Individuality is DEAD 

also - no more “everyone looks the same” takes from people who don’t even show up online as THEMSELVES (aka anonymous accounts). Enough!

i feel like if black women wear anything outside the “instagram baddie” niche it’s deemed as weird or not for us

Social media: “BE YOURSELF!” Also social media: “Nah uh. Not like that.” 🤦🏾‍♀️ 😂

What's interesting is that Doja Cat is being punished rn for shaving her head and embracing the look because it ruins everyone's light skin fantasy

As an alt-Black girl for my entire life I relate. I got bullied for reading, loving metal/rock, goth fashion, dark academia fashion, wanting to be a writer, loving anime, hell I even hike and I get told that's yt people sh!t. And I appreciate Jackie for saying that the drags for being an alt-girl come from other Black people and IT'S TF EXHAUSTING 🙄

That's why Rico Nasty isn't as popular as she should be. She's more metal looking and a thinner body type. I find her entertaining and a good rapper. Also I've experienced a lot of anti blackness over being into metal music, dressing the way I do, etc.

I GENUINELY cannot understand how they are telling her she look bad! The bleached brows, the bombshell blonde, it was such a serve

as a black dark skinned girl who is now 30 and was heavily involved in the punk scene, I think a lot of other black people are honestly jealous that they aren’t comfortable or creative enough to forge their own path with their own thoughts. It’s never been more accepted than it is now. and it’s still a problem. people have thrown things, called me a devil worshiper etc.

The ‘Pocahontas’ quote that comes to mind that I use to check others and myself occasionally goes like this: “You think the only people who are people…are the people who look and think like you.”

People really tell on themselves when they attack others who are just being themselves. You can tell what they fear based on what they make fun of and it’s classic projection of insecurities. Thanks for speaking on this, Jackie!

another way social media is killing individuality is this whole hype around "aesthetics." i've seen so many people, especially young women and girls, feel no sense of identity outside of an aesthetic. there's people online saying they can't wear a certain piece or do their hair a certain way because it doesn't fit whatever aesthetic they want. like just wear and do what you like! everyone is pigeon-holing themselves and it's so weird to watch.

When people try to hide behind “it’s just my opinion!” I share my own opinions about them…they don’t seem to like the opinion excuse then 😂😂😂

There’s an old saying, “if you have nothing good to say, just don’t say anything at all.” Social media is saturated with the most unhappy, unpleasant people

Individuality and thinking for yourself is essentially discouraged on social media. Social media often discouraged critical thinking.

It’s like the ONLY aesthetics black women and girls are allowed to rep are either “IG Baddie” or “Hood fabulous” 🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴

No lies told!!! Black ppl are naturally creative and influence trends. But at the same time expected to stay in a box. Screw that nothing is better than being AUTHENTIC!

JT's birthday was a straight up editorial photo shoot. People aren't waiting around for those anymore, when celebrities can make their own story board ideas. Good for her, celebrating herself, her way. Edited to add my favorite saying "Celebrate What's Great, not what you hate."

Missy Elliott is a prime example of creativity and boldness. Her videos were weird, funny, creative, and still remained lit.

The intersection of misogynoir, conservatism, and keyboard courage has people speaking boldly even when poorly informed. The brave creatives being criticized by less adventurous folks is a low form of human behavior, but very common. The phrase “ those who can, do, those who can’t, criticize” has never been more obvious

People project their own insecurities that are deeply rooted, and so it’s almost like “ how dare you be confident enough to be unique and unapologetic “.

As a dark skinned and plus sized woman, when I was a girl I wanted nothing more than to look like the it girls or my light skinned friends because of the very apparent positive opinions and love they received. Fast forward to 2020, when Kevin Samuels told Black women that are fat we’d die alone because no one wants us. This one had me on a spiral for a little bit. I even had an up and coming influencer once tell me that if I wanted to get married one day I needed to lose weight. Today, I couldn’t give to Fs or a damn about how society thinks any longer. I’m healthy, in-spite of my chubb, and I know who I am.

Since when the f*ck has looking like Grace Jones been an insult?? Her cover for “Island Life” is one of the most beautiful pics EVER!! Powerful, sexy, deep skinned black woman. EPIC!!

