The United States is currently home to a very volatile political climate where many of the debates and clashes occur online. Social media has given ordinary citizens a platform to express their views publicly for an audience and helps users to connect, facilitating the sharing of ideas and opinions, including discourse. For social media personalities Diamond & Silk, this means expressing their political views on a range of topics. Although this sounds like every keyboard warrior who has something to say about policy, Diamond & Silk have managed to amass a huge following. Their views have also led them to be subjected to intense criticism, simply because of the color of their skin.
The conservative women rose to popularity during the 2016 presidential election, showing support for then-nominee Donald Trump. However, these two ladies face a battle that’s unique because Diamond & Silk are black women expressing views that go against the grain. They are often attacked for their beliefs and for being pro-Trump because of the color of their skin. There’s a strange reaction among several minority communities when “one of us” falls out of line with the majority—in politics especially. It’s almost as if we are expected to think like the masses lest we be accused of “selling out.” This is most certainly the case for Diamond and Silk. Not only have they faced censorship on Facebook, the women have been thrust into the hot seat by members of the black community.
It takes just a short trip to their Facebook page or a search for their appearances on Fox News to read some of the most hateful things people have to say about these ladies. Many people in the black community refer to Diamond and Silk as “minstrels” for white conservatives, suggesting the women are performing parodies of black people as stereotyped. I think what we’ve learned from social media mixing with politics is that dissent only works when liberals are disagreeing with conservatives.
It’s become increasingly taboo for non-white people to label themselves conservatives. From Stacey Dash to Ben Carson, the black community lashes out with disapproval, condemning them as “Uncle Toms” or minstrels. Much like President Trump supporters are often called racist, black Trump supporters are subjected to highly offensive verbal attacks for their beliefs.
One of the most asinine arguments social justice warriors make is that conservative organizations trot out minorities to push an agenda. Apparently, absolutely no other political parties ever do such a thing. The problem with that argument is that diversity exists in politics for all parties. Giving a voice to conservative minorities is important because they exist, but many of them remain quiet due to fear that they’ll be attacked over their beliefs. For these people, Diamond and Silk provide assurance that they aren’t alone and inspire conservative minorities to continue their political aspirations. Diversity doesn’t only exist in liberal communities and it’s sad that non-white individuals who wish to become involved in politics will be ostracized if they’re conservative.
I’d like to add that I’m not conservative, and Diamond and Silk don’t bother me. They have their opinions, and I have mine. But to call them minstrels because they use African-American vernacular instead of sounding like Ben Carson is the weakest argument I have come across.
