Why Being True to Yourself Matters Most
Discovering Valuable Life Lessons from the Show #BlackAF
A couple of years ago, I started watching Kenya Barris' show, "BlackAF," and to be honest, I enjoyed it even more than one of his other creations, "Black-ish," which is like a sibling to this show. "BlackAF" is full of hilarious moments and features a well-off yet slightly dysfunctional black family that I find pretty refreshing.
In one of the episodes, Kenya dives into the interesting topic of why black creators may or may not feel comfortable sharing their critiques. He even pays a visit to Tyler Perry, a figure often at the center of such discussions, to get his perspective.
As I got into the show, I found myself resonating with Tyler Perry's outlook. I've come to realize that there's tremendous freedom in embracing your true self and not getting overly concerned about the opinions of others. In my current stage of life, I've found that authenticity brings the greatest sense of liberation. It's important to confide in a select few individuals, those who genuinely have your best interests at heart, and to have a small circle of trusted friends with whom you can openly share your thoughts.
It's also true that not everyone will like you, and that's perfectly fine. Over the years, I've faced all sorts of criticism due to my strong opinions. It's kind of amusing when people online label me with things like "deadbeat dad" or "misogynist." They have no real insight into who I am, so why waste mental energy on strangers who ultimately don't matter? Ultimately, trying to win everyone's approval is futile, and I've come to accept that reality.
So, if you haven't checked out "BlackAF" yet, I highly recommend it. It's available on Netflix and definitely worth a watch!
Clayton Craddock is a devoted father of two, an accomplished musician, and a thought-provoker dedicated to Socratic questioning, challenging the status quo, and encouraging a deeper contemplation on a range of issues. Subscribe to Think Things Through HERE, and for inquiries and to connect, email him here: Clayton@claytoncraddock.com