Individuality is allowed but if a woman has a deep complexion there’s this strange desperate need to “humble” them. Also some the trolls are bots - just sent to cause destruction

It's also "stan" culture that messed up individuality. I feel like people have a hive mind/mentality when expressing their opinions. They're so fixated on being associated with a particular group/"fandom" that they're afraid to deviate from that group. Btw your makeup is BEAUTIFUL as always 💖💜

Will always support alternative/emo Black girls. I was that girl in my teen years but had no other Black girls to be that with. So I love seeing the babies thrive out here together 🖤

Jackie, you are the reason I have completely stopped commenting on creators' physical appearance on all social media. Both seemingly positive and negative comments have the potential to be detrimental, and I don't want to subject another person to that, particularly someone that I admire. I think that my RU-vid comments in particular have gotten a lot more thoughtful as a result. I genuinely appreciate you letting us know how our comments were having an impact on you, because it gave me an actionable way to be better. ❤

Growing up, I was bullied for being the plus sized, funny black girl with natural hair, when everyone else had relaxers and were thin. I eventually grew thick skin, embraced who I was and who I am still becoming, and stopped giving a f*ck. I dress how I want to dress and wear my hair and makeup how I want to wear it. I’ve always been true to myself and my aesthetic and will continue to do so!

I get comments all the time from people who seem literally irritated because I don’t dress like their favorites or because I don’t wear things how they would wear them. I guess people really need us all to be just alike.

I have been dressing in J fashion like decora, Gyaru etc, and my family is very supportive but I’m too scared to post my looks. But it gives my confidents seeing more black people dressing alternative makes me happy.❤❤

As a Darkskin girl I’ve felt the hate since elementary like I shouldn’t wear certain colors like yellow reds blue soooo as an adult I go out my way to wear those colors and do wtf I want cause they most def won’t say it to your face irl and there’s a block/report button👏🏾

I hate that everyone looks the same thing because clothes stop becoming readily available as trends cycle through. Company’s will literally mass produce to fit trends and its hard to find different pieces

I watch a youtuber named Miss Darcei, she gets so much hate in her comments section, saying she is asian-fishing just because she does a lot of makeup looks that are trending in East Asia. I've even seen her callout on comments literally telling her "why don't you do black girl makeup instead?" like wtf? Then of course there were comments like "this makeup doesn't suit someone of your skin tone" like why are you saying this? omg. I just don't understand society. It's just not lacking individuality, but also basic human compassion!

“Be yourself!” “No, not like that!” Ugh. I live under a rock and don’t know who she is, but she does look very cool!

"If you can stay positive in a negative situation, you win."

Being projected on can feel very much like being held responsible for other people’s feelings, fears, insecurities. Then being told you’re arrogant or cocky when you’re firm on *not* staying in that box for their comfort. Thank you for speaking on this!!

Social media is so toxic... And it's getting worse year over year.

I was literally speaking to myself earlier of how everyone looks alike. For example, I seen this cool outfit on one influencer. TWO DAYS later I seen 5 girls with the same exact outfit. It’s wild

I do think it’s getting worse and it’s sad…. I’ve wear my 4c hair shrunken most of the time because I like how it looks and how I feel just being a non-manipulation natural black woman. People judge me so hard and have told me, “I must not love myself”, which is bizarre. If anything I really love my kinky hair and I want to show it off..

".. .I think thoughts and I keep scrolling." My sentiments exactly when it comes to other people's differing style and often opinions on social media. I don't feel the need to denigrate strangers and I don't understand those who do.

People are just weird and project their insecurities onto others. I find people that are against individuality are envious of the people they clown because they wish they could dress/look how they want without second-guessing it.

