It’s safe to say that racism against Black people is still rampant these days, even in the US, though yearly commemorations like Black History Month can pave the way for social progress. Even so, the month-long event itself has sparked off a rather tense debate between two Black men in a California subway after a divisive dispute on how to commemorate Black History Month.
The incident occurred around February 13 in Los Angeles, California, specifically in the 7th/Metro Central station of the LA Metro Rail. A rather militant TikToker named FatBoyGoth was shouting, “It’s Black History Month. I need all the white people to sit in the back,” adding, “Can I get a hell yeah” at the end for a more welcoming tone, though this did not seem to yield the reaction he wanted.
Instead, another Black man carrying a bouquet of roses for the upcoming Valentine’s Day lambasted the Black History Month celebrant. He started off with a rather personal, “You’re just a disgrace to my race, man,” before explaining that “You got these white people scared now.” It’s not clear who else complained about the FatBoyGoth, but the lack of reception to his first callout might have been an indication that the commuters were worried.
The Black History Month celebrant then hit him back with, “They had us scared too [white people].” Sadly, the two Black men couldn’t reach an understanding as the FatBoyGoth brushed off the other Black man and insulted his choice of attire, even calling him, “You sound racist.” Subway security even had to get in between the two to de-escalate the situation. It appears no one was physically harmed during the incident.
People online are divided over the two Black men
FatBoyGoth’s video has since sparked off a debate online, especially since Black History Month is still ongoing. Even politicians had to butt in and give their own two cents on the matter, a Nevada congressman, for example, specifically stated that, “This is where we are right now… arguing history instead of learning from it. We shouldn’t forget the past – but repeating division isn’t progress.”
Still, some were about as enthusiastic as FatBoyGoth regarding Black History Month, “I would’ve said ‘hell yeah’ ngl 😭.” Other folks of different skin color also chimed in on the discussion, which also supposedly helps FatBoyGoth’s case since he was accused of scaring people, “I’m white and can promise you none of those white people were scared of that man’s joke. 😂 they just dgaf.”
Of course, there were also plenty of Instagram and X commenters who were on the other Black man’s side, calling FatBoyGoth’s behavior a little too excessive, “Lol yea flower guy right lol take it easy and enjoy ur month bro.”
