Okay folks, gather round and listen to my story. It’s the tragic tale of a gal who missed the memo on the electric slide back in the day. You see, before YouTube, we had to tune in to Black Entertainment Television and wait for the music video to play. But our girl here kept snoozing and losing, and before she knew it, everyone was getting down with the slide except her. Talk about FOMO!

Fast forward a few years, and our girl is still slide-less while the rest of her Black kinfolk are busting sweet moves at every party, wedding, and cookout around. She’s feeling more and more ashamed with each “It’s electric!” refrain and perfectly executed leg kick and turn. The electric slide has become a Black cultural staple, right up there with other beloved traditions. So, our girl is feeling left out and left behind.

But hold on just a second! While it’s great to feel a sense of belonging, we don’t want to be confined by it. Individuality is key, y’all. We don’t all have to like the same stuff, or dance the same way, or cook the same dishes. Variety is the spice of life! Let’s not let conformity hold us back.

Now, don’t get it twisted. There are some things that we Black folk just gotta have in our bag of tricks. Like making a mean mac and cheese, or grilling some lip-smacking ribs. But beyond that, let’s not put too much pressure on ourselves to fit a certain mold. We come in all shapes and sizes and shades, and it’s beautiful.

And speaking of beautiful, let’s give props to those African American entertainers who have earned their place in our hearts and minds. They’re Black royalty, baby! They’ve got skills and talent that set them apart, and we love ‘em for it.

So, let’s all take a deep breath and embrace our individuality. Whether you’re electric sliding like there’s no tomorrow, or doing your own funky chicken dance, we’re all part of the beautiful tapestry that is Black culture.

Serious News: nytimes