This is invariably going to lose me points with my rightier-tightier friends, but as much as a fervent appreciation for the music of Black Sabbath is IN MY VERY BLOOD, I’m afraid I’m just not down with this shirt.
Listen, I’m well aware that a sense of humor is critically essential to maintaining both one’s perspective and one’s fucking sanity in this current socio-political climate, and I’m often the first to dole out an inappropriate quip at the most inopportune of moments, but here’s the thing: Making a little not-even-that-clever joke about #BlackLivesMatter is basically akin to making light of, belittling and ultimately discrediting a movement that is really nothing at all to laugh at.
Equating your own appreciation for a band –- and this is coming from dude perilously close to 50 who still gets in heated debates about rock trivia -– to an activist movement against systemic violence and discrimination isn’t funny, isn’t cute, isn’t ironic, and ultimately really isn’t smart. You're only making yourself (and, by proxy, the estimable Black Sabbath) look entirely ridiculous.
If you want to accuse me of being overtly “politically correct” about this, go right ahead. As I’ve said before, being “politically correct” is only shorthand for being inclusive, considerate, and cognizant of our respective cultural differences. It’s something proper, sentient adults are.
If you wear this shirt and get punched in the face, please don’t be mystified.
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