Culturally Speaking: Jay-Z and Kaepernick Are Not the Moment — A Tale of Two Distracted Nations
Culturally Speaking: Jay-Z and Kaepernick Are Not the Moment We, the people—in America and Trinbago—must demand attention to what truly matters A Tale of Two Distracted Nations Our People, Pay Attention—Do Not Be Distracted or Divided I write as a Trinbagonian-American—watching the United States, where I live, and Trinidad and Tobago, the country of my birth, with growing concern. We must learn to recognize when spectacle is elevated above substance and when cultural conflict consumes attention that should also be directed toward government, public policy and the exercise of power. The renewed public disagreement between Jay-Z and Colin Kaepernick is one example. During a freestyle performance, Jay-Z suggested that Kaepernick’s 2019 settlement with the NFL included a non-disparagement agreement. People speaking on Kaepernick’s behalf disputed that claim. Kaepernick later questioned why Jay-Z raised the matter years after enteri...
