Ja Rule and Tank had a difference of opinion about a hashtag. BET posted a photo on Instagram of Maxwell, Omari Hardwick, and the cast of the New Edition movie with a caption that included the hashtag #BlackBoyJoy.
Ja Rule saw the caption and had an issue with the use of the word "boy." Rule stated that it was "demeaning" to refer to a black man as a boy, noting that it was used during slavery and segregation to belittle black men. Another commenter explained to Ja Rule that black boys are robbed of a true childhood, and are considered men at an earlier age than other racial groups. Ja Rule replied that there's nothing wrong with being a "strong black MAN," and talked about boys nowadays wearing skirts and purses.
Tank, who co-starred in the film, stepped in and told Ja Rule that a man creates a divide when he tears another black man down for doing things a little different. He continued, telling Ja Rule that he's supposed to be a positive reinforcement but instead is hating. He also threw a shot at Rule telling him, "It's not like you've been a beacon of hope for our community."
Source: thejasminebrand.com
