Texas, U.S.A – The melting pot. A term used to describe the blending of different cultures into one society. Today’s analogy uses this phrase in a different sense, as a way to describe the “borrowing” of cultural attributes, the under-appreciation for those who share, and the pedestal of those who exclude.
On March 26, 2021, famous Tiktoker/singer Addison Rae appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote her new single “Obsessed”. During the interview, Fallon introduced Rae to a new segment in which she would teach the crowd 8 of Tiktok’s most famous dances.
These dances included: Do It Again (created by Noah Schnapp), Savage Love (created by Jazlynebaybee), Corvette Corvette (created by Dorien Scott), Shake That Laffy Taffy (remix by Flyboyfu/dance by waves.like.lanes), Savage ( created by Keara “KeKe” Wilson), Blinding Lights (created by Macdaddyz), Up (created by Mya Johnson), and Fergalicious (created by Carine and Frances Gilbert).
Despite most of the original creators being a part of the black, indigenous, and People of Color, the first upload failed to give them credit.
TikTok is a social networking service that relies on the sharing of content and recreating posts. TikTok dances are a form of “Copycat Content” on the app, meaning that the same dance can be uploaded freely by multiple users. Taking into account the creative environment TikTok creates for its users, Addison Rae’s run-in may seem small compared to other issues, but her experience can still be used to highlight stronger problems between POC and other communities.
The failure of Jimmy Fallon and Addison Rae to give due credit sparked a flame of controversy on social media and called attention to a deep-rooted issue in society: the willingness of other communities to feed off creations of the POC. Addison Rae and Jimmy Fallon were heavily criticized for this mishap, but accountability can also be pointed towards fans.
As people scroll through their favorite social apps they often don’t think about the origin of popularized posts.
Why is it that we assume the first video we see is the first one made? Why is it that we never question the authenticity of successful people and/or white people? Why is it that we never question the “creations” of those who steal?
This goes hand in hand with the issue Fallon and Rae faced. Today’s society is so used to the sharing of content that they’ve become desensitized to the difference between borrowing and stealing.
Rae didn’t steal the dances but the popularity that she’s gained from them has led to brand deals, TV appearances. And most importantly, an accumulation of following on social media apps. Not only does Addison Rae have these creators to partially thank for her fame, but they are also responsible for her musical career’s jumpstart. Knowing the success that Rae gained from these dances it’s unfair that the OG creators weren’t given due credit, and that their influential talent be relinquished to an afterthought and name in description.
The brand deals, the money, the success, the recognition, the overdue credit, the under-appreciation. All of these topics feed into the issues surrounding the melting pot and the POC. People of color are constantly giving their talent and other resources to the melting pot(willingly or unwillingly). For it to be taken out by those who take advantage, overlook, and exclude.
Exploited by people who will capitalize off a copy and paste button, but won’t so much as mention a name. Who are much more eager to receive than to give, and for these actions to be accepted by those who ignore or can’t perceive injustice.
Expect nothing
Addison’s Rae’s experience ties into bigger issues from the entertainment industry, everyday life, and show how the POC culture is being put into the melting pot. It accentuates the difference in expectancy to share between colour lines but most importantly shows the resolution, and how we as a collective can evolve to fix outdated societal norms.
