Can this middle-aged white man wear a 'Black Don't Crack' sweatshirt? The question dividing the internet

Gayle King asks followers to “weigh in” on this fashion choice. (Photo: Instagram/gayleking)
Gayle King asks followers to “weigh in” on this fashion choice. (Photo: Instagram/gayleking)

Gayle King might have stirred up controversy on Tuesday, after starting a debate over a fashion choice of Oprah‘s O magazine creative director Adam Glassman.

Posting a photo of Glassman wearing a sweatshirt that reads “Black Don’t Crack,” King opened up a discussion about whether her co-worker should be able to rock it or not. Although she admittedly loves the sweatshirt, she asked her followers to “weigh in” on whether the phrase that refers to the absence of physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin, among African-Americans was an appropriate selection for a white man.

Not even 24 hours later, the post aggregated nearly 1,500 comments of people sounding off on the issue. From those who simply wrote “no” to others who praised Glassman’s support of the black community, it seems like King’s followers are seriously divided.

“Is he black? No, then pass” and “that would be a NO. He can support in other ways!” were among the comments made against Glassman. However, those in favor of his choice commented, “Sure he can wear it, but it doesn’t apply to him” and “as long as he can respectfully wear it and explain it…go for it.”

Overall, the consensus is that the move is risky and has the potential to be discriminatory. But if Glassman is an ally to the community, many are in favor of him stating the truth.

Grass is green. Water is wet. The pope is catholic and black don’t crack,” one follower wrote, with the hashtag #TheFactsofLife.

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