Summary

The article discusses the backlash and support from Black Twitter following Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's revelations of racism and mistreatment within the British royal family, as detailed in their interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Abstract

The content reflects on the explosive interview between Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Oprah Winfrey, where Markle detailed experiences of racism, including concerns about her son's skin color, and a lack of support from the royal institution. The article highlights the strong reaction from Black Twitter, a community on the social media platform, which has been vocal in its support for Markle and criticism of the British media and royal family's treatment of her. It also touches on the broader implications of the interview, emphasizing the importance of mental health and the need for systemic change within the monarchy. The piece acknowledges the Queen's kindness towards Markle but underscores the overall negative experience Markle faced, including being denied security and mental health support. Black Twitter's role is portrayed as a powerful force for social justice, advocating for Markle and drawing attention to issues of misogynoir and systemic racism.

Opinions

The author suggests that the British royal family and media were not ready to accept a Black Duchess, as evidenced by the racist and colorist attitudes displayed towards Meghan Markle.
The article conveys that the mistreatment of Markle, including discussions about her son's skin color and denial of security and mental health care, was unacceptable and indicative of deeper issues within the institution.
It is implied that the royal family's actions, or lack thereof, in supporting Markle were rooted in racism and a desire to maintain a certain public image at the expense of her well-being.
The author expresses admiration for Black Twitter's unwavering support of Markle and its effectiveness in holding the British royal family and media accountable for their actions.
The piece criticizes the hypocrisy of the UK's stance on racism, particularly in light of the country's tendency to critique American racial issues while failing to address its own.
The author emphasizes the significance of Black Twitter as a digital community that not only supports Black individuals but also actively participates in broader social justice movements.

British Twitter Wasn’t Ready for That Smoke — Sincerely, Black Twitter

Assessing the clap back from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview with Oprah

Photo Credit | Michell Spatari | Getty Images | Duchess Meghan of Sussex in Johannesburg, South Africa

The British royal family feud finally hit the boiling point. Ever since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to marry, the British media fixated on her race, nationality, and character. At first, it seemed like a simple curiosity, run-of-the-mill drama to sell tabloids. However, three years into the marriage, it’s clear many in the UK weren’t ready for a Black Duchess of Sussex.

In a two-hour interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle made dramatic disclosures, including that there were “concerns and conversations about how dark” her son’s skin might be. (Sicha, 2021)

Allegations of racism, classism, and colorism tainted the palace intrigue that usually captivates American audiences. Members of the royal family and press treated her like a second-class citizen. To make matters worse, the entire world watched on in horror.

The topic resurfaced on Black Twitter after everyone got a taste of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah. Frankly, I found parts of this interview painful to hear. Their attacks on Meghan exposed their reluctance to accept her as a member of the royal family.

Pontificating about her son’s skin color was racist and colorist. Archie’s skin color should have never been a topic of discussion within the royal family. Yet, during her pregnancy, the royal family signaled they would not provide Markle or her unborn child security. And for those white people who still think racism refers to simply disliking someone, consider how their racism jeopardized her safety while she was a pregnant woman. Imagine the UK not providing security for Princess Diana’s grandchild? Well, according to the royal couple, that’s exactly what went down.

In those months when I was pregnant, all around this same time, so we have in tandem the conversation of, ‘you won’t be given security, not gonna be given a title’ and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born. (FRANCE 24, 2021)

Oprah conducted an incredible interview where she showed kindness and empathy to the Duchess. They spoke for hours. At one point, the veteran interviewer asked Markle, who showed concern about Archie’s skin color and her decision to remain quiet.

She declined to say who had aired such concerns. Asked if she was silent or had been silenced, she replied: The latter. (FRANCE 24, 2021).

They better never let Black Twitter find out who had a problem with baby Archie’s potential complexion because British Twitter isn’t ready for the fallout from that. If Black Lives Matter in the UK, why did prominent royal family members attempt to silence Meghan? It’s obscene that they treated her so poorly and, furthermore, felt entitled to maintain this level of animosity towards Prince Harry’s wife.

Photo Credit | Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images via NY Times

Markle experienced constant bullying that was so intense — she considered suicide. They refused to get her any help. The institute denied her cries for help because they insisted it would make the family look bad. Saving face should never come before someone’s mental health or life. It’s as if they wanted her to flap around like a fish out of water. From the American side of the pond, it isn’t looking good.

There were two points of relief during this whole debacle. According to Meghan, Queen Elizabeth II treated her kindly. So, there’s that. But, Black Twitter became the real silver lining in a seemingly neverending storm of negative shoutouts. Black Twitter unapologetically ripped British Twitter a new one.

Black Twitter users joined together to demand answers about Markle’s mistreatment. The British media and royal family bullied her, and Black Twitter wants to know what they have to say for themselves. If there is an explanation, we’re all ears. However, British Twitter was not ready for that smoke.

In case you missed the memo, Black Twitter has superpowers. Together, they’ve found missing boyfriends, husbands, missing teenagers, identified suspects in criminal investigations, and shared information about the growing movement to combat systemic racism. When I first learned about Trayvon Martin’s death and the Black Lives Matter movement, it was through Black Twitter. For those unfamiliar with Black Twitter, put the phrase in your favorite search engine and “there goes the neighborhood.” Standing up for Markle is in line with Black Twitter’s overall mission — to uplift and protect Black people throughout the Diaspora.

The British media and royal family, minus the Queen, deserve the clap back they received after disrespecting Markle. She didn’t marry Prince Harry for the drama. It’s clear after everything she’s endured to stand by his side that she genuinely loves him. And, it seems the feeling is mutual. When it came to siding with racism, members of his family or Markle, Prince Harry chose his wife.

Black Twitter stands with Meghan Markle, ready to give British Twitter an ear or eye full. No one should have to endure blatant misogynoir for merely existing, and while the UK loves to point fingers at America’s long-standing racism, it’s time for the royal family to clean house.

British Twitter wasn’t ready for that smoke because there is no justifiable reason why the royal family and British media treated her poorly. There is no justification for displaying racism towards an unborn child, depriving royal family members of security, and denying her access to mental health care. While Black Twitter could not protect Markle from the racism she experienced, they will continue to stand by her side.

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References:

FRANCE 24 (Ed.). (2021, March 08). Meghan Markle says British royal Family worried about her SON’S dark skin. Retrieved March 08, 2021, from https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20210308-meghan-markle-says-british-royal-family-worried-about-her-son-s-dark-skin

Sicha, C. (2021, March 08). A raw look behind Palace doors as Meghan and Harry meet With OPRAH: Live updates. Retrieved March 08, 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/07/world/meghan-harry-oprah-interview

△The author Allison Gaines wears many hats. In addition to her role as EIC of Cultured, she is the proud founder of the Civil Rights Organization Justice Can’t Wait (JCW) and the co-founder of Writers and Editors of Color (WEOC).