Dustin Gandof
The internet has been teeming with creativity ever since the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, opened up about the hidden turmoil he’s faced since birth in an emotional tell-all memoir titled The Me You Can’t See. As part of the book’s promotion, excerpts from the memoir were shared on social media, specifically on Twitter.
Recognizing the widespread resonance of the memoir’s content, Black Twitter—a tongue-in-cheek term used to refer to the influential subculture of African-American users from different walks of life—created an onslaught of “remixes,” which married quotes from the book with classic dance beats and popular movie soundtracks.
Ironically parodying the privileged status of the Royal family, the unexpected trend has injected much-needed levity into the conversation. The #PrinceHarryin5Words hashtag riffs on the five words the royal used to express his feelings of detachment and incomprehension when faced with his tumultuous upbringing: “What is the point?”
The internet is consuming the remixes with great enthusiasm, and it’s easy to see why. Creators have incorporated a variety of emotions into their remixes, including humour, earnestness, and admiration. Not only do the clips showcase their creativity and editing skills, but they also demonstrate some of the classic empowerment often seen in the greater Black Twitter culture — a reminder that Black people of all ages and social backgrounds can come together to celebrate and lift up one another.
In this case, Black Twitter can relate to and relate to the experiences shared in Prince Harry’s memoir, and deliver a message of compassion and understanding in the process. The remixes have done just that, allowing us to appreciate the complexity of the Duke of Sussex’s story and reconsider our own upbringings. And in a time when meaningful and genuine discussion about mental health is more necessary than ever, the conversations sparked by Black Twitter’s remixes offer a valuable path towards healing.
In an era of fast processing and quick consumption, Black Twitter’s remixes are sure to capture the attention of a wider audience—and make us all reassess the importance of empathy and connection.
