Another Pat on the Back for... Doing Their Job?

So, the Ebony Power 100 Gala happened. Big deal. Another night in Hollywood where rich people pat each other on the back for being rich and famous. Don't get me wrong, some of the honorees seem alright – Tracee Ellis Ross, Teyana Taylor, Shaq... but let's be real, these events are basically self-congratulatory echo chambers.

Like, check out this quote from Ava DuVernay about Lonnie Bunch III: "He refuses to let the story of America be stripped of its heart and its struggle and its grace, and it’s a hard fight." Okay, sure, fighting for historical accuracy is important. But is it really that groundbreaking? Isn't that literally his job as the head of the Smithsonian? Give me a break. It’s like giving a gold medal to a plumber for fixing a leaky faucet.

And then there's Tracee Ellis Ross, getting the "Pathbreaker of the Year" award. For what? Launching a Roku channel and saying you don't need a baby to be fulfilled? Good for her, I guess. But last I checked, women have been living fulfilling lives without kids for centuries. It ain't exactly a new concept. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Ross stated at the event that, “You Do Not Have to Push Out a Baby to Help Push Humanity Forward” Tracee Ellis Ross Honored at Ebony Power 100 Gala as Pathbreaker: “You Do Not Have to Push Out a Baby to Help Push Humanity Forward”.

The Real Power? Staying Relevant

Teyana Taylor's tearful acceptance speech thanking God and her "man" Aaron Pierre? That's...nice. I guess. But is that really "Entertainer of the Year" material? Seems a bit dramatic, even for Hollywood.

Shaq getting the "Junior Bridgeman Entrepreneur of the Year Award" is probably the most legit thing here, offcourse. He's actually built a business empire. Still, it's Shaq. He was already rich and famous. Does he really need another award?

Iman's speech about representation was actually pretty good, I'll admit. "Representation isn’t about visibility. It’s about land and recognition." Okay, that's a solid point. But let's be honest, how much of this is just performative wokeness? How much of it is actually changing anything? Is anyone’s mind really being changed at these galas? Or is it just an excuse to sell more magazines and get more clicks?

It's all just… exhausting.

Speaking of exhausting, I gotta vent for a sec. My neighbor's dog won't stop barking at 3 AM. Seriously, who lets their dog bark like that in the middle of the night? Some people just don't care about anyone but themselves... Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, rich people getting awards.

So What's the Point?

Honestly, the whole thing feels like a giant advertisement for… well, everything. For Ebony Magazine, for the honorees' brands, for the idea that success equals fame and fortune. But what about the people who are actually making a difference? The teachers, the nurses, the social workers... the people who are working their asses off without getting red carpet treatment? They don't get any awards. They just get to keep working.

Maybe I'm just being cynical. Maybe these events actually do inspire people. But I doubt it. It all feels so… manufactured. So fake. So… Hollywood.

Just Another Circle Jerk