thank you! Always coming with sooo much knowledge! I'll just add that Kanye saying slavery was a choice because they could have fought back or escape was extra ridiculous considering that there WERE rebellions. Enslaved people DID fight back and some DID escape. Some fought in the Revolutionary War when the British promised freedom to those who fought on their side. And in the beginning, the enslaved represented different tribes who spoke different languages, so how were they immediately supposed to conspire to rebel? Even once they did all speak English, it was illegal for them to learn to read or write or gather in great numbers. So many things were working against them that their survival and the progress achieved since then is nothing short of a miracle.

[@ambriaashley3383]

absolutely. them surviving that, all the way to us being here today, is a miracle.

[@UNDEFINEDpreSENCE]

Exactly! Dude is an idiot to think that they were able to plot & rise up against their captors back then. There were too many disadvantages & the outcome would’ve been detrimental if they did, so hey fought back the best way they knew how - even the most unapologetic slave traders/masters had to acknowledge the various times when the enslaved would rebelled or protested for whatever reason.

[@Mell7106]

Omg yessss. Idk what this is about fully because I just started the video lol but always waiting for you to drop knowledge.

[@mylovelylife8213]

THANK YOU!! I am constantly reminding folk that my ancestors did what needed to be done. Now I'm here working on my Ed.D., giving my children a life beyond even my wildest dreams. I'm amazed at their restraint and wonder how much they considered future generations when they made certain decisions.

[@Merinkous]

I am not my ancestors because they are much stronger than me. I am here because of their sacrifices and I'm so lucky and grateful.

[@ItsOliviaaxs]

I am my ancestors, so you can catch these hands ✊🏾😂

[@mzgreenjeansapproves]

and feet

[@DingD0ngDyke]

I can not wait to bring this into my lessons this semester!! Thanks for being phenomenal, as usual.

[@pisceanbeauty2503]

I definitely see a lot of slander of older generations in black spaces on social media as of recent. I know there is always tension between generations, but it feels like it has become more trendy and common to treat older generations of black people as if they are backwards and were not responsive toward racism and other social ills. Even as an older millennial I am starting to feel this tension. Often it involves some misrepresentation or simplification of the past. I don’t know if this is part of the broader “generational wars” we are seeing promoted between baby boomers and millennials/gen z and now between millennials and gen z. It is difficult for me to articulate, but I am seeing a lot of problematic takes on black culture and our current state that feel simplistic, ahistorical, and almost seem to function as some kind of escapism from the present. So many people seem to want to disassociate from the past as if that is a way to bypass the problems of the present.

[@regisnyder]

I don’t understand why there’s a clash between the millennials & baby boomers since the baby boomers are their grandparents. If anything Gen X failed to raise/teach/expose the millennials & Gen Z to actual facts and not this social media, Wikipedia made up history.

[@masteringlife7526]

@@regisnyder I think people need to look at what baby boomers did to gen x.

[@Myaccount923]

@@masteringlife7526 baby boomers and gen x are usually toxic due to their mindsets and circumstances back then

[@marcopark9015]

@@regisnyder To be fair, when millennials and Gen Z talk about “boomers”, they don’t mean literal baby boomers. Boomer is a catch all term for people with outdated mindsets. Though it’s mostly for over 40 people.

[@asho345]

I don’t really see the problem with wanting to dissociate from the ills of the past. A lot of the older generations WERE backwards, and failing to realize that puts you at greater risk of repeating their mistakes. Many of our problems as a people stem from being too passive and apologetic to everyone and everything. We lack the courage to separate the good from the bad.

[@dntwachmewachtv]

I wish I could articulate my points like you do!!! I am so proud to be Black and so proud of my ancestors. I am a direct reflection of their sacrifices. Gosh I’m so blessed!!!

[@HoneyDipYoniSpa]

The mere existence of us "being" shows the miracle that is our Ancestors!

[@MeonGraham]

I’m going to have to sit with this, read Thick, and rewatch. You always inspire me to get to reading 🤓

[@LoneWulf278]

Joulzy, will you consider finding a book called “The Way We Never We’re” by Stephanie Coontz? It’s amazing and delves into this subject very thoroughly. I know you already know the information in the book by now. But it’s just a little book club suggestion for the rest of your viewers.

[@tacrewgirl]

Thanks for this book rec

[@LoneWulf278]

@@tacrewgirl You’re welcome. I hope you get the book and enjoy it. It was mind-blowing for me.

[@galaxylucia1898]

Thank you for the book rec!

[@LoneWulf278]

@@galaxylucia1898 You’re very welcome! 😊 Feel free to look up Stephanie Coontz’s interviews about the history of family life here on KZbin.

[@galaxylucia1898]

@@LoneWulf278 Thank you Ms. Morgan--will do!! Have a great day.

