‘Black Fatigue’ Debate Sparks Cultural Firestorm Across Social Media

In the increasingly polarized arena of online cultural discourse, a term coined to capture the emotional toll of navigating systemic racism—Black fatigue—has been co-opted, distorted, and ignited into a social media firestorm. What began as a framework to articulate the exhaustion many Black Americans feel in the face of constant microaggressions, stereotyping, and societal injustice has been rebranded in viral videos. Right-wing rhetoric has used it as a justification for intolerance and overt racism.

The latest flashpoint? A since-deleted TikTok video was posted by a self-identified educator named April Childers. She is a Kindergarten Teacher at Strickland Christian School. She claimed to suffer from “Black fatigue.” This was not as originally defined, but rather as a symptom of her weariness toward so-called “ghetto,” “entitled,” and “victim-minded” behavior. These terms have been historically weaponized to dehumanize and stereotype Black communities.

That video—widely circulated, stitched, and critiqued—ignited swift condemnation across the platform. Among the most notable responses was from comedian and commentator Reese Waters. He addressed the controversy in a segment titled Racist of the Week, offering a blend of cultural critique and sharp humor aimed at dissecting racial hypocrisy.

“You’re turning your back on your people,” Waters declared, addressing both the original poster and a growing cohort of Black conservatives. These conservatives were co-signing the redefined version of the term. “Imagine agreeing with white people when they aren’t even picking you.”

The backlash wasn’t limited to Waters. TikTok creators across racial and ethnic lines joined in, denouncing the rhetorical hijacking of “Black fatigue.” Some took aim at the educator’s professional background, noting the disturbing implications of such ideology being espoused by someone entrusted with teaching young children.

“You’re telling me a woman who justified racism by pointing to the behavior of a five-year-old is around children every day?” said one user in a widely shared video. “That’s not fatigue—that’s a red flag.”

Critics say the viral redefinition is emblematic of a broader cultural trend. This involves the co-opting of Black vernacular and concepts by those outside the community. Often, they strip these terms of context and repurpose them in ways that perpetuate harm. Others argue that the original poster’s sentiments reflect a bubbling undercurrent of resentment. This occurs as societal norms shift away from unchallenged supremacy and toward more inclusive accountability.

“This isn’t about being tired of bad behavior,” said another user in a stitched response. “This is about being tired of being called out for racism and losing the social privilege to be cruel without consequence.”

Despite the outrage, Waters and others also took note of an unexpected silver lining. White allies were quick to rebuke the redefinition of “Black fatigue.” “There was no shortage of white people getting their own together,” Waters noted, praising those who used their platforms to challenge the narrative and center the original meaning of the term.

Still, the episode was also met with celebration from a familiar corner—Black supporters of Donald Trump and the far-right movement. Some of them took the moment as vindication of their long-standing critiques of racial justice rhetoric.

“This was like Christmas for Black MAGA,” Waters said, with trademark wit. “You’d think Judge Joe Brown was giving a toast at their Black History Month banquet.”

The broader takeaway for many watching from the sidelines? That we are witnessing more than just a semantic squabble. The war over “Black fatigue” is a mirror reflecting a society wrestling with who gets to define oppression, who gets to express exhaustion, and whether any term—no matter how deeply rooted in lived experience—can survive the internet’s endless appetite for appropriation.

As one commenter summed it up: “Black fatigue is our term. And we’re tired—tired of having to explain that to you, again.”

Reese Waters can be found at www.reesewaters.com