A Black Man’s Voting Dilemma: One Week Until Election Day
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🗳️ A Black Man’s Electoral Existential Crisis
In the wild world of this election, Black men are suddenly the hottest topic since sliced bread—getting bashed from both sides like we’re political piñatas. Former President Obama recently claimed that Black men considering not voting for Kamala Harris are motivated by misogyny. I get it—criticism can be constructive—but can we pause for a moment? Not only is that a blanket statement, but it also overlooks that many Black men actually support Harris!
I must admit I was a bit offended. The narrative that any Black man not voting for her must be doing so simply because she’s a woman is reductive. As I sit here contemplating whether I should even cast a ballot, it’s hardly about gender. Instead, I’m wrestling with ideological alignment—that pesky detail where political views might actually matter.
For the first time, I’m wrestling with the idea of choosing the “lesser of two evils.” I’ve even considered the unthinkable: what if I just don’t vote for president? Cue the gasps of horror from my friends will surely remind me it’s my “fault” if the “wrong” candidate wins. But why is it on me to vote for someone who hasn’t earned my support? Shouldn’t the “greatest democracy in the history of the world” be more about choices than coercion?
Our history with voting rights has been a wild ride. The founders kept things cozy for affluent white males, and here we are, generations later, with a voting system that still feels like a complex maze designed to keep the average citizen guessing. And let’s not forget how voting weight shifts depending on your zip code or how you identify.
Amidst this tragic selection of candidates, I’ve realized that the power of a vote doesn’t have to be tied to a ballot. I know that sounds strange, but it’ll make sense. As year after year, I sink deeper into disillusionment with the choices presented, and as a Black man, my options often feel predetermined and outdated. Oh, and challenge the party? You might as well be handing the other side a gift basket!
So, here I am, unable to cast a vote for either candidate without feeling like I’m endorsing policies that contradict my values. Both seem more interested in maintaining the status quo than addressing the real issues—like supporting those seeking refuge in a nation built by immigrants or holding Israel accountable for its genocidal actions in Gaza. If Harris were to come out swinging for peace and advocate for an arms embargo to Israel, you’d see me at the polls faster than you can say “election integrity.”
In the end, abstaining from voting isn’t a privilege; it’s a protest. Election day looms closer, and I’m facing a reality where voting feels less like a civic duty and more like a compromise. As a Black man in America, it’s a tough pill to swallow as there is a lot at stake, but no one is entitled to my vote. I know many will disagree or think this is an easy choice, but this is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever faced. I may cast a ballot without filling out a bubble for Harris or Trump, but trust that my silence will speak volumes about the need for change.
📰 The Washington Post Discovers Its Inner Switzerland
On Friday, October 25th, Will Lewis, the CEO and Publisher of The Washington Post, sent out an email that sent shockwaves through the newsroom and made journalists everywhere roll their eyes: The Washington Post Editorial Board will no longer endorse presidential candidates. That's right—starting with this election and continuing into the great unknown of the future, they’re officially saying, “No thanks!” to candidate endorsements. Lewis claimed they’re just “returning to our roots,” which sounds more like a cop-out than a noble mission.
But why drop this bombshell just 11 days before an election that could change everything? I mean, the editorial board’s job is to share opinions on news that shapes our society—like, say, who might be running the country.
And here’s the juicy part: The Washington Post Guild spilled the beans that they had an endorsement for Kamala Harris all ready to go. But who snuffed it out? Surprise! It wasn’t the editorial board. That dubious honor goes to Jeff Bezos himself, the billionaire overlord who apparently decided that endorsing a candidate is just too much work.
The fallout? A staggering 200,000+ subscribers have canceled their memberships since the news broke and close to 10,000 letters have been sent to The Post’s management over the decision. So, kudos to The Post for their brave return to non-endorsement—because nothing says “we care” like leaving your readers in the lurch!
❄️ Mischief on the Small Screen: RHOSLC
THEY JUST DON’T DO IT LIKE UTAH: A+
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City are back, and they’re serving up a masterclass in reality TV that’s pure chaos—this is what Housewives is supposed to be! This episode delivered all the essentials: storyline progression, comedy, and a healthy dose of shade. The highlight was definitely Angie’s 25th anniversary party, which quickly turned into a glorious mess. Honestly, this season is proving to be one of the best in the entire franchise.
