Let’s talk about it.
Bravo’s Next Gen NYC promised to be a fresh, youthful spin on the network’s legacy of luxe lifestyles and larger-than-life personalities — but for many Black viewers, the show has been hitting a little too close to home when it comes to microaggressions, especially toward Riley Burruss.
Yes, that Riley. The daughter of Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and business mogul Kandi Burruss. A young Black woman who grew up in the spotlight but has always carried herself with a calm, reserved energy, not one to chase clout, not one to seek unnecessary drama. But somehow, that grace is exactly what’s being used against her.
The Subtle Shade Isn’t So Subtle
Let’s be real: microaggressions don’t have to be loud to be damaging. They can be the backhanded compliments, the passive-aggressive digs, the “Why are you so quiet?” and “You seem standoffish” that so many Black women hear when they don’t code-switch to make others comfortable.
On Next Gen NYC, we’ve watched Riley get labeled as “rough” or “scary,” despite doing nothing but minding her business and moving with poise while also saying what many are thinking, but are too scared to say. Viewers are pointing out how her White and non-Black castmates get the benefit of being seen as “quirky” or “chill,” while Riley’s vibe is misinterpreted as attitude or aloofness.
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It’s the same double standard we’ve seen in real life and reality TV for decades: when Black women don’t perform for the comfort of others, it’s a problem. And when they do, they’re accused of being “fake” or “aggressive.” There’s no winning.
Respectability Politics Still Loom Large
There’s also an undercurrent of class and legacy disrespect here. Riley isn’t some influencer trying to build fame off drama. She’s a college student navigating adulthood while coming from a powerhouse family in entertainment. That comes with pressure, eyes, and expectations, but instead of respect, she’s often treated like she has something to prove.
Let’s not forget: Riley is on a show full of white trust fund babies and clout chasers. Yet, she’s the one being judged for her demeanor?
Make it make sense.
Black Women Don’t Owe You Softness
The frustration from Black viewers isn’t just about Riley. It’s about the bigger picture, the constant expectation for Black women to shrink themselves, over-explain their tone, or go out of their way to make people feel at ease just to avoid being labeled “difficult.”
We see ourselves in Riley. The college student trying to keep her head down. The young Black woman entering predominantly white spaces and being misunderstood. The person who chooses peace over performative conflict, and still gets side-eyed for it.
Let’s Give Riley Her Flowers
Riley doesn’t need to turn up to prove she belongs. Her quiet confidence, intelligence, and grounded energy are refreshing and necessary. She represents a new kind of reality TV presence: one that isn’t here to be the angry Black girl trope, but also isn’t going to pretend for anyone’s comfort.
So instead of asking Riley to “open up more” or “be more fun,” maybe ask yourself why her authenticity makes you uncomfortable.
Black women are not monoliths. And Riley deserves to take up space however she chooses.
