Bring Back Boredom: A Requiem For Black Gen X Summers
Source: iantfoto / Getty
There used to be a thing called boredom. Not the kind you complain about with Wi-Fi and seven streaming platforms within reach. I'm talking about real boredom; staring-at-the-ceiling, watching-ants-on-the-sidewalk, 'ain't-nothing-on-but-soap-operas-after-The-Price-Is-Right' boredom. And as a Black Gen X dad who grew up in the era of Jheri curls, tube socks, and universal latchkey kid protocol (see: 'Don't you let nobody in this house.'), I say this without a hint of irony: boredom might have been the most important part of summer vacation.
It was in that boredom that we got creative. We built worlds with nothing but imagination, bike tires, and the occasional giant cardboard box that was a clubhouse, a breakdance pad, or an art canvas, respectively. We passed long hours playing Uno or freeze tag or making up ridiculous games with equally ridiculous names. Some days were filled with activity, but just as many were left to the elements of whatever came our way. And that was the magic of it. The freedom. The chaos. The possibility.
Fast forward to now, and it feels like summer, at least the kind that shaped us, is dead.
We didn't kill it. Hyper-competitive parenting did.
Today's kids have schedules tighter than a Silicon Valley CEO. Between travel sports, enrichment camps, accelerated reading lists, and STEM programs, we've programmed the summer to death. What was once a break has now become the offseason grind. A warm-weather bootcamp for future scholarship recipients, Google interns, and startup founders.
But in all that hustle, we've stolen something essential. Summer used to be about the absence of structure. Now it's about maintaining control in a different font.
Look, I get it. As a Black parent (especially a single Black father) I'm acutely aware of what the world wants to deny my kids. So we push. We prepare. We polish them up and present them as exceptional, because we know they have to be. But damn if it isn't exhausting. For them and for us.
My Glee-obsessed 13-year-old daughter is starting to come into her own artistic and dramatic potential. She's in theater camp this summer, and I'm glad she has a place to explore her passion. But I'm also kind of sad. Because theater camp is scheduled. Structured. Supervised. She'll grow as a performer, sure. But will she learn how to do nothing and be okay with it? Will she know how to entertain herself with a cardboard box and a Sharpie? Will she ever just roam?
My summers were a beautiful blur of spontaneity and slight danger. From the public pool to the basketball courts to random treks to corner stores with no particular purpose, our summers were self-directed chaos. Even when we were enrolled in day camp, it was mostly a teenage-led survival exercise with dodgeballs and boxed lunches.
There were rules, sure. But there were also long stretches of unsupervised time. Time to be curious. Time to fail. Time to try things that might not go anywhere but still taught us something. We learned how to read people, how to handle conflict, and how to entertain ourselves and others. And we did it all without a single app.
What those summers gave us was adaptability. Resilience. The ability to walk into a room with strangers and figure out what game was being played and its random rules, and then figure out how to win. They gave us improvisational skills for life. They taught us how to make lemonade from warm tap water and two sugar packets.
Today's kids? They're brilliant. But some of them can't hold a conversation without checking a screen. And it's not their fault; it's the culture we've built around them. A culture that values productivity over presence, structure over soul, and outcomes over experiences.
The pressure to be excellent all the time has trickled down from Wall Street to the jungle gym. And as Black dads, we often feel that pressure more acutely. We want our kids to succeed not just for themselves, but for the generations they represent. And in our fear of their marginalization, we push them toward perfection.
But what happens when we forget to teach them how to sit still? To just be ?
You can't push creativity on a schedule. You can't over-prepare for discovery. You have to make room for it. You have to leave space in the summer for the kind of moments that don't show up on a résumé but shape a life.
Like wandering around the neighborhood for no reason. Or figuring out how to turn a laundry basket into a roller-coaster on the stairs. Or learning how to read the vibes at the basketball court before deciding whether or not to shoot your shot (metaphorically or literally) and call 'next'.
I'm not anti-camp. I'm not against organized activity. But I am against the idea that kids should never be idle. That every second of every day must be accounted for, optimized, branded, and captured. I want my daughter to know that freedom isn't just something we talk about on Juneteenth—it's something you feel on a Tuesday in July with nothing to do but ride your bike and follow your thoughts wherever they lead.
So I'm trying to build in blank space. Days where there's no itinerary. Where she gets to decide how the day unfolds, even if that means doing nothing at all. Because that, too, is a skill. One that too many of us are forgetting to pass down.
We're raising kids in this world that moves too fast and expects too much. A world that commodifies every interest and gamifies every interaction. But if we want to raise humans, not just high-performing outputs of our parental anxiety, we have to give them time to be human.
Summers are supposed to be messy and weird and wonderfully unproductive. They're supposed to be the seasons of origin stories, when kids figure out who they are outside the classroom, outside their parents' gaze, outside the grind.
We figured it out because we were left to our own devices. Not the digital kind; the real ones. Our guts. Our instincts. Our imaginations.
