Editor’s observe: The next article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the creator’s personal. Learn extra opinions on theGrio.
Someone might, and doubtless will, write an entire dissertation on how folks behave on social media, particularly relating to Black cultural occasions.
Now, earlier than we dive in, let me make a couple of issues clear: 1) I attended my first CultureCon in 2022 as an attendee and returned this yr as press; 2) I don’t imagine Black manufacturers are above critique; and three) everyone seems to be entitled to their opinion… I simply don’t know if all the things must be posted on social media.
We’re barely 48 hours out from this yr’s CultureCon, and timelines are already full. Relying in your algorithm, you’ve both seen celebratory posts displaying off suits, panels, and affirming soundbites—or threads stuffed with critiques and disappointment.
I’m not right here to resolve who’s proper or flawed as a result of, truthfully, two issues might be true: CultureCon continues to tug off one thing exceptional—creating a singular house for Black creatives—and there’s all the time room for progress and enchancment to deepen the affect.
However right here’s what I discover attention-grabbing: over the previous yr, there’s been a development of individuals sprinting to social media to share their most unfavourable take about an occasion nearly instantly after it ends. And whereas social media is actually designed for opinion-sharing, I can’t assist however marvel—if the objective is constructive suggestions, why not fill out the post-event survey as an alternative of writing a viral tweet or TikTok assume piece?
The issue is that on-line discourse doesn’t simply keep on-line. It’s loud, quick, and influential. A wave of unfavourable commentary can overshadow a whole occasion and form its public picture. And once we’re speaking about Black-led organizations—lots of that are already leaping hurdles to remain funded—this will have actual penalties.
Buyers and sponsors see these posts. When you Google “CultureCon” or “EssenceFest” and the very first thing that pops up is a flood of complaints, how keen do you assume potential companions can be to chop a test subsequent yr?
As one creator, Payment (@feeeesah), put it, Black communities are sometimes “over-mentored and under-sponsored.” That doesn’t simply apply to people; it applies to our occasions, too. If we wish CultureCon to broaden—add extra trade tracks, and transfer into new venues with house for extra hands-on workshops—we’ve to be aware of how we speak about these items publicly.
A part of what’s taking place, I feel, is collective frustration and nervousness. The economic system is bleak. Job prospects are shaky. The information is relentless. Individuals are exhausted by the state of the world, and once they make investments money and time into one thing like CultureCon, they hope it would provide a reprieve or a breakthrough. And if it doesn’t, the frustration will get funneled into critique—generally harsher than it must be. It’s like yelling at a customer support rep when what you’re actually mad at is the whole system.
And identical to Black folks aren’t monolithic, Black occasions aren’t monolithic both. EssenceFest, CBC Week, CultureCon—every one has a distinct mission. Each gathering will not be going to be life-changing for each attendee. Nor will it unlock a revolutionary change to reverse the realities of at the moment. And whereas that sucks, that’s okay. We all know that being Black, our complete existence is revolutionary. So when you could also be annoyed that celebrities didn’t blatantly name out political points—the conversations, and the truth that hundreds of Black creatives got here collectively in an area with the intent of investing of their concepts, it doesn’t matter what they could be, is revolutionary.
For me, CultureCon was affirming, a breath of recent air after months of suffocating on unhealthy information. It was a reminder that we’re nonetheless right here, nonetheless creating, nonetheless constructing. Sure, there’s room for enchancment and critique. However can we additionally make house for gratitude and beauty? Grace for organizers who’re making an attempt to juggle the identical socio-political weight the remainder of us are whereas additionally carving out house for us to really feel seen, heard, and impressed.
So sure, have your opinions. However perhaps additionally ask your self: how a lot of that critique is absolutely concerning the occasion—and the way a lot is about all the things else we’re carrying? As a result of the query isn’t simply how we speak about these occasions. It’s what we’re actually speaking about once we do.
Haniyah Philogene is a multimedia storyteller and Life-style reporter protecting all issues tradition. With a ardour for digital media, she goes above and past to search out new methods to inform and share tales.