The most heartbreaking thing is that it’s other black people that are trying to put you back in your place (the strong warrior archetype that they’re used to)

Someone once said SM was the death of reality and I see it in a lot of ways especially when it comes to physical appearance. Individuality is definitely not encouraged as it should and it’s weird. And it happens in the same space where there’s a vocal counter movement against shaming individuals. It literally takes all of us to be better and to be kind

Such great points! People take social media way to seriously ands it not even the business that’s pays them! Also another person to add to the list is LIZZO! People are obsessed with hating on her

"opinions are not facts." dude, people should know their opinion aren't absolute truths but I feel like they think that's the case because of how much they expect other people to care about what they think about SOMEBODY ELSE'S BODY OR LIFESTYLE/ CHOICES, it's hysterical how people really be expecting you to change something in yourself to please them, because _they think_ it's weird/ugly/tacky or whatever. these people online are incapable to understand that: everyone's a different person; they low-key expects everyone to be like them 🤡

I’m just happy to see the content today but I totally agree there’s literally no individuality anymore but JT and Uzi are the perfect match and I love that she unapologetically herself

as an alt black girl, this topic needs to be discussed!! i started out feeling & being called boring cuz i was never super “feminine” & was never admired the way others following the status quo were (still not lol) but now i live my truth. I have been critical of the “IG Baddie” aesthetic i will admit because of envy of not being admired but I had to let it go (for the most part lol). Proud to represent for the alternative black girls in my little corner of the world 🤞🏽

TBH the world has ALWAYS put black women into very specific categories. It's so strange. I had the pleasure of reading "Even the stars get lonesome" by Maya Angelou and here's a quote, " The larger society, observing the women’s outrageous persistence in holding on, staying alive, thought it had no choice but to translate the perversity and contradictions of the black woman’s life into a fabulous fiction of multiple personalities… for they could not have existed without the romantic racism that introduced them into the American psyche. The heartbreaking tenderness of black women and their majestic strength speak of the heroic survival of a people who were stolen into subjugation, denied chastity and refused innocence."--Essentially, they had to view black women as "men" in order to be okay with themselves for enslaving us and having us work such harsh conditions. They striped away our feminity, but such a huge part of a woman (mainstream, whatever) is feminity. So they made up these weird categories to try and place us in. But its DEEP in our psyche at this point. Many people get hostile when they don't understand something or it doesn't fit into the box they deem it should. When you're healed, its curiosity. But most people, aren't healed. "How dare this person express themselves, when they look like this, but here I am and I can't even speak my truth, what's wrong with me?" ---insecurities. people need help lololoolo thanks for coming to my TED TALK.

Being harassed and picked on was never what people sign up for or deserve. People are going out their way to share a piece of themselves and that should be celebrated instead of being critiqued all the time

Yesss people hate when you don’t stay in the box like everyone else

i honestly prefer these more casual videos where you’re just speaking your mind!! the “video essay” girlies just regurgitate the same point these days

A lot of people only like different when it’s trendy🙃

I looove this video and this topic becomes it’s something I heavily am attached to because I used to be the girl who wore whatever and didn’t care but as social media became a thing I became more and more toned down and I feel like I lost a lot of my individuality trying to fit in or fly under the radar! I think social media had so much to do with it, people feeling entitled to everything they see even if they don’t follow you etc. it’s so exhausting seeing the way individuality is demonized! I let those people take my uniqueness and I think im finally getting the courage to reignite it because a world where everyone agrees with everything (oppressive & negative evils aside lool) is not one i want to be in! And respect is free, kindness is free, it’s terrible to see the way people cannot give either nowadays and then wonder why “everyone looks the same” i loved this video!!

I keep telling people, does your “opinion” encourage or discourage? Like baby some things you can just keep to yourself

@Jackieaina, not saying your other videos didn't hit, THIS ONE HIT DIFFERENT. As a 51yo black woman, I felt all of this.

It’s so refreshing to have your content back on RU-vid😫🙌🏾

People with anonymous accounts have the most smoke 💨 for people who are actually sharing their real image 🤦🏾‍♀️.

I agree. I thought I was trippin. When Doja Cat (love her) when she shaved her head and eyebrows people loved it soooo much that they RECREATED her look. But then when a black woman of a deeper complexion decides to make a decision to cute off her hair or wear something unconventional she is deemed as “crazy” or “dumb” because she is doing something that isn’t the same but when someone of a lighter complexion does something that isn’t conventional then they are “innovated” “amazing” and “a trend starter.” Like ion understand why but also I understand why

I definitely realized I often speak as if my opinions are a collective thought from a group, and I've begun to correct myself and say "let me speak for myself." because I don't know what people's takeaways are and I've also had some trouble differentiating my own opinion from what the internet is saying.