[@ahub87]

I just want to say that we’re the only group that literally says “I am not my ancestors” even when ancestors have participated in atrocities. Other groups will always attribute their ancestors’ behavior to the historical period, they will admit it is wrong but won’t completely throw them under the bus. We’re also the only group that have persons within it that seemingly have a special cognitive or moral dissonance in regards to our history. Some of us feel like we need to leave all of the past behind and acknowledging the past is a form of dwelling on it. In the same breath those same persons will want to trace back their original lineage omitting the transatlantic slave trade part of it (e.g. submit the DNA for a breakdown but don’t want to go beyond learning what the journey for their people was). When you compare this to other groups whose literal mantra is “Never Forget”. It makes me wonder why some of us are conditioning ourselves to forget our history. Who is benefiting from this? Aren’t we supposed to at least have some knowledge of the past? Why are we voluntarily erasing ourselves? Who really planted that seed and who is truly nourishing it so that sentiment grows? I want to see the person behind this curtain? Anyway, thank for another great analysis. Your words touch my mind and soul.

[@itowilltube]

you know it was planted by eurocentrist and some african american people who thought they sound tough and also give {Im not like the other girls} tees

[@ahub87]

@@itowilltube very much like “I’m not like other girls”...and how some of us say “I’m like other Black ppl...I like...” then get upset when others swear that Black is a monolith...🤦🏿‍♀️

[@kendracozier7478]

The Saying "I Am Not My Ancestors" Hasn't Really Sat Well With Me Solely Because Their Were A LOT Of Revolts And Rebellions That We Are Purposefully Not Taught About In K-12

[@Word-Smithy]

Everybody is gangsta until they get pulled over. Then they get just a tiny taste of what it was like to be black in the 30s.

[@ziolp]

girl, I'll take that over being brutally lynched.

[@nickyr3860]

We are our ancestors and if we still hate and dishonor ourselves and others, those that birthed US and have moved on never stood a chance.

[@kimathitalton8709]

You always find a way to talk about such a necessary but also overlooked topics. I love it.

[@rodericklangrin1957]

I AM my ancestors and I take that responsibility seriously. Thanks to them...I am here.

[@angiejordan6454]

Your brain is amazing. You eloquently voiced what I have been screaming in my heart.

[@fatimabamba9032]

Oh ear infections are incredibly painful, feel better 🥺

[@SheenaBeana3]

Thanks for talking about this!

[@moniquesmith6055]

Imma year late, but this is a really good way of talking about how we have romanticized our elders and ancestors. Glad you made this video and shared it with us all.

[@ShanTFull]

Not surprised that man would latch on to that racist misogynoir report that was so damn harmful. Smfh. I hate this romanticizing of earlier periods in Black history in America as if any of it was positive. It has always been hell for us. So to say oh let's go back to when our grandparents were married in higher numbers without investigating and seeing the larger picture is ridiculous. A lot of those marriages were out of necessity as you said, Black women specifically weren't granted access without a man in home and so they ended up being in dangerously abusive relationships. That disgusting and inflammatory report demonized the Black woman for having to be mother and father in a system that was incarcerating, murdering, and denying access to the Black man. But that man and his cronies HATE Black women so much, that that is what they give credence to, and praise as if it did something, as if it wasn't incredibly deleterious. I hope he got the afterlife he deserves

[@mountaintop0925]

EXCELLENT... ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT! Thank you Sister. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and solutions. I love the historical context. Thanks again.

[@theTruthSeekerishere]

With each generation people become more disconnected and detached from their past. None of us would be here if it weren't for our ancestors. They did what they had to in order to survive. They were thinking about the future, but I hope people don't forget the past.

[@larita2160]

Girl u are preaching. I'm tuned in!!! Please break it down for them. Smh. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@niqueh9778]

The way I agree with you! Yess sis!!! Love you girl!!

[@abigailno6127]

Omg Jouelzy ! The discourse on Johnson's Great Society and the role that its policies (allegedly ?) played in the demise of the black family unit really, really reminds me of Thomas Sowell. He kinda built his whole career on deniying, or at least, questioning the existence of institutional/systemic racism and on criticizing social security policies. I really hope that you make a video on him one day !

[@damanidavis9803]

Thanks for this presentation, I share your contempt for those who disrespect our ancestors. The problem is that many of our people just aren't acquainted with any of our history at all. That allows them to make all types of inaccurate, ahistorical statements about our past and some of our current issues. You clearly have a strong knowledge of Black American history, and I appreciate how that foundation enables you to forcefully set the record straight. Much respect sis.

[@TheMorganVEVO]

This needs a million views.

[@Sharday253]

Thank you for this! I appreciate your content. You sharing valid points and facts make me think. I didn't know about what is now considered welfare, until I watched the movie Claudine and that's was about 10 years ago. It's crazy how much we are not taught in school but I'm not surprised. That's why I continue to learn more.

