Q-Tip's Schooling of Iggy Azalea a Waste of Time

Photo taken from: http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/IggyAzalea/profile/

Iggy Azalea was unable to accept the education Q-Tip tried to bless her with via Twitter.  If she had responded to him with any amount of sensitivity or humility I might have seen her in a new light, but as it turns out, Iggy Azalea’s music and personae are irrevocably repulsive to me. 

It took me a while to understand what exactly it is about her that bothers me.  It’s not like she’s the first mediocre white rapper to go mainstream.  I suppose, if she showed any understanding whatsoever of the role white privilege has played in her meteoric success, I would find her presence in the public eye less odious.

Perhaps, if she didn’t affect an African-American southern accent and employ Black-girl-mannerisms like a costume to be worn when convenient for her, I would be able to take her more seriously.  I was almost embarrassed for her at the American Music Awards as her accent wavered between ATL and Mullumbimby.  It must be exhausting for her to constantly role-play in public.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, but when does imitation become a parody or a mockery of the original?  My problem with her is not that she’s white.  My problem is that her performance feels inauthentic.  My problem is that a black girl who is just as mediocre could never reach the heights that Miss Azalea has reached.

I don’t want white folk, like Miss Azalea, to feel guilty about white privilege.  I would just appreciate it if they could acknowledge the impact that it has on their careers.  For example, Eminem, arguably the greatest rapper alive, reflected upon the impact racial politics played in his career in the tune "White America."  Is it too much to expect the same level of cultural awareness from Miss Azalea or Mr. Macklemore?