#monolithic

Robbie Trevino

Lead Artist at Netflix Games

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"We Are Not a Monolith" – The Double-Edged Sword of Black Individualism from a Garveyite Perspective

From a Garveyite perspective, the phrase "We are not a monolith" is both true and problematic. While Black people, like any group, have diverse cultures, ideologies, and perspectives, the failure to unify around core collective interests has weakened Black sovereignty, economic independence, and political power. Other groups—despite their internal differences—are able to operate in a unified, strategic manner when it comes to protecting their collective interests.

Garveyism teaches that Pan-African unity is non-negotiable. While Black people should never be expected to think identically, there are foundational principles that require monolithic agreement to ensure the survival, empowerment, and sovereignty of Black people worldwide.

1. The Problem with the Phrase "We Are Not a Monolith"

In many discussions, the phrase “we are not a monolith” is used to justify disunity, lack of accountability, and acceptance of behaviours that undermine Black progress.

While diversity of thought can be beneficial, the problem arises when Black people:

Reject collective responsibility and act as individuals rather than as a unified group.

Use individual success as a reason to ignore the need for community empowerment.

Defend harmful behaviours or ideologies that weaken Black advancement.

Fail to mobilize collectively in the same way that other groups do to protect their interests.

In contrast, other communities understand that while internal diversity exists, certain principles must be universally upheld to maintain collective power.

Examples of Groups That Balance Internal Diversity with Collective Unity:

Jewish Communities – Despite differing religious and political ideologies (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Zionist, anti-Zionist), Jewish people worldwide have a strong collective identity, mobilize to protect their historical narratives, and ensure economic, political, and cultural security.

Chinese Communities – Whether from mainland China, Taiwan, or the diaspora, Chinese people prioritize economic nationalism, investing in their own businesses and keeping resources within their community.

Arab and Muslim Nations – Even with sectarian differences (Sunni, Shia, secular, religious), they unify on key geopolitical, economic, and religious matters that affect their global standing.

White Europeans & White Americans – Though divided by nationality, they collectively uphold Eurocentric dominance in media, finance, and global governance.

Garveyite Takeaway: Other groups disagree internally but understand when to be monolithic to protect their collective interests. Black people, however, often lack this level of strategic cohesion.

2. What Black People Must Be Monolithic On

While Black people do not need to think alike on every issue, there are fundamental principles where unity is non-negotiable for the advancement of Black people worldwide.

1. Economic Power & Self-Sufficiency

Black communities must prioritize economic cooperation instead of being dependent on external systems.

Black money should circulate within Black communities before being spent elsewhere.

Black-owned businesses and industries should be protected, supported, and expanded.

Example: Koreans, Chinese, and South Asians dominate the Black beauty supply industry, yet Black people still spend billions supporting non-Black businesses.

Garveyite Takeaway: No other group allows outsiders to control their economic infrastructure—Black people must be monolithic in reclaiming economic independence.

2. Control of Black Narratives & History

Black history should be taught and controlled by Black people, not by outside institutions.

The false narratives of colonialism, slavery, and the distortion of African history must be dismantled.

No Black person should excuse, justify, or downplay historical oppression or defend anti-Black forces.

Example: Jewish people have laws against Holocaust denial. Meanwhile, Black history is constantly rewritten, downplayed, or erased.

Garveyite Takeaway: There should be no “different perspectives” on whether Black history deserves preservation.

3. Political Unity & Collective Agenda

Black people must vote and organize based on a collective interest, not party loyalty or personality politics.

Any Black leader, organization, or system that does not work toward Black self-determination must be held accountable.

No Black person should support policies, laws, or politicians that harm Black people globally.

Example: Many Black people support leaders who have done nothing for Black communities, while other groups vote based on group interests, not individual preferences.

Garveyite Takeaway: Politics is about power, not emotions—Black people must move strategically, as other groups do.

4. Pan-Africanism & Global Black Unity

The division between Africans, African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Afro-Latinos must be eliminated.

Black people must reject tribalism and national divisions that prevent global economic and political cooperation.

African resources must be controlled by Africans, not foreign nations or corporations.

Example: The European Union operates as a bloc despite national differences, yet Africa remains divided and exploited.

Garveyite Takeaway: Black people globally must recognize that their struggles are interconnected and unite accordingly.

5. Rejecting Anti-Blackness in All Forms

Black people should not excuse, tolerate, or participate in anti-Black behaviour.

Colourism, self-hatred, and internalized racism must be eradicated.

No Black person should support media, policies, or ideologies that degrade Black identity.

Example: Other racial groups do not tolerate internalized hatred, but in Black communities, self-hate is normalized and even rewarded in mainstream media.

Garveyite Takeaway: There is no room for “diversity of thought” when it comes to rejecting anti-Blackness—this must be a non-negotiable principle.

3. The Consequences of Not Being Monolithic

The failure to unify on non-negotiable principles has led to:

Continued economic exploitation (other groups profit from Black spending).

The loss of Black political power (disorganized voting, supporting leaders who do nothing for Black people).

The control of Black narratives by non-Black people (history distorted, culture stolen).

Global disunity between Africans, Caribbeans, and the diaspora (which weakens Black global leverage).

Conclusion: Balancing Individual Thought with Collective Strategy

From a Garveyite perspective, Black people do not need to think alike on everything, but they must be monolithic on key issues that determine their survival, power, and liberation.

Economic self-sufficiency must be prioritized.

Black history must be controlled by Black people.

Black people must act as a political and economic bloc.

Pan-African unity is not optional—it is necessary for global strength.

Anti-Blackness must be rejected universally.

While internal diversity is inevitable, no other group allows their differences to keep them from controlling their own destiny. Until Black people realize that collective unity is the key to sovereignty, the cycle of disempowerment will continue.