[@jouelzy]

Oh my gosh, I was just talking to my friend about that movie! I have the Claudine vinyl bc the music was done by Gladys Knight

[@tinaoliver7836]

All facts! I'm definitely going to read the book!

[@asew4897]

I am my ancestors. They were not perfect and they came up in horrible times. And they still came up weathered more than I can dream. I forgive them for their mistakes, honor them for thier achievements, pick the best parts to carry forward and recognize that my generation is not perfect, making similar mistakes, i hope the future will forgive us for our mistakes keeping in mind that we are humans too, living in horrible times too, doing the best we can, take the best parts of us, remember our dreams and keep moving forward. This whole things feels like a low-key psychological sabotage to create division and stalwart progression in social circumstances and collective consciousness. It’s working because it’s not unfounded or unjustified but it is counterproductive to hate your ancestors for their vices like their virtues didn’t place where you are now. It’s senseless to wag your finger at the past like you have done better. Forgive or let go, take the good and do better.

[@rafiqah4106]

Great video. I'm adding Thick to my reading list. Another book that has greatly informed my understanding of some of the topics you talked about is Donna Franklin's Ensuring Inequality: The Structural Transformation of the African American Family. Take care!

[@shanti804]

This was a topic that needs numerous discussions and understanding because our ancestors did a whole lot for us despite the systematic violence and exclusion that was (and still is). I know for me, learning about the nuances in my family’s history brought so much insight about how much easier they made my life and given me choices. I am my ancestors wildest dreams & their dreams was for me to have freedom of choice.

[@jemelajiminez1736]

Always enjoy your perspective...makes me think deeper about the topic.

[@scouncil88]

So happy I stumbled upon your channel

[@samanthatheegr8]

I completely agree with this video. Our Ancestors through a lot and they always persevered and survived or we wouldn't be here!

[@foxyboop4164]

Beautiful message, your skin is flawless btw! 💕

[@actuallyitsshanice9118]

Another insightful topic! I didn’t know any of that about social assistance and who it was initially for- public housing as well 🤯

[@wachnutube]

We stand on the shoulders of our tipuna/ancestors. Quality knowledge sharing, thank you.

[@kaylan9547]

I love this. And I think it helps us further our analysis and pushes us to be more nuanced around what is systemically STILL occurring among Black women and men today... i.e. really examining these notions of how Black men hold more systemic privilege over Black women... to the point that many of us have started likening Black men to white folk...?? Food for thought for sure...

[@theman9048]

This is inaccurate. I would argue black men have similar levels of privilege.

[@UNDEFINEDpreSENCE]

@@theman9048 Well, I mean, they’re cishet men, so that’s where the privilege lies mostly, which derived solely from patriarchal ideologies (white supremacy). Them being Black is the slight disadvantage they have, but them being cisgender men gives them more of privilege than us. But the way they think about their manhood & other biases they may have comes from White society because the South Africans had different beliefs before Europeans conquered them. They didn’t have the same restricts & biases about women, lgbtq+ folks, femininity. They actually embraced all that - it was normalized. It wasn’t until Europeans invaded & took over that they adopted the same mindset as their conquerors.

[@theman9048]

@@UNDEFINEDpreSENCE just saying there cismen is not pointing out any advantage. BM are disadvantage by there maleness. BW have a slight advantage over BM in this society.

[@indigoace261]

Great commentary, as usual. Thanks for sharing.

[@tricieb.5921]

All of our Ancestors were the most courageous, strong, knowledgeable , spiritual, God fearing, and the most resilient people, more than we'll ever be. We should want to be like our Ancestors, we would survive and get through anything.

[@rachelfrombefore]

5 stars. Every time.

[@sumayzebecreating]

Ah, Joulzey. Thank you again for getting a different perspective. You always bring up topics in a way that makes me think more and give me a different viewpoint on this in our community 💕

[@NiQuaSinklerTv]

Your videos give me peace of mind.

[@itsdestaynee]

Such an important conversation!!

[@jordilovesasn1230]

Aw man. I hope you feel better, but it’s always great to see your face on my feed.

[@alexandraalexiss]

I listened to this twice!! I always learn so much from your videos. I wish you were my professor in college. Thank you always

[@rachelnixon4644]

I have been saying this for years. This is why I love @Jouelzy.

[@tobehonest4833]

I really appreciate that you didn’t put his name in the title. Very classy.

[@tmiles9747]

I love a great Convo 🍷 Grace & understanding ✨

[@lexoflexo225]

I hope you feel better soon. I am struggling with an ear and sinus infection right now. It is no joke...Love the topic and your analysis as always.

[@infinitepossibilities356]

Hi Joulezy, Are you going to attend the JW Regional Convention this summer? I certainly hope you are able to join virtually via Zoom. 🙂