Personally, while I think individuality is necessary, a lot people just want to fit in and I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. I see a lot of persons making 'being different' their whole personality, purposely shying away from/avoiding things that they would genuinely like or even love just because it's too 'common' or too 'mainstream'. One thing about me, if I like it, I like it... I couldn't care less about it being trendy or not.

I think people need to let people be whoever they wanna be. Let's all practice 'If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing and keep it pushing' 💯

something else i’ve noticed is how people on tiktok basically demand you to do something (like “show us xyz) vs. simply asking (can you show xyz?)

A lot of people wanna be like everybody else online 😒 let’s bring back being yourself ❤ if they don’t line you for you ? Oh whale 🐋 they’re not meant for you ! Period !!

I don't think it dead it's just not celebrated onlije but I love that fact that individuals are stepping out in their "truth" despite the hate and another perfect example is the whole Wednesday Adams trend. Everyone loves how quirky she is on screen but give the emo quirky ppl hate online or in person. And I was thinking this the other day that I like the alternative aesthetic, I've always been attracted to it from I was a kid bit where I am Jamaica, the countey on a whole isnt ready for that.

watching you do your makeup and just speak FACTS is such a joy. I wanted to add that when people say "this is what you've signed up for" is such a form of gaslighting wtf, also normalises toxic online behaviour and acts as a form silencing people :/ not here for it

Boots at the beach is actually genius. I hate sand in my shoes. 😅

For my own sake I cut a lot of apps off my phone like tik tok and twitter and that is been helping me to one to make my own mind on stuff to figure what I like and don’t and also it’s been Tremendously helpful for my mental health

I am ALWAYS thinking this! that doja cat can wear all this with no judgement! And I've experienced this too (I know I'm pale af) but seriously mixed/light skin people ARE judged differently and it's not ok. The colourism is so obvious and palpable

Great topic! As a child in the 80's my mom didn't dress me like my peers. Today my 15 yo doesn't want to look like everyone else at school. So, I have hope that individualism will continue in the future.

No matter what you do people will judge gossip and criticize about you. Wear EXACTLY what YOU WANT WHENEVER YOU WANT. Be the REAL YOU!

No fr everything is that deep! And I feel like people get soo offended by out of the box looks, life styles, etc is because of internalized fears and insecurities. A lot of people live life’s false to them because they are too afraid of what others would think or say. So when they come across someone doing them, it’s a trigger.

You're one of the few people that inspire me to create content. You're a reminder that real is still valid in this internet space.

Being from a southern black family, back in 2013 I got into kpop and I was and still am into anime and the moment that I expressed that to my extended family they would constantly make comments and “jokes” about how I wanted to be Asian and how I fetishized Asian people and genuinely I stopped talking about the stuff I liked because I was ashamed since “you can’t like kpop if your black”

Just wanna say I’m loving the old school Jackie long chit chats with elevated production vibe!

ALT BLACK GIRLS I LOVE YOU!! You are loved here and got a friend in me! Do your shit big homies 💪🏽❤️

I’m a young black woman. I dress feminine (dresses, tweed jackets, skirts, bows, pearls etc.), speak properly, and I’m very quiet. Used to get called a white girl my entire life, that my “black card was revoked”. Since when does being soft and feminine = white? Too many people see black women as masculine loud and violent that it’s engraved in their head that it’s the norm.

I think that individuality is dead. I think individuality and being unique is so hard in today's society because social media wants cookie cutter and all the same. Black women in general get torn apart from all areas. I think if someone isn't getting hurt, creating and living their best life let them do and be who they want. Social media does not dictate real life to "most" people but a lot of people let it. I hope that makes sense. Love your channel and you look stunning as ever.

