On Febuary 17, comedian and radio show host Rickey Smiley evoked the wrath of the internet after posting the following on both his Facebook and Instagram accounts:
At this time it's unclear what prompted the post. Perhaps it was a message of solidarity for former radio host, Wendy Williams, who received backlash for insensitive comments about gay men and if it was done in response to the outpouring of support for Zaya Wade confirming her gender identity. Whatever the reason, Smiley's post garnered both negative and positive reactions from his fans, with the majority calling Smiley out for divisiveness and devaluing the seriousness of one issues to promote another.
The main issue with Smiley's post is that there is no shortage of African American men and women being discriminated against for their choice of hair, and numerous examples can be found all across the country. Likely Smiley's post is in reference to DeAndre Arnold,, the Texas teen who's been banned from graduation due to his hair. When the story broke millions showed Arnold support and encouragement and the teen and family were even invited to attend this year's Academy Awards, walking the same red carpet as Billy Porter, a man who attended in a dress. The fact that hair, like clothing, is used as a way of expression for many is missed on Smiley as he this opportunity for laughs instead of enlightenment. However society has to ask how can we refuse the rejection of one's identity but support the suppression of another's?
