Erase the “Wypipo Stuff” Trope & Have Some Fun!
Courtesy: Instagram/@Blackequestrians
Growing up Black, you may have heard the saying “That’s that white people stuff”– a common phrase used by our community to suggest certain pursuits are more aligned with whiteness, and should not be engaged in by Black people. Yeah, ridiculous right? This idea has plagued our young, Black minds to the point where many of us don’t think we have the option of doing “wypipo stuff.” Now, don’t get me wrong, this may not be the reality for all of us, and you may have grown up in an environment where your skin color did not discourage you from participating in different pastimes. But, don’t you wish ALL of our upbringings were perfect in the sense that we had the freedom to pursue diverse activities?
Well, I’m here to tell you that if you or your loved ones have suffered from hearing “that’s that wypipo stuff” when aspiring to do venturesome activities, you are absolutely entitled to participation! This is especially true now since we’re grown and have more control over our cultivation as young, Black adults. So, to push these limitations aside I’ll be sharing five activities you can try this spring that debunk the wypipo stuff idea.
Pickleball
Pickleball might not be on the radar in the Black community, but guess what? That’s your cue to dive in! The game’s similar to tennis but uses a paddle instead of a racket. If you want to learn more about how to play pickleball, check out USA Pickleball, (and make sure you peep how there isn’t a Black person in sight on their website). But considering our vibrant presence in the world, it’s only right that we take up space in this growing sport!
Need some inspiration? This TikTok video of @saranprince and this video of Marshawn Lynch prove we’ve got every right to give pickleball a shot, and maybe even as a hobby!
2. Hiking
This may come as a surprise, but hiking is not an activity that parts of our communities think of doing, especially if you’re from a place like the bustling boroughs of New York City. But let me tell you, partaking in this activity will help you experience physical fitness, mindfulness, and camaraderie.
Thankfully, HBCUs are recognizing the value of hiking for young Black adults, carving out spaces where we can explore the outdoors. Schools like Tennesse State University, Spelman College, and Howard University have already launched special hiking clubs, and who knows which other HBCUs will join in! I owe a lot to the SPELTrek Hiking Club, which provided me with an authentic sense of community and personal well-being during my time as an undergrad.
Take advantage of the springtime weather, and hit the trails with your friends and family! If you don’t know where to start, tap into resources like AllTrails, which connects you to parks and trails in your area! Who knows? This might end up being your favorite pastime!
3. Swimming
A common reality among us Black folk, not knowing how to swim, can be crossed off our 2024 bingo cards this year!
If you’re unfamiliar with the history of Black people’s relationship with swimming, Ourblackhourofficial on TikTok explains the oppressive history behind swimming in our communities. Tragedies of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Jim Crow laws hindered Black people from fulfilling their desire to swim, leading to a generational avoidance of swimming within the African Diaspora. There’s also a history of swimwear not catering to our hair care needs, which is why some of us might hesitate to touch that pool, ocean, or lake with our friends!
Fortunately, Black people across the nation are forging a legacy of overcoming these barriers, bringing swimming closer to normalization.
For instance, Howard University is making waves as the only all-Black college swim team in the country. Beyond educational institutions, Black People Will Swim is an accredited organization that encourages Black people of all ages to participate in swimming lessons. Adding to this momentum, Soul Cap is a Black-owned company that makes swimwear designed with our hair care needs in mind. Let’s use this spring to promote swimming as an activity of joy rather than as a threat to our lives!
Courtesy: Howard University
4. Horseback Riding
If Beyoncé’s last two albums don’t make you want to get up and be an equestrian, perhaps the lack of diversity in horseback riding will catch your attention! Horseback riding is a fresh activity to consider for your birthday, during a vacation, or simply as a fun day out with your crew. Platforms like Black Equestrians highlight the “visibility of Black riders” and provide valuable information to educate our community about the equestrian world. The Harrison Bros are also an exceptional example of Black people fearlessly embracing horseback riding!
5. Marathon Running
We look up to Black sprinters like Sha’Carri Richardson and Usain Bolt, but did you know running is not a common hobby for us? The dedication to goal-setting, fitness, time management, and other factors that create a successful atmosphere for marathon training should not be taken lightly. But that doesn’t mean it’s beyond our reach. Organizations such as Black Men Run and Black Girls Run! offer valuable support and resources to help you kickstart your marathon training journey! And when it comes to training gear, DAMIHOW, a black-owned fitness brand, offers stylish and comfortable options to get you motivated.
There’s a thriving community of Black runners waiting to expand, so be sure to stay updated on marathons in your city because it’s training season!
We hope these activities are added to your weekly routines and that you enjoy them without stereotypical comments about your fun. Wypipo stuff is a mythology we hope goes extinct just like the animals we learned about in grade school. Use this spring season to explore these five hobbies, and continue a legacy of challenging the boundaries of our Blackness.