Racial Divide, Gender Divide & Consumerism — Engineered by Social Media

What if I told you everything we’re arguing about — race, gender, identity, and even what we buy — is being engineered by social media?

In this episode of Broken Traditions, we break down how the algorithm is replacing critical thinking with chaos. From the racialized reaction to Austin Metcalf's death… to gender wars that never end… to people rioting over Trader Joe’s tote bags — it’s clear: the algorithm isn’t just suggesting content anymore. It’s programming culture.

🔍 Topics Covered:

Lupe Fiasco’s “The Instrumental” and the death of critical thinking

How the internet racialized the Austin Metcalf/Karmelo Anthony tragedy

The toxic gender war between Black men and women online

Consumerism and clout-driven buying trends (Trader Joe’s, Stanley cups, sneakers)

How influencers replaced values, and the algorithm replaced identity

📘 Book Mentioned: Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

🎙️ Hosted by: Broken Traditions

📅 Released: April 24, 2025

👇 Let me know in the comments:

Do you think social media is helping us… or programming us?

#BrokenTraditions #SocialMediaMindControl #FreeThinkersOnly #AustinMetcalf #KarmeloAnthony #GenderWar #Consumerism #TraderJoesToteBag #CriticalThinking #LupeFiasco #AmusingOurselvesToDeath #RaceBaiting #AlgorithmAddiction #UnlearnAndRebuild

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📌 Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Lupe Fiasco’s Warning in “The Instrumental”

Lupe saw it coming — how passive consumption would kill critical thinking.

03:23 – Segment 1: The Racialized Reaction to Austin Metcalf’s Death

How the internet hijacked a tragedy and made it racial before the facts were clear.

13:33 – Segment 2: From Grief to Propaganda — White Lives Matter Rally

A man mobilized a rally off false narratives — without the family’s permission.

28:36 – Segment 3: The Gender War That Keeps Us Divided

Online content profits off pain between Black men and women. But in real life? People still want love.

35:08 – Segment 4: Consumerism, Clout, and Canvas Tote Bags

Trader Joe’s, Stanley cups, sneakers — we’re shopping for identity, not utility.

41:15 – Closing: The Algorithm Is Your New Pastor

When influencers replace values and clicks replace truth — who’s really in control?