While many people were no doubt watching the debut episode of the revamp of the classic 1977 miniseries inspired by Alex Haley’s “Roots” last night, rapper Snoop Dogg definitely changed the channel on his flatscreen TV because yesterday he went online and asked fans to boycott the slavery-themed series, claiming that it reinforces our nation’s history of white supremacy.
Snoop Dogg made the surprising announcement on his Instagram page yesterday afternoon with an expletive-filled video in which he explained that he’s tired of Hollywood recycling the same slavery theme when it comes to its portrayal of Black people and how he’s tired of only seeing Black people treated poorly on screen.
“No disrespect, but I can’t watch no motherf—— more Black movies where n—– getting dogged out. 12 Years a Slave, Roots, Underground… I can’t watch none of that s—. I’m sick of this s—” he says. “How the f— they gonna put Roots on on Memorial Day? They’re going to just keep beating that s— in our heads how they did us, huh? I don’t understand America. They just want to keep showing the abuse we took hundreds and hundreds of years ago. But guess what? We’re taking the same abuse. Think about that part.”
Snoop goes on to explain that Black people are more than just their history of slavery and that Black people need to begin creating works that show our diverse experiences, including the many inspiring successes that we’ve had as a people.
“When you all going to make a motherf—— series about the success black folks is having? The only success we have is Roots and 12 Years a Slave and s— like that, huh? F— ya’ll. I ain’t watching that s—,” he said. “I advise you motherf—— that’s real n—– like myself, f— them television shows. Let’s create our own s— based on today, how we live, and how we inspire people today. Black is what’s real. F— that old s—.”
Do you agree or disagree with Snoop? Let us know in the comments.
