In a series of tweets Monday, actress Amanda Seales prompted the latest round of debates on Twitter about spending money on clothes -- like Jordan’s -- or travel and experiences, as in the case of buying a passport.
Essence reported that Seales posted the tweets while flying to Paris.
If you're buying Jordans and Nike Suits but you're sleeping on an air mattress, YOU'RE LOSING.
🇬🇩 (@amandaseales)
If you're buying Jordans and Nike Suits but you don't have a PASSPORT, YOU'RE LOSING.
🇬🇩 (@amandaseales)
If you're buying Jordans and Nike Suits but you DON'T HAVE A CREDIT CARD, YOU'RE LOSING.
🇬🇩 (@amandaseales)
If you're buying Jordans and Nike Suits but you DON'T KNOW YOUR CREDIT SCORE, YOU'RE LOSING.
🇬🇩 (@amandaseales)
If you're working a side hustle to support your dream hustle, YOU'RE WINNING.
🇬🇩 (@amandaseales)
If you're broadening your mind, even just one book at a time, YOU'RE WINNING.
🇬🇩 (@amandaseales)
If you're broadening your mind, even just one book at a time, YOU'RE WINNING.
🇬🇩 (@amandaseales)
Seales’ comments on the matter, which is routinely debated on Twitter, were considered shallow, even classist, by some.
Printed in there. When I received the citizenship of my new home country, not having to cling to a passport felt so liberating.
— Soaring cheekbones (@S_Nikolina) October 9, 2017
According to tweets from sociologist Eve Ewing, Seales’ tweets ignored the history and impact of generational wealth in black communities.
"Jordans are not driving the wealth gap and passports ain't gon fix it," Ewing tweeted, linking to a Washington Post article. The Post story, from Sept. 28, cites data from the Federal Reserve.
According to reserve data, white families have nearly 10 times the net worth of black families and the wealth gap between the two continues to grow.
Ewing’s argument is that spending money on travel and passports instead of clothes and shoes will not eliminate the generational wealth gap.
Others, however, said that Seales was merely saying if a person can spend money on clothes, they can spend the same amount on travel and it’s a matter of priorities.
life experiences > material things. I don't understand why some don't get this
— Wood (@Wood_EL_Cuerpo) October 9, 2017
These folks act as if @amandaseales is saying purchase a passport and book a flight in a day, it's called a budget, a plan, priorities
😂😂😂😂😂😂— Nova Luxurious (@Cors1985)
I see nothing wrong w/ you suggesting ppl elevate their state of living by exploring the world around them & having priorities in check
🤷🏾♀️— Bodhisattva✨ (@AurielMargarita)
Seales says it’s about balance.
"Frivolity has its place but not in place of practicality. Lesson I hv (sic) learned. Feel free 2 take it or pass," she tweeted.
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