"Bring Back Gatekeeping": Hulu's Documentary on Black Twitter Sparks Debate on Cultural Ownership

Hulu's documentary on Black Twitter has stirred up emotions within the community, particularly regarding whether we should gatekeep our culture.

To fully grasp the significance of this discussion, it's important to dive into the origins of Twitter and its evolution into a significant platform for Black voices. Twitter didn't become popular until around 2010, but once it did, Black users saw the power of this platform and used it for community expression.

Through the app, we've reclaimed our narratives, advocated for change, and spotlighted issues that directly affect us.

It has become a sanctuary where Black individuals can convene and connect with others worldwide. There was never a predetermined agenda; we united to speak our truths. It just so happened that Twitter became the staple for Black expression, and others tried to mimic that authenticity.

Black Twitter: A People’s History, a three-part documentary series, premieres on May 9th on Hulu.

Produced by Prentice Penny (A Penny for Your Thoughts) and directed by Jason Parham (WIRED Studios), the series features contributions from notable figures such as Amanda Seales, April Reign, Luvvie Ajayi Jones, former Twitter employees, TV writers, comedians, activists, journalists, and more.

The documentary aims to showcase the profound impact and highlight the online community's significant contributions, delving into trends, culture, and political climate.

This perspective showcases how Blackness penetrates various aspects of society and serves as a reminder of our role in shaping the cultural landscape of America.

Since the documentary announcement, Black Twitter has buzzed with debates. Some argue for gatekeeping, fearing the film will enable continued cultural appropriation, letting others profit from our creations without credit.

On the other hand, some believe there aren't enough documented stories of Black experiences in America, viewing this documentary as a crucial history for the present and future generations.

"A Hulu documentary on Black Twitter? As a culture, we talk way too much. Bring back gatekeeping, secrecy, and [if you know, you know.] This doc isn't for us, it's to help them [shaking my head]." @MumstheeWurd wrote in response to the documentary's announcement.

On Twitter, Prentice Penny, co-producer of doc, responded to the criticisms.

"I can understand this, but I’d push back slightly and say we don’t have enough records of our story in America," the showrunner wrote.

He argued: "If the platform got erased tomorrow, Black Twitter would become another oral tradition instead of proof we were here. How does secrecy help tell our story long term?"

There’s no way to determine how the Black Twitter documentary will be received until its premiere.

The goal is to spotlight our Black identity and contributions positively. It's up to Black people to fearlessly share their narratives, hoping to further unify us and foster dialogues that propel us toward recognizing our collective beauty and potential accomplishments as a community.