Angie hosted a gorgeous party at her home, but her playing hostess didn’t stop her from confronting Heather almost immediately after being told she’s spreading her tea. Bronwyn may be new to the group, but she’s already clocking the bullshit like a seasoned pro, making her a standout this season. Meanwhile, Mary’s debriefing of her fight with Heather to random kids was nothing short of comedy gold. Who else would choose two children as her therapy audience? It’s moments like these that solidify RHOSLC as the best of the franchise.
After bringing a Jared look alike to the party, I’m obsessed with Britani’s reaction to Jared showing up at the party—she looked like she’d just witnessed a murder. Not to be overlooked, Meredith was lurking in the shadows like a true puppet master, orchestrating confrontations. And Lisa took the drama to another level by calling in her cyber security team to investigate Whitney’s rumors. With just three words Whitney had her spiraling. Plus this moment gave us a new Lisa monologue, iconic!
Just when you thought things couldn’t escalate further, the men jumped in, adding even more chaos to the mix.
All the ladies are clocking in and working overtime to deliver peak reality TV, proving that RHOSLC is not just back but thriving.
💣 Middle East Mayhem: Israel's Escalation Continues Unabated
Israel is still in the thick of its heinous campaign in the Middle East, continuing its genocide against the Palestinian people while throwing punches at neighboring nations like it’s a chaotic game of dodgeball. On Friday, they decided to spice things up with airstrikes on military targets in Iran. Because when you're already in a quagmire, why not throw a grenade into the mix? Here’s some major updates from this geopolitical circus:
At least 35 Palestinians in northern Gaza were killed in an attack on Beit Lahiya, with the death toll expected to rise.
Gaza officials say Israeli forces have added two more journalists to the grim tally, bringing the total to 182 media workers killed in the besieged enclave since the “war” began.
The Israeli army arrested 30 medical staff after storming the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Because nothing says “we care” like arresting doctors.
Iran’s mission to the UN is pointing fingers at the U.S., calling out its “complicity.” Sounds like a hot mess of international relations.
Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have taken out at least 21 people in the past 24 hours, including three paramedics. Just another day in the neighborhood of chaos!
And Vice President Kamala Harris said the U.S. believes there must be “de-escalation” between Israel and Iran, but offered no actual plan. Thanks for that, I guess!
As tensions soar, one thing is clear: the Middle East remains a volatile stage for a dramatic and chaotic geopolitical soap opera. Stay tuned here for more on the evolving crisis in the Middle East and follow along with Al Jazeera and their daily live updates.
👺 Behind the Mask
Reading: The “I Hate Gay Halloween” meme. Ah, Twitter, the treasure trove of chaotic creativity! This spooky season, we’re all about those obscure gay pop culture costumes that only the true connoisseurs will appreciate. It’s like the ultimate inside joke—if you get it, you’re in the club, and if you don’t, well, bless your heart. Seriously, who doesn’t want to see a glitter-covered rendition of a forgotten 90s sitcom character or forgotten scene from the Real Housewives.
Anticipating: Grammy nominations. Get ready to mark your calendars for Friday, Nov. 8! The Recording Academy is about to unleash the nominations for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, and you know what that means—drama! The actual award show won’t happen until Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, giving stan accounts plenty of time to perfect their Twitter roasts. I can already see the “My fave was robbed!” tweets piling up like it’s a Black Friday sale. And just to make it even spicier, we’ll have an election and Grammy nominations happening in the same week. God, please grant us the strength to survive!
Listening: Megan Act II x Megan Thee Stallion. Let’s set the record straight—Megan is THEE queen of rap, and anyone who says otherwise is just wrong. I live for a woman who can hop on the mic and rap her ass off, and this album is proof that she’s here to claim her throne. It kicks off with the soon-to-be legendary track “Bigger in Texas,” and honestly, it just keeps getting better. Almost every song made it onto my “Getting Hype With The Girls” playlist because, let’s be real, we need anthems for our hype moments. Megan is officially on repeat, and I’m not mad about it!