Black Female Soldier Posterized for Having ‘Flag Lag’

By Walter L. Hilliard III –

Look, I totally love and respect our nation’s soldiers for risking their lives on our behalf.  They are true heroes; however, I believe our elitist, phoney government, run by rich guys, unnecessarily exposes our young men to war, risking their lives to maintain and build their wealth and power.

Nonetheless, MESSAGE TO AMERICA: Black people, Black soldiers, are aware of the hypocrisy of their fighting for their country, but still being discriminated against on their own shores.  We all know how rampant racism is, at least those of us with any common sense.  So why would so many people be so surprised when a Black soldier or civilian doesn’t want to salute the flag.   In fact, Black folks “acting out” regarding racism is in direct proportion to the racism they face.

So here we are with the military now investigating a Black PFC Tariqka Sheffey, who is facing an avalanche of criticism after she posted an Instagram photo of her in her car, saying:  “This is me laying back in my car hiding so I don’t have to salute the 1700 flag (5 pm flag ceremony).”  She captioned the picture in her Instagram post. ”KEEP ALL YOUR ‘THATS SO DISRESPECTFUL / HOWRUDE / ETC.’ COMMENTS TO YOURSELF cuz, right now, IDGAFFFF.”

Why is the media always digging through the country trying to find examples of unpatriotic Black people?

One of the concepts I often write and talk about is the “posterization of Black people” – and especially Black men – for “all things bad.”  Yes, White America loves to stereotype Black people in negative ways because these stereotypes validate their racist socialization, with the purpose of maintaining power or White supremacy and privilege.   And these posterizations occur mainly through the media; thus, setting the tone for the rest of America in regards to what to believe  and how to treat Black people.   Muhammad Ali was the poster for Draft Dogging; Mike Tyson was the poster for Date Rape; Barry Bonds is the poster for Steroid Use; and now Jason Collins and Michael Sam are the posters for Male Homosexuality.

Now we have a non-famous Black female soldier becoming the poster child for being unpatriotic.

And yet there are are some Blacks who despise Sheffey more than White Americans do because she embarrassed them in front the very people from whom they sought validation. Whites.   Yes, Black people know that Niggas don’t like Niggers, too.