Manifest Love Challenge
‘Being the person you want to attract’ isn’t a new concept, but when B. Simone spoke on it in a now-viral video posted on Valentine’s Day, the internet went bananas chiming in with their two cents and hot takes. The post was intended to invite people to participate in her #ManifestLoveChallenge, an exercise that entails writing a list of characteristics you seek in a partner (also not a new concept). She completed the post with a call to action. “DM me proof of your list!,” she wrote near the end of her caption. But what she received was a heap of sassy pushback.
The entertainer/beauty entrepreneur/web personality already has a reputation for being controversial. In the past she’s been accused of plagiarism and some have criticized her for being hypocritical in previous outspoken rants. Her ‘manifest love’ message in the video may have come off as abrupt and abrasive, but it’s not a terrible idea if you’re looking for love.
In the two minute and forty second recording B. Simone pulls examples of women wanting a fit man, but not being in shape themselves; desiring a wealthy man, but having a negative bank account; seeking a family man, but not keeping in touch with their own mother—you get the idea. The sentiment was well-received by some, but many others took offense and fired her up on Twitter.
Black women in particular called her out on perpetuating the so-called narrative that they don’t bring enough to the table. One user also pointed out the disproportionate number of educated Black men and women in America, in reference to those looking to date someone with a similar educational background. This statement was made although at no point in her diatribe did the influencer mention a particular race. I want to point out that not every Black woman is heterosexual, nor is each one looking to date someone of her own race. Despite the numbers seemingly stacked against single people, I believe those of us who want to be partnered will find our match in the right time.
Being able to provide the same attributes you seek in a partner feels like common sense. To me, it doesn’t feel like B. Simone was putting any unwarranted pressure or expectations on Black women, or women and men in general. She simply stated a logical concept when it comes to the dating experience, one that should be applied equally to all daters.
As with anything on the internet, these kinds of unsolicited opinions by cyber celebrities are best digested with a grain of salt. Everyone consuming content is going to interpret it through their own lens, unique to their own life experiences. B. Simone’s take on dating in 2021 was unprovoked and condescending, but I might take her up on that manifestation list.