And this is why I’ve been watching Jackie since I was 13 (27 now) ALWAYS kept it 100

this is why I lovveee Jackie, this conversation is well needed within the black community& ofc the rest. I hope everyone watching this video is really INNerstanding what she is saying. Those thoughts flowing to her are literally words of her highest self ( God )

❤️ People definitely need to stop forcing so called societal norms on others. I enjoy seeing black women in particular step outside the box because black women do not have just one aesthetic. Enjoyed you take❤️

Love your social commentary videos

I appreciate your commentary Jackie!! ❤ Be kind + have courage ❤

The being trashed for being different is the story of my life.

Another example of people being criticized for being different was when Nicki Minaj was in her Roman reloaded era. They made fun of her outfits and aesthetics and damn near bullied her out of it completely

I love blush and I love that you use it unabashedly! Us chocolate baddies look so good in blush! Also thanks for the thoughts and conversation I have taken notes and I have vowed to be more open in the future!

Love the look. Great conversation and I'd say growth and maturity are key. I've always been brave enough to do me and defend myself against unsolicited opinions. I believe if you don't have something kind to say, keep it moving, trust me, it works.

I honestly just think it’s the power of uniqueness. Embracing it is a beautiful thing but I honestly think it’s all about intent. If the intent is not Ill-willed-you can hurt/learn and do what’s necessary to restore the child-like perspective in you and come back with your truth and let it evolve. Maybe helping the next person. Gratitude helps many through life in general. Everything isn’t for the public eye but many things aren’t to be ashamed of. Life sucks sometimes but the winning moments are always worth remembering your why. I mean the losses too but just enjoy the journey.

My friend and were just talking about how there aren't really subcultures now, just "aesthetics", and the intense backlash towards being unconventional is definitely something I think contributes to that.

Another great video! For me, people use my age and body as a 'reason' why I shouldn't dress how I do. I have been told by men and women (mostly by people I know personally but others too) things like: "you're young!" "but you're so cute and skinny, you should be showing that body off" "why do you cover up your figure in all these long skirts and dresses? " " I don't know how you do it ", etc. May edit If I think of anything else.

I’m beyond excited that you’re back to making RU-vid content. I enjoy the conversational content and transparency. && You touch on the unspoken hot topics….Literally like a breath of fresh air because you share your thoughts/opinions and you don’t backpedal. Anyway heyyyyyy Jackie ❤

I loved JT’s birthday look it was very editorial.

If it had been doja nobody woulda batted a damn eyelash, when I saw Aaliyah's look on Twitter I didn't even read the comments I just thought oh that's cute AF, then I saw the comments and I was like 🙄

This topic along with your commentary is so important! Social media in general has been a blessing and a curse. It’s all by design if I must say so myself.

I have felt that way for a long time. It is one of the reasons I started watching your videos. I have never been into the full face makeup but your application was always still more appealing to me and not what every one else was doing. I also love the little chats. You have that above others. You speak of things that are actually important, to me at least, at bot what everyone else was/is talking about. You rocked the boat. I have always promoted individuality and while I don't always agree with the extreme some go to, at least they are not just copying what is trendy

That dystopian comment was 👏🏼 No one’s speaking for me or on behalf of me. That sort of thing has room in the corporate world when speaking to change on a team effort but not when it comes to individual influencers EVER!

I think what irks me the most is people saying that the person who became a celebrity, or the person who decided to post some thing "signed up" for. I'm so glad you point that out and the thing about that is the fact that the argument is weak and really isn't beneficial to anyone in the end!

One thing I’ve noticed (via social media) is when non-black people do or say something regarding black people doing a certain aesthetic/look, some like to point out history or how black people/poc started that trend (I.e. alt, country) but when people actually have a non typical ‘black’ look/aesthetic they get called white, etc.

And this is why I’ve stopped caring. I have to thank having a RU-vid channel for this because I’ve been called everything but a child of God on this internet, so now I do what I want. If it aligns with my personal goals and vision, then I’m gonna do it and refine it as I see fit. Everything else is just extra.

Resident black goth girl here 🖤

It’s true about the colorism and the standard of beauty! You hit the nail on the head!

Fellow Sagittarius here👋🏽JT definitely read the comments & she’s pbly going to go harder with her creativity 💅🏽