My daughter may never know the feeling of getting on her bike and riding until the streetlights come on. But she can still have the kind of summer that isn't about achievements. A summer that feels like hers, not something planned for her. A summer where her mind can wander and her soul can breathe.
So yes, let her go to theater camp. Let her find her voice. But let her be bored too. Let her be curious. Let her figure it out.
Because one day, when she's older, I want her to smile at the memory of the summer where nothing much happened—but everything changed.
She'll have the rest of her life to run the rat race. I just hope she gets one summer to ride a bike down a steep hill.
SEE ALSO:
This Was Supposed To Be A Review Of 'Forever,' But It's Not
The Uncomfortable Realities Of Middle-Aged Black Manhood
SEE ALSO
Bring Back Boredom: A Requiem For Black Gen X Summers was originally published on newsone.com
Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Black America Web
27 minutes ago
- Black America Web
Chrisette Michele's Autism Diagnosis Arrives To Social Media Criticism
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Singer Chrisette Michele is known for her sultry vocals and gorgeous ballads like 'A Couple of Forevers.' She is also known as the woman whose career was derailed by performing at Donald Trump's first inauguration. But now she's revealing a diagnosis that has helped her better understand some of the things she's been through in her life and career. Michele, 42, says she was recently told she is on the autism spectrum. 'I just learned I'm autistic. Official diagnosis. They used the word 'severely,'' Michele posted. 'I've been quiet on here. But… I've been outside. Singing. … but learning to strip the mask. One show at a time. (The irony) Just… coming to grips with a lot and giving myself room to take it all in.' She added, 'My life and its challenges finally make sense. So so much sense. Autistic. Would you get a load of that… I'll talk more soon. Just wanted to say hi… from stage side.' As defined by the autism advocacy organization Autism Speaks, 'Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.' Michele has had her share of challenges, including a miscarriage, which she shared publicly on social media. But the backlash she received for performing for Trump's first inauguration in 2017, hurt her reputation and possibly her career. Though she has performed regularly in recent years and is currently on tour, Michele said she was hurt by the criticism for what she saw as a way to build a bridge to both sides. Instead, she received death threats. 'We had security guards at my hotel doors,' Michele said in an interview with The Guardian earlier this year. 'I wasn't going to the grocery store by myself for years.' In 2017, she said the resultant stress was what caused her to lose a baby and helped end her marriage. 'That was me at my most panicked, the point where I came close to doing anything to get people just to be nice to me for one second,' she said. 'I thought people were never going to stop hating me. I didn't think this would go on for years .' And the criticism didn't end with her latest post. Many commenters took issue with her 'severe' autism diagnosis, giving the wide range of the autism spectrum. While it may indeed be severe on Michele's end as it relates to an adult diagnosis, or autism's symptoms, which are having difficulty processing information, connecting to others, or reading social cues, many parents of autistic children questioned the doctor's characterization. One commenter said, 'I would like to know who made this diagnosis because it BS, as a mother to a non verbal child on the spectrum, I can say with my whole chest you do NOT have SEVERE Autism. I'm tired of people acting like this is a tik tok trend and spreading misinformation for clout or sympathy.' Another commenter tried to provide some nuance to the criticism, saying 'My 12 year old is nonverbal, has childhood apraxia and is level 3 autistic, which is considered severely/profound autistic. This is so insulting to me and other parents that are actually dealing with severely autistic children on a daily basis. You ARE NOT severely autistic, FULL STOP. People are making a mockery of autism and it's extremely, disgusting, disrespectful and hurtful. I'm not saying that you're not on the spectrum…I'm saying you are not severely autistic. Anyone have any questions? Please visit @life_with_severe_autism and watch her video for a complete understanding.' Though drawing criticism once again, Michele has potentially opened up a conversation about adult autism and how it can show up. As she said, there is more conversation to come. In the meantime, you can see Michele on tour in selected cities through Aug. 15. See social media's reaction to her diagnosis beow. Chrisette Michele's Autism Diagnosis Arrives To Social Media Criticism was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
27 minutes ago
- Black America Web
Red Carpet Rundown: Meagan Good & Jonathan Majors Serve Style Goals At The 2025 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
