VIBE Race Project: 7 Ways To Win Black Twitter Without Actually Being Black

February 19, 2015 - 6:58 pm by Iyana Robertson TWITTER

Yes, “Black Twitter” is a thing. No, it’s not going anywhere.

Hate it or love it, Black Twitter might be the strongest single force in social media history. From being at the center of sociopolitical movements like #BlackLivesMatter, to running VH1’s Sorority Sisters off the air, to ever-so-gloriously dragging Lifetime for their Aaliyah biopic, the community proves powerful in commentary and comedy every time. But despite its name, Black Twitter is not exclusive to those with high melanin levels.

Here are ways to join the Black Twitter fold without actually being black. Flip through and take notes.

Yes, “Black Twitter” is a thing. No, it’s not going anywhere. Hate it or love it, Black Twitter might be the strongest single force in social media history. From being at the center of sociopolitical movements like #BlackLivesMatter, to running VH1’s Sorority Sisters off the air, to ever-so-gloriously dragging Lifetime for their Aaliyah biopic, the community proves powerful in commentary and comedy every time. But despite its name, Black Twitter is not exclusive to those with high melanin levels. Here are ways to join the Black Twitter fold without actually being black. Flip through and take notes.

Meme your favorite rappers and athletes Black Twitter loves a good meme. When that new funny photo of Drake, Jay Z or LeBron James hits the Web, plaster a hilarious phrase over faces or Photoshop them into a funny scene and send it into the Twitterverse. And watermark it, so everyone remembers who they stole it from – ‘cause they will jack you.

Review hip-hop albums and songs in 140 characters or less When hip-hop heavyweights drop new tracks or surprise albums, Black Twitter becomes a sudden expert in music and culture. Drop your 140-character review of that trending track or LP, and you just might get a few retweets from people that agree (or hateful replies from people that don’t). Either way, you’re on.

Use the colloquialisms A good way to drop a few Black Twitter breadcrumbs is to litter your micro-thoughts with the slang of the times. If you’re out with #Bae, or the party is #Lit, or someone has earned themselves a #ByeFelicia, never pass up the opportunity to use the vernacular. That one tweet may just get you into the fold.

Surrender to the ratchetness of Love & Hip-Hop Statistics will have to prove this, but we’re willing to bet that a large majority of the Love & Hip-Hop audience tune in just to tweet about it. Part of allure of tuning in to “ratchet TV” is cracking live-and-direct jokes about the foolery. So tune in, and “@” a few cast members while you’re at it.

Weigh in on sociopolitical issues Newsflash: You don’t have to be black to believe that #BlackLivesMatter. Injustices are not off-limits for people outside of the Black community; it is a conversation best had amongst the masses. So if you’re for the movement, have something constructive to add, or even a question to ask, let Black Twitter know. But tread lightly – they will drag you if not.

Chime in on Scandal and Empire Every week, Black Twitter communes to talk shit about Olivia Pope and ‘em. Reveling in the gift that Shonda Rhimes has given is one surefire way to be down. Drop your two cents on Mellie’s gangsta. Claim #TeamJake or #TeamFitz. Quote Papa Pope when he drops that knowledge. Empire is also a new guilty pleasure; so quote Cookie every chance you get.

Grab your popcorn for the Twitter beefs Some members of Black Twitter only follow Azealia Banks to keep up with her (seemingly endless) spats, and rightfully so. Because damnit, Twitter beefs are entertaining. So the next time Khloe Kardashian and Amber Rose duke it out online, get in on the action; Black Twitter is always front row center for beef.

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