THE BLACK EXPERIENCE: ‘Black Fatigue’ – A social media phrase or a symptom of something deeper?
In the ever-growing landscape of social media, new buzzwords and phrases emerge seemingly out of nowhere. None more divisive than the phrase “Black Fatigue.” It has surfaced across multiple platforms such as TikTok, X, and Instagram, usually in short bursts of commentary. “I’m tired of Black folks.” “We can’t keep blaming the system.” “‘Black Fatigue’ is real.” Why now?
I’m here to explore the true meaning of “Black Fatigue,” is it warranted and how can the Black community combat such nasty rhetoric?
WHAT IS “BLACK FATIGUE”?
“Black Fatigue” is a term used, mostly by other Black people, to express exhaustion, disappointment, or frustration with the overall behavior in the Black Community. It reflects a growing sense of weariness some feel toward persistent cycles of violence, social dysfunction, or what’s perceived as a lack of unity, accountability, or progression. On social media platforms, this term is often used to critique public figures who seem to embarrass or misrepresent the race, ongoing community violence, and the perceived glorification of toxic behavior through music, viral trends, or social media antics.
The phrase of course has a deeper origin. The original concept of the phrase comes from author Mary-Frances Winters, who used the term to describe the psychological, emotional, and physical toll of enduring racism. It was about how being Black in America can wear you down if you are constantly under surveillance, judgment, and marginalization. The internet has unfortunately taken this phrase, spun it, and now we use it inward against ourselves.
IS “BLACK FATIGUE” WARRANTED BASED ON OUR ACTIONS?
This is where the conversation becomes quite uncomfortable but necessary. Yes, there are real issues in the Black community. Violence, systemic poverty, educational gaps, and internalized trauma are pressing concerns. The root causes of those issues are often external – meaning generations of disenfranchisement, redlining, underfunded schools, and media demonization have played key roles in perpetuating an ongoing destructive cycle.
It’s unfair to say “I’m fatigued by Blackness” without acknowledging why certain conditions persist is to skip context for convenience. Still, the frustration many express is real. There are those who feel betrayed by the lack of unity, accountability, or progress in some corners of our culture. In my opinion, the solution isn’t shaming or abandonment. It’s organizing and uplifting.
We cannot critique our people the way the world does and expect different results. So is the fatigue warranted? Maybe. But it should be redirected, not weaponized.
HOW CAN THE BLACK COMMUNITY COMBAT THIS RHETORIC?
To fight back against the rhetoric of “Black Fatigue,” we must do more than repost memes; we need a collective reframe. Black people are not a monolith, but we do share pain. More community-led mental health initiatives and trauma-informed conversations can build solidarity over shame.
We can uplift excellence without ignoring the need for accountability. “Call out” violence and dysfunction of course but also “call in” those who are lost. Teach them. Invest in their wellbeing. Act as a mentor.
Social media platforms are essentially algorithms. If “Black Fatigue” goes viral, it’s because people engage with it. Let’s shift that. Highlight everyday Black joy, innovation, advocacy, and resistance. Build platforms prioritizing nuance over negativity.
Lastly, we should be more patient with one another. Anti-Blackness didn’t start with us and it won’t end overnight. We need grace, not just for ourselves individually, but for our people as a whole.
IN CONCLUSION
The phrase “Black Fatigue” might trend today, but the real work is timeless. It manifests itself in how we love, protect, and build for one another. Especially when the world says that it is tired of our unruly antics and we as a group of people overwhelmingly agree. But giving up on each other? That’s not an option.
