I’m Judging You

If you haven’t heard of Luvvie Ajayi (pronounced Ah-Jah-Yee), then you probably live under a rock. I kid. Sort of.

But, seriously, she’s everywhere lately; especially now that she’s on tour to promote her book, “I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual“. Before she even became an author she was popular around the interwebs. She’s best known for her blog, Awesomely Luvvie, my go-to site for the best Scandal recaps ever. She’s somewhat of a techie/blerd also, in my opinion; running Awesomely Techie, a site where she shares tips to help you dominate the digital space. She’s a social media maven, an advocate for racial justice/equality, an executive director (The Red Pump Project), a certified “awakened leader” by way of Oprah’s Soul 100 list and the personification of #BlackGirlMagic.  Need I go on?

What I really want to talk about is this first book of hers because it will give you life. It’s the type of read that’ll have you nodding your head in solidarity the entire time. It makes you laugh, makes you think, and makes you want others and yourself to do better; hence the book’s subtitle. We can all afford to hear a few tips about social media etiquette, how to be a better friend, and basically how not to suck at life. “I’m Judging You” is a guide to all of that and more, with a focus on life, culture, social media and fame.

There’s a fun, humorous tone to the book that makes it an easy read, yet Luvvie doesn’t shy away from talking about some hard things that need to be said in relation to racism, privilege, rape culture and the like.  She presents my exact sentiments about racism in chapter 7, Racism Is for Assholes.  If you don’t read any other chapter, read this one.  Racism is still alive and well thriving in 2016 and she speaks to why I, and people that look like me, believe this to be true.  While you’re at it, gone ‘head and read chapter 8, The Privilege Principle. 

I really love how Luvvie shares so much of herself in chapter 9, Zamunda is Not a Country. Neither is Africa.  She’s so personal in this chapter and I start to feel like more than just some fan-girl of hers.  It’s like we’re friends at this point, who are on a real first name basis.  Shoot, we go together now (per her own Acknowledgement(s)). I get so frustrated with the way Africa, its people and its culture is portrayed so reading Luvvie’s perspective of the CONTINENT she calls home was so refreshing.  A trip to the Motherland is on my bucket list and this book just made me move it up a bit!

Listen, I could be here all day talking about how much I’ve gleaned from each chapter of “I’m Judging You” so let me stop while I’m ahead and let you read the book for yourself.  But, wait. I absolutely must call out chapter, 14, #Hashtag #I #Hate #Your #Hashtag #Abuse, because I really truly do.  I’ve been meaning to write a lengthy blog post about this, so instead Imma need for you to read this if you don’t understand why/when and how to use a hashtag appropriately.  I’m not saying you can’t have fun with them, but please stop with the overuse. That ish is annoying. 

“Social media has come to define my generation and those younger than me, and it has shaped everything about what we do and how we do it.  This has been a gift and a curse, because we’ve lost some interpersonal communication skills as we’ve gained tech savvy.  It’s interesting how we correspond now more than ever because of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, yet we are failing at basic communication worse than ever.”

 At the end of the day, Ms. Ajayi just wants us (e.g., you, me, racists, bigots, xenophobes, misogynists, Trump, etc.) to do better and act right, and I’m so here for it. With that said, give Luvvie’s New York Times best selling book, “I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual” a read.  I’m loving her voice, writing style and all she has to say within this book.  I’m certain you’ll enjoy it as well, and learn a thing or two.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.


Be Intentional,