Joy Reid says “Whites can’t invent anything” and they stole all their ideas from black people…
Joy Reid’s recent comments that white people “can’t invent anything” and that they stole ideas from black people have caused a huge backlash. The comment quickly went viral on social media platforms, sparking heated debates and strong reactions from many news outlets. It was a provocative statement, one that challenged long-held beliefs about creativity and ownership.
Understanding this topic means knowing the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Cultural appropriation occurs when a dominant culture takes elements from a minority culture without understanding or respecting their original meaning. It often involves taking something sacred or important and using it in a way that benefits the dominant group, while the original creators are not credited. Think about taking someone’s shirt without asking.
Cultural appreciation, on the other hand, means truly engaging with another culture. This involves learning, respecting, and appreciating the traditions and creations of that culture. It often involves acknowledging and supporting the original creators and avoiding harmful stereotypes. It’s like admiring someone’s shirt and asking where they got it. History shows many examples of cultures borrowing in art, music, and even technology. The challenge is often finding the line between genuine appreciation and harmful appropriation. This line can be blurry and can change depending on the circumstances and the person’s feelings.
Throughout history, different cultures have deeply influenced each other, shaping the world as we know it. Many of the early advances in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine came from ancient civilizations in Africa and the Middle East, such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. Their discoveries laid the groundwork for later thinkers. We can see how ideas traveled along trade routes, with knowledge shared between empires.
Many black innovators have made great contributions that are often overlooked or forgotten. Think, for example, of Dr. Charles Drew’s work on blood storage, or Garrett Morgan’s invention of the three-light traffic light. These important contributions show that fundamental scientific and artistic ideas build on previous discoveries from around the world. No culture creates in isolation; everyone contributes to a common pool of knowledge.
Many modern musical genres have their roots in black America. Blues, jazz, and rock and roll did not come out of thin air. They grew out of the pain, joy, and spiritual expression of the black community in America. Jazz, which originated in New Orleans, blended African rhythms with European harmonies, introducing the world to a whole new sound. Artists like Louis Armstrong were pioneers.
The raw energy of the blues, a style that had its roots in African-American work songs and hymns, gave birth to rock and roll. Think of the guitar riffs of Chuck Berry or the electronic sounds of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. These artists were wildly innovative. However, white artists often adopted black musical styles, achieving widespread fame and wealth while the original black creators remained in the shadows. For example, Elvis Presley became the “King of Rock and Roll,” but his music was deeply rooted in the music pioneered by black artists.
Black scientists and inventors have made lasting contributions throughout history, often against great odds. Consider George Washington Carver, whose work on peanuts and sweet potatoes revolutionized agriculture. Or Madame C.J. Walker, who built a hair care empire for black women and became one of America’s first self-made female millionaires. These individuals solved real-world problems.
In addition to famous figures, many black individuals have contributed to important inventions or scientific advances. Refrigeration, traffic lights, and even parts of early computer programming are all associated with black ingenuity. Yet their achievements have often been overlooked, or their ideas appropriated by others. This lack of historical recognition means that countless names remain unknown, their genius unappreciated.
Black artists, writers, and literary movements have had a profound influence on broader artistic trends. For example, the Harlem Renaissance was a burst of black creativity in the 1920s and 1930s. It introduced the world to poets like Langston Hughes and writers like Zora Neale Hurston, who shaped American literature forever. Their stories and styles offered new perspectives.
Literary styles like repartee, which were found in the black oral tradition, seeped into poetry and prose. Artistic techniques, from quilt making to abstract painting, often showed strong influences from African and African-American culture. These elements were widely adopted. We see how artists built on the work of those who came before them. It created an artistic lineage, a thread of inspiration that connected creators across time and culture.
Innovation, by its very nature, is the process of building upon, adapting, and improving upon existing ideas. No invention or artistic movement ever truly came from nowhere. We often stand on the “shoulders of giants,” as Isaac Newton famously said. Every new discovery or creation builds on the accumulated knowledge and effort of those who came before us. Think of how computers evolved from complex calculations done by hand to the powerful machines in our pockets.
Many important inventions across cultures involved combining and modifying previous work. The printing press built on previous knowledge of papermaking and movable type. The automobile combined engines, wheels, and steering systems, developed over centuries. It is a continuous cycle of learning, refining, and creating something new from old parts. This process is universal, not limited to any group.
Making blanket statements about the creativity of any racial or ethnic group is problematic. Such essentialism attempts to define an entire group based on one trait. It ignores the enormous diversity of talent and creativity within each ethnic group. People from all backgrounds, regardless of skin color or heritage, possess the ability to excel and innovate. Attributing creativity solely to race can lead to harmful stereotypes. It assumes that one group of people is inherently more or less creative than another. This is simply not true. History shows that we are innovators from all over the world. Embracing the full range of human talent is far more effective than narrowing it down to racial lines. We all bring different strengths to the table.
To foster more inclusive understanding, we must promote recognition and proper recognition. This means ensuring that diverse contributions to innovation are recognized and celebrated. How can we do this? First, educate yourself on the true history of innovation. Look for stories about inventors and innovators from all backgrounds. Websites like BlackPast.org or the National Museum of African American History and Culture are valuable resources.
Diverse perspectives are a powerful driver of new ideas and solutions. When people from different cultural backgrounds come together, they bring unique ways of thinking and solving problems. This collaboration often leads to breakthroughs. For example, many successful technology companies thrive because of their diverse teams. They approach problems from multiple perspectives.
History is full of examples of cultural exchange leading to great advances. The Silk Road did more than transport goods; it spread ideas, technology, and artistic styles across continents. We should encourage cultural exchange and learning. Attend cultural festivals, read books by authors from different countries, or simply talk to people from different backgrounds. This openness enriches everyone.
Innovation is a journey, not a solitary sprint. It thrives on cultural exchange and the application of existing ideas. Throughout history, all cultures have contributed to the story of human invention and art. No one group has a monopoly on innovation.
It is vitally important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all individuals and groups. We must honor those who have been marginalized or forgotten in history. Their stories enrich our collective understanding of progress. Let us embrace a deeper understanding that goes beyond simplistic, reductive statements about racial groups. Instead, we should focus on the common human creative capacity that unites us all. When we give people what they deserve, the future of innovation is brighter for everyone.