Source: Arnold Turner / Getty Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors reminded us exactly why they're one of Black Hollywood's most talked-about couples as they hit the red carpet for the 5th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards . Dressed in coordinating black looks that were bold, elevated, and unmistakably fly, the pair brought love and fashion to one of the culture's most authentic celebrations. The Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards is an extension of the blog-style gossip platform that has become a popular online destination for the good, bad, and ugly of Black celebrity news, cultural commentary, and viral moments. It brought together some of the culture's hottest A-listers, influencers, celebs, and tastemakers. Related Stories Meagan and Jonathan were a few of the many favorites we saw hit the carpet. Scroll for a complete fashion rundown. RELATED: Meagan Good And Jonathan Majors Look Good AF Out & About In LA Meagan Good & Jonathan Majors Serve Major Style – And Couple – Goals At The Hollywood Unlocked Awards Meagan Good lit up the carpet in a black structured gown that gave futuristic couture-meets-sultry glam. Featuring an intricate corset bodice with sleek, black geometric squares cascading down the center, Meagan's look was edgy, sophisticated, and in your face. The Eteri gown's strategic cutouts also showcased the Harlem actress' stunning curves. Sis' body is tea- and she knew it. And while her gown was a moment, Meagan's glam and hair took the look next level. Her chic updo mixed sleek micro braids with a sharp Chinese bang, framing her flawless face beautifully. Pair that with glowing, bronzy skin, sharp cat eyes, and a soft nude lip, and Meagan's look was giving everything it needed to give. Jonathan matched his wife's fly with a textured black-on-black suit paired perfectly with black leather boots and sunglasses. The look was laid-back yet undeniably polished. Source: Robin L Marshall / Getty And the viral moment of Jonathan playfully posing next to Meagan's dress? Adorable and uniquely him. Despite some controversy surrounding their relationship, the couple continues to remain unbothered. We're here for it. RELATED: Jonathan Majors Sheds Tears While Talking About He And Meagan Good's Marriage Red Carpet Rundown: Celebs Who Slayed The Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards Carpet Other celebs spotted at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards included Keke Palmer, Phaedra Parks, Fantasia Barrino, Chrisean Rock, and Tiffany Haddish. See their looks and more below. Red Carpet Rundown: Meagan Good & Jonathan Majors Serve Style Goals At The 2025 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards was originally published on Source:Getty Keke Palmer kept it fierce and fabulous, reminding everyone why she's forever 'Booked and Busy.' She rocked a stunning and fashion forward black dress from Balmain with a artistic face design and her fire red hair. Source:Getty Fantasia Barrino brought glamour, style and attitude as bold as her voice at the 5th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards. The singer rocked a light pink jumpsuit with accessories that slayed. Her fit included fur cuffs, silver necklaces, and a head-to-toe shimmer. Source:Getty Mya stepped out at the 5th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards to remind folks she has discovered the fountain of youth. The 'Case of the Ex' singer looked stunning in a black blazer dress with silver accents and silver and black shimmer fishnet tights. Her hair and makeup matched her look and were top tier. Source:Getty B. Simone showed up and showed out on the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards carpet. Showcasing her gains at the gym, the influencer looked sleek and sophisticated in a light gold sequin dress with an ornate corset top and high slit. Her addition of a sleek bun and simple gold jewelry took her look to the next level. Source:Getty Niecy Nash is the queen of red carpets and her recent Hollywood Unlocked shows why. The comedic actress looked so fabulou in a rainbow colored sheer sequin dress with a black bodysuit underneath. Source:Getty Phaedra Parks stepped on the red carpet like the realty TV star she is. We loved her knee-length dress that was fun and flirty and her glamorous platinum blonde curls. Source:Getty Tiffany Haddish wore a sleevless black gown with a slight peplum waist and mermaid-style skirt. Tiffany looked sleek, sophisticated, and fashion foward. We are swooning. Source:Getty Chrisean Rock came bold in a red look to the Hollywood Unlocked Awards. She rocked an off-the-shoulder ruched dress with silver accessories and a mini red train. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
27 minutes ago
- Black America Web
Jay-Z Calls Beyoncé His Favorite Artist In A Sweet Interview at Fanatics Fest NYC
Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty Jay-Z couldn't help but compliment his wife Beyoncé at the inaugural Fanatics Fest in New York City on June 20, and we were here for it. Dressed in his signature New York drip – Timbs, relaxed fit jeans, and a navy tee repping his 'Reja Blue' label, Hov made his rounds through the convention Fanatics space. The 'Hard Knock Life' rapper interacted with fans, signed vinyls, and did interviews in a way we haven't seen him do recently. And that's the moment that had everyone talking. Jay Z stopped to talk with a young boy journalist. Keep scrolling for the details of the adorable interview. The budding media star asked Jay-Z a simple but loaded question: 'Who's your favorite artist you've ever worked with?' No pressure, right ( on Jay Z or the tween reporter )? Jay responded, 'Beyoncé.' The journalist followed up by asking why. Hov added that 'she is the best,' 'she is amazing,' and an 'incredible performer.' Cue the collective swoon. With his answer, Jay-Z not only melted hearts, but reminded us all how proud he continues to be of his wife's legacy. Beyoncé, currently lighting up stages and serving looks on her 'Cowboy Carter' tour, continues dominating music, fashion, and culture. On June 19, during her Paris tour stop, she made headlines by bringing out Miley Cyrus for a surprise duet, sending fans into a frenzy and adding yet another viral moment to her growing list. From the U.S. to London, Paris, and beyond, Beyoncé is raising the bar at every stop. Whether she's bringing her daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi onstage, showing out in custom couture looks, or pulling out surprise guests no one sees coming, the Bey Hive leader creates experiences. Her shows are part concert, part cultural reset. No wonder Jay-Z proudly named her his favorite. SEE ALSO Jay-Z Calls Beyoncé His Favorite Artist In A Sweet Interview at Fanatics Fest NYC was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
