Please Let Black Women Express Joy

It’s not a flex—it’s about finding happiness during these uncertain times.

On April 24, Paula Sutton, a Black influencer, was indirectly called out last week by writer Liv Siddal.

Siddal took screenshot of Sutton’s Instagram and posted it to Twitter, writing “Deleted Instagram for the first time ever (eight years!). Don’t know when I’ll be back, but let it be known that this was the image that did it.” The photo in question featured Sutton having a picnic and reading in front of a cute cottage. People were quick to point out that white women run these kinds of vintage accounts all the time and receive no commentary, while a Black woman is bashed for being happy in the middle of a global pandemic.

Sutton is behind the Instagram account Hill House Vintage, which she uses to showcase her love for English country house styles. Sutton didn’t do anything other than live her best life and document it for Instagram, which is basically what the social media platform is for. Also, Sutton’s homey, 50s and 60s-inspired lifestyle is her thing, and it clearly makes her happy.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, critics have been demanding that celebrities (and people with large platforms) express some sort of solidarity with the working class. It quickly became clear that a celeb rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” did not count, and that a collective “opening of the purse” by the rich and famous would suffice. The handling of the pandemic itself has also further exposed class divides since some people who were exposed to COVID-19 have died, while asymptomatic stars were granted access to tests. People are watching their faves closely online, as they flaunt their lifestyles and talk about how blessed they are in comparison to others. It’s not a good look and people have a right to be upset.

But with that, there’s a difference between flexing and genuinely being happy online. It’s pivotal that we allow ourselves, and others, to express simple joys.

“I – like many people – started this account to talk about the things in life that make me happy; Architecture, A styled room here, a cushion there, a baked cake, a summer dress or a bunch of flowers…,” Sutton wrote on Instagram after the incident. “It turned into a space where I felt comfortable to show my face and to also write a little about my feelings of positivity and being grateful, and more recently exploring my feelings of loss in losing my mother whilst still trying to seek out joy.” Support poured from fans, new and old, as they defended Sutton’s desire for small pleasures.

“I…REALLY love that Paula was like “I know what my page is and what it’s for and you’ll be aight,” wrote music industry veteran Naima Cochrane on Twitter.

View this post on Instagram

Well, it’s been the strangest 24 hours that I’ve ever experienced on social media. It started with a twitter rant using my picture as an example of what is wrong Instagram (the author has since contacted me privately and apologised) and ended with an incredible outpouring of love, support and kindness that I will be eternally grateful for. I – like many people – started this account to talk about the things in life that make me happy; Architecture, A styled room here, a cushion there, a baked cake, a summer dress or a bunch of flowers… It turned into a space where I felt comfortable to show my face and to also write a little about my feelings of positivity and being grateful, and more recently exploring my feelings of loss in losing my mother whilst still trying to seek out joy… It’s always been a safe little corner to explore a creative side that I kept hidden for so long after servicing the creative endeavours of others. I enjoy creating little scenes and stories… I’m inspired by old Hollywood, and by the fashion photography of the 1950’s and 60’s, and all that is reflected in my images. I suppose what I didn’t realise – in my naivety – is that some people look at the pictures without reading all of the captions and therefore understanding who I am… These images are meant to be joyful and fun, and are styled and created to please the eye. They are a tiny snapshot of an otherwise very mundane and normal life. Too shallow for you? Perhaps….but I’m a firm believer in taking the responsibility to find the content that brings YOU joy and moving on from the things that upset you. I just want to thank each and everyone of you who understands that, and who came out in droves to follow, cheer on, show solidarity and support. I’m not one to dwell on things, so that’s all I shall say on the matter, but THANK YOU. From every inch of my heart. With love ‘Auntie Paula’ – as it seems I am now known!! xx❤️💫 • • • #forevergrateful #joyseeker

A post shared by Paula | Hill House Vintage (@hillhousevintage) on

The digital fun police shouldn’t try to drag anyone, especially a Black woman, for doing her best to make herself happy right now. There’s enough plaguing us during this pandemic, and beyond.

Photo credit: Instagram

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