Ever since I began The Podcast Trapper, haters have been coming out of the woodwork.
I’ve been called every name imaginable and it just rolls right off my back (and boosts my numbers, so thank you for tuning in). But I think it warrants a conversation.
Let’s get into it…
Is creating an organization for Black Podcasters Racist? No it is Not.
If you think it’s racist to have an organization for Black podcasters, you are mistaken. Having a big reaction? Hear me out here.
For a very long time, Black people were not allowed to participate. We were not allowed to live full, complex, rich, expansive lives in this country. We were denied freedom, money, power, land and autonomy.
And then we were allowed to do those things but with a contingency that does not apply to white people: We can come to the party if we play it small enough. If we don’t talk about our experiences. If we don’t get too real, too loud, too popular or successful.
We weren’t welcome, and even when we were, nobody in power was helping us.
I’ve had people comment with rage - what if they created the White Podcast Collective! Oh, do you mean most of the podcast industry as a whole? Which already exists?
People get angry when I acknowledge the obvious. Different people have different experiences! And nothing makes privileged people angrier than that.
Does this mean I hate white people? No! I’m not sure where you’re getting this from. Does it feel like hatred when we want something for ourselves, sometimes? Because if it does, that’s on you to do the work.
The truth of the matter is: If I talk about it, it means something has to change.
Oh no! What if our culture shifts? That’s a threat to the status quo, and a threat to the security of those with privilege. They’ll do anything, including calling us crazy, angry, uneducated and unworthy, to steal some of that power away from us.
We Made Space for Ourselves. Now, People are Threatened by it.
Here’s the thing - there are a lot of shows featuring only white guests. Seriously, comb through any list of popular podcasts and observe the ratio of white guests to guests of color, and please be horrified with me.
As a Black creator I got tired of waiting around to be included. We weren’t getting the speaking engagements, guest spots, funding, and opportunities. So here I am creating these spaces for my community! Why are you so upset about that?
I have said that podcasting is the great equalizer. It’s a beautiful chance to create a space for yourself. What I mean by that is that with some hard work and something to say, you can reach people all over the world who want to listen. It’s pretty amazing.
However, podcasting isn’t equal, currently.
If you look at the racial and cultural makeup of this country, and then you look at podcasting statistics, they don’t match up. Like most industries, Black people are not getting the funding and support they deserve in podcasting - and it’s not because we’re not trying. It’s because we needed more opportunity, and that’s what we’re trying to do here at Blk Pod Collective. If you don’t see space for yourself, create it!
Black Means Excellence.
The thing about Black people is, we’re excellent!
Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough.
Black creators are saying: We’re here and we have important things to say! We have stories to tell, resources to share and ideas to promote. We are culture creators and podcasting is the perfect place for us.
The problem with all this hate and vitriol is that people want Black creators to sit down, shut up and be grateful for the breadcrumbs we’ve been given. White people are givers and we are the receivers, still. It’s their table, we’re just lucky to be sitting at it. It’s their conference, and they’re so generous if they invite one or two of us. It’s their show, and it’s a big moment for diversity when they talk to a single Black person.
Not anymore.
I show up every day at Blk Pod Collective with the intention of being excellent. I do the work, connect people and create change.
I don’t dim my light and neither should you.
If my content weren’t amazing and my listenership were not constantly growing, I wouldn’t be making people so mad! But I am, because it is. I am so proud of our community and the support we’ve given one another. In Blk Pod Collective, y’all are showing up for one another in major ways.
So I say this, and I cannot stress this enough:
Show up in excellence.
No matter who’s listening.
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Ona Oghogho
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