Dr. Frances Cress Welsing (March 18, 1935 – January 2, 2016) in her book entitled The Isis Papers (1992) wrote an essay regarding a concept she called Unified Field Theory. To my recollection, the theory has to do with the ubiquitous nature of racism. I believe Dr. Cress Welsing borrowed the name from a pre-existing theory in the sciences (which science it was, I do not recall). The idea has to do with the reality that Black people experience similar constraints within society due to our being Black. For instance, when entering a convenience store in an urban environ, we, Blacks, may discover that the store owner will follow us around the store out of a suspicion that we will steal. Another example to explain the application of the title, Unified Field Theory, as it relates to Black people can be observed when studying the frequency with which police pull over Blacks while driving nice vehicles. Blacks are more likely to experience being followed in a mini market or being pulled over by the police if we’re driving a nice car. That said, these shared experiences unify us.

As of late, I personally borrowed this theory’s name to explain away the phenomenon that occurs when the general consciousness of Blacks is raised, especially when we are sharing our observations in groups. That is, the similarity of experiences between Blacks, and the conclusions we draw are not too far removed from one another. Although, we experience life subjectively, we encounter objectively similar experiences. And the conclusions we draw from those experiences are often the same. The reason for this is we are more like one another than not. One example of this application of the Unified Field Theory concept may be observed when Blacks who travel outside the United States return to share and recount their experiences with Blacks in America. The stories they recount about their experiences abroad tend to center on the same concepts. Certainly, observations about differences in the cost of living can be readily observed by any tourist. However, what Black tourists will observe is a feeling that society’s outside America scrutinize the Black people less than they have previously experienced in America. For instance, while in Japan, Thailand, or even Saudi Arabia, Black Americans will likely recount that police generally ignore them and do not feel that they are being overly vigilant when dealing with them.

With regard to the Unified Field Theory, I have personally noticed that Black celebrities have voiced observations that echo the observations of other Black comics of the past. Certainly, there are thousands of jokes with punch lines rooted in observations that are the same. Dave Chappelle’s observations on policing echo Richard Pryor’s earlier jokes.

Get out of the car! There was a robbery, a nigga looked just like you Alright, put your hands up, take your pants down, spread your cheeks Now what nigga feel like having fun after that? Haha

Richard Pryor

Dave Chappelle echoed the same sentiment as Richard Pryor. Police are hyper attentive to addressing Black people in America. Whereas outside of America, Blacks bodies aren’t as policed. This is not to say that white supremacy ends outside America. That is false. However, it is that the frequency of incidents between the local police and Black Americans is nominal as compared with America.

“Calling all cars, calling all cars. Be on the lookout for a black male between 4’7” and 6’8”. Staying in the crib tonight! Fuuuuck THAT. 

Dave Chappelle

This is not a post regarding joke theft. It is about the common experiences shared between Blacks throughout time.