Joy Reed’s Controversial Remarks on White Contributions to Music

Joy Reed recently shared her thoughts during an interview titled “The Ordinary White Man and His Vulnerability Destroys America.” In the conversation with Wajahat Ali, she expressed strong criticisms towards white individuals, particularly in relation to their acknowledgment of contributions in American history.

She did not hesitate to mention cultural icons, including Elvis Presley. Reed argued that white people have failed to rectify the historical injustices committed by their ancestors, asserting that they’ve profited from a past rooted in slavery. “They can’t erase history,” she stated. According to Reed, white creators have largely borrowed from Black artists, claiming, “We Black folk gave them all the country music, hip hop, R&B, jazz, and rock and roll.” She implied that without these contributions, white individuals wouldn’t have made significant musical innovations.

Reed took particular issue with Elvis, declaring that his fame was built on appropriated music, criticizing the idea of honoring him as the “king” of rock when much of his work was influenced by Black women artists.

In response, Alex Stein, a commentator from BlazeTV, remarked that the topics Reed raises have already been discussed at higher levels of government. He recounted his experience touring the Capitol, suggesting that historical narratives presented there often emphasize the role of slavery in American building.

Stein added humorously that major American landmarks, including Wall Street, were developed by Black individuals, alluding to the idea that certain historical contributions are underestimated or overlooked.