In this provocative clip from Black Out with Ian & Rashad, Rashad Bilal and guest Conscious Lee dive deep into the ongoing debate within Black culture around intellectualism, elitism, and influence. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of how some community platforms and voices now challenge traditional Black intellectuals, labeling them as elitist and disconnected from everyday realities. Conscious Lee, drawing inspiration from Carter G. Woodson’s work, examines the divide between the "ivory tower" and the streets, pressing the urgent need to bridge this gap.

Together, Rashad Bilal and Conscious Lee reflect on how issues of class, language, and identity create barriers—not only between Black intellectuals and the masses but within broader conversations on gender and sexuality. They break down how cultural capital and social influence are shifting: in today’s social media climate, influencers without traditional credentials (like Gillian Wallow) can wield more power than well-known intellectuals, fundamentally redefining whose voices matter most.

The conversation gets real about how anti-intellectualism shows up, especially when polarized debates around race, class, and gender hit the mainstream. Conscious Lee offers honest self-reflection on benefiting from elitism, without shying away from tough truths on identity and acceptance in the community. Together they unpack how conservatives and progressives alike weaponize anti-intellectual rhetoric to maintain the status quo—particularly when trans lives and issues become political flashpoints.

Finally, the clip considers why topics like trans rights get outsized attention—even though they affect less than 1% of the population—and how this can distract from urgent community needs like jobs, incarceration, and education. Rashad and Conscious Lee lay bare the strategic narratives shaping how Black voters are engaged (or ignored) by mainstream politics, urging honest dialogue and unity to challenge divisive systems.

If you’re interested in the intersections of culture, politics, identity, and influence in Black America, this clip is a must-watch!

**Hashtags:**

#BlackOutPodcast #Intellectualism #Elitism #Influence #BlackCulture #TransRights #PoliticalStrategy #CulturalCapital #CommunityVoices #SocialJustice #IdentityPolitics #Clip

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