The Exploitation of Black Language for Financial Gain in Mainstream Media

Why are you trying to sound "Black"? Awkwafina, a Chinese/Korean-born American celebrity in movies, music, and television, had been approached with this question multiple times. She struggled to find an appropriate answer to why she used the vernacular. For years, critics and social media users accused her of cultural appropriation by incorporating Black vernacular and mannerisms in various media. This resulted in backlash from some Black media outlets. She attempted to explain her reasoning but was only met with additional skepticism. Using blaccent by non-Blacks had become a tool to increase media presence and financial gain. Did Awkwafina exploit Black culture for monetary gain and notoriety? Are there limitations to personal branding?