When Harry Met Meghan, Tyler and Oprah

If we were part of the Commonwealth, maybe African Americans would have more awareness of the British Royals. Jamaicans seem to know far more than your everyday Black person in the States, with few exceptions. But when Harry met Meghan, everything shifted.

I have never been fascinated with the pomp of conquerors but seeing Tyler Perry swoop in to save the day was better than chocolate. I read Prince Harry’s “Spare” after watching Oprah interview the couple. Being chased around by the British press is no laughing matter, as we learned from Princess Diana years before. I empathized with this young man as he explained the relentless threat that his family has been under. I agonized when reading about the relationship tortuousness experienced by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, his father, now King Charles, the Queen consort, Camilla, and, of course, his brother William.

But whence this empathy for people who represent domination, enslavement, land theft, and entitlement like few families in human history?

As Harry described the terror, yes, terror, of facing paparazzi, I found certain feelings bubbling up. Harry’s experience with the “paps” was little different from my own need for refuge.

The way Harry talks about the press is how the victims of predatory capitalism talk about landlords, student debt, prescriptions, new tires, police violence, and burial costs. Harry yearned for Africa. He married Meghan, and now he’s also surrounded by Archie and Lillibet. It’s all about the love.

Where do you find love?

Harry’s now on the biggest stage of his life, but at last, his life is not mere theater. He’s discovering (what a term for a colonizer) realness.

 

 

 

 

 

Brittney Griner

we love you.

Brittney Griner we love you.