Toxic Influencers: A Disservice to the Black Community

In a world dominated by social media, the role of influencers has grown beyond simply promoting products or entertaining audiences. Today, influencers have the power to shape narratives, influence opinions, and even stir societal movements. But with such power comes responsibility—a responsibility many influencers neglect. Recently, a social media influencer posed the question, “How long it takes until Trump revokes Black folks and women’s rights to vote?” While attention-grabbing, this question is emblematic of a deeper problem: the spread of misinformation and fear-mongering, which ultimately harms the Black community.

The Fallacy of Fear-Based Narratives

The question posed is a textbook example of the appeal to fear fallacy. This rhetorical device stokes anxiety by presenting a hypothetical worst-case scenario without any factual basis. While it is true that voting rights for marginalized communities have faced challenges, there is no credible evidence or policy proposal suggesting that Black people or women are at risk of losing their constitutional right to vote. The 15th and 19th Amendments provide ironclad protections that cannot simply be undone by any administration. Suggesting otherwise not only misleads but also distracts from actionable steps we can take to safeguard our rights.

By invoking fears of such an extreme scenario, the influencer shifts focus away from real issues. Instead of mobilizing the community to tackle tangible challenges like voter suppression tactics (e.g., gerrymandering, voter ID laws, or limited polling stations), the conversation becomes mired in paranoia. This is not activism—it is chaos, equating to yelling fire in crowded theater.

The phrase “yelling fire in a crowded theater” refers to speech that incites unnecessary panic and harm. In this case, the influencer’s rhetoric acts as a verbal spark, igniting fears that are neither present nor substantiated. By making extreme, baseless claims, they contribute to a culture of distrust and division. This behavior is not only irresponsible but also harmful to the very community they claim to represent and protect.

Fearmongering erodes trust in democratic institutions and creates a sense of hopelessness. When Black people are constantly told that their rights are on the verge of extinction, it diminishes faith in the power of voting, civic engagement, and collective action. Instead of empowering the community, this narrative immobilizes it.

The Real Issues

Rather than succumbing to fear-based rhetoric, we must focus on the real challenges facing the Black community:

1. Voter Suppression: Efforts to purge voter rolls, limit early voting, and close polling stations in predominantly Black neighborhoods are ongoing issues that require vigilance and action.

2. Civic Education: Many Black voters are unaware of their rights or the importance of local elections. Influencers should use their platforms to educate and inform rather than spread baseless fears.

3. Economic Empowerment: Systemic inequalities in education, employment, and wealth-building continue to hold our community back. Addressing these issues requires strategic planning and advocacy.

4. Community Solidarity: Instead of divisive rhetoric, we need unity. Highlighting our shared goals and collective power is far more effective than pitting people against one another.

   
   

The Dangers of Miseducation

When influencers spread misinformation, they perpetuate a cycle of ignorance and fear that weakens the community. Miseducated influencers often lack the depth of knowledge needed to responsibly address complex issues. They rely on sensationalism to gain likes, shares, and followers, prioritizing personal clout over communal progress. This is not just irresponsible—it is dangerous.

In the words of Malcolm X, “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” When influencers weaponize misinformation, they add to this disrespect, neglect, and lack of protection by steering the community toward fear instead of empowerment.

What We Need From Influencers

To truly serve the Black community, influencers must:

1. Fact-Check Before Posting: Verify claims with credible sources before sharing them with millions of followers.

2. Promote Actionable Solutions: Focus on real problems and provide clear steps the community can take to address them.

3. Uplift and Empower: Use their platform to inspire confidence, solidarity, and a sense of agency among followers.

4. Educate Themselves: A platform does not make someone an expert. Influencers must invest time in understanding the issues they discuss.

   
   

Miseducated and fear-mongering influencers are a detriment to the Black community. They divert attention from real issues, create unnecessary panic, and weaken our collective power.

As a community, we must demand better. Hold influencers accountable for their words and actions, and prioritize leaders and voices that inspire hope, unity, and progress.

Fear-based narratives may garner clicks and shares, but they do nothing to advance our fight for equity and justice. Normalize choosing progress over panic, empowerment over fear, and truth over sensationalism.