By Bernard Shabazz
You may have heard of the term “Black Fatigue.” Possibly heard the term being used by white american social media influencers along with conservative black americans. Black fatigue is described as a profound physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that is experienced by Black people due to the cumulative stress of systemic racism, microaggressions, racial injustice, and other harsh realities. The term was coined and formalized by Mary-Frances Winters, but in May of 2025, there was an attempt at restructuring the term to fit a daunting narrative. A white female influencer named April.Unfiltered has stated that the term Black Fatigue means being fed up with ghetto and rachet behavior. This misinformed term caught on with other social media users.
This lead to other discussions like reparation. Social media influencers mock the reasons for the demand for reparations and dismiss the idea. The definition for the word is the act of making amends. Reparations do not have to be money. It could be land, health care, education. A system can be implemented and it may be time consuming but the fear of admitting injustice halts the process. Even though the injustice is documented.
You may also notice white Americans discovered fashion sense. The urban apparel, long nails, box braids, low fades and forced accents. Oblivious to the notion of their cosplay of the very people they hate and have lack of empathy for. The imagery and imitation of our culture gives them an invitation to the “cookout”. I hear the phrase often and yet I have no clue to the meaning of it. Does this mean they have access to our vulnerability? Is it possible for us to accept their nature? Despite their family ties and carelessness? Why are we so accepting of our oppressor? Most will argue that not all white Americans are bad. I could understand that but if no coalitions are established, if no fight is being had, if they allow the “bad whites” to oppress us, then what?
A statement was made December 2025, that “Americans don’t have to apologize for being white anymore.” Due to the lack of articulation, based on United States history, being white isn’t the real issue. It is what was done by white Americans that for some reason is being overlooked. It stems from fear. Fear of the possibility of what Black Americans will do to this country.
Their fear disrupts their logic. Notice when riots occur, they takes place in the black communities. The same communities are left in poor conditions. We are trapped in survival mode due to the cause and effects of both our actions and theirs. Understand that in 1967, California government passed a strict gun control law aimed at the Black Panther Party. The historical trauma we share collectively is being targeted by people in power. Conversations about the disconnect of our enslaved ancestors are growing louder.
Black history is being erased openly.
Our black behavior is being focused more than the white historical conduct. Highlighting what was done in society is not a method of tearing it down. It is a method of providing insight and creating space to develop progressive ideas. The “woke” rhetoric being used will not last long. The horrific experiences are still being documented and are still being taught. Projection happens because of the lack of acceptance. Forgiveness will never be given. Violence is rooted in our behavior. White Americans are known for it. Black Americans were curated to violence based on the circumstances. The self-inflicting fear that is left on the patriotic ideology cannot be ignored. This fear must be met with knowledge and self defense.
Leave a Reply