Bridging Worlds: A Mentor's Chat with Darien and the Power of Laughing at Stereotypes
Gordon – Creator, Connector, and Occasional Reluctant Writer
Hey everyone, it's crunch time at the library – 7:15 PM on a Wednesday, with 45 minutes until closing. I've got 6 miles to walk and 100 push-ups staring me down afterward. But here I am, fueled by a mix of serene confidence, optimism, and that stubborn voice in my head saying, "You can do this." Grateful for the music pumping in my ears, the good vibes from a solid day, and the nourishing food that kept me going. Proud that we've stayed laser-focused amid the chaos.
Today's intention? Learn and help. And connect – shoutout to Darien, Dana, and Travis for making that happen.
Natalie nudged me to write about my chat with Darien today. For those who don't know, I've been mentoring this incredible young man for over three years now. It started at a bustling lunch in NYC when he boldly walked up to me, eyes full of determination, asking for a donation to his basketball team. From that moment, I knew he was special – a spark of hustle, heart, and unfiltered curiosity. We've built a bond that's evolved from quick advice sessions to deep dives on life, culture, and everything in between. Today was one of those golden conversations that left me buzzing, laughing, and inspired. It's the kind of talk that reminds me why I do this: to create connections that bridge divides.
The Spark: A Hilarious Idea Born from Stereotypes
Darien and I were catching up over facetime (virtually, because life moves fast), and the topic veered into the absurd world of stereotypes – specifically, the tongue-in-cheek trope of "things Black people don't do." Now, let's be clear: this isn't about perpetuating harmful generalizations. It's about flipping the script with humor, owning the ridiculousness, and using it to normalize the unexpected. In my world (and apparently Darien's friends' too), seeing a Black guy post a fishing photo on social media is comedy gold. "What? You out there reeling in bass like it's no big deal?" we'd joke. It's super stereotypical – and yeah, I get how that's rooted in outdated, narrow views – but it makes us laugh because it's so far from the "norm" we've been fed.
I shared a story about my buddy Nick going dog sledding in Alaska. Picture it: a grown man, bundled up like an Arctic explorer, yelling "Mush!" to huskies while sliding through snowdrifts. Darien was dying – doubled over, tears streaming. "That would be epic to film," he gasped. "Black people on a dogsled? The internet would explode." We riffed from there. Why not turn this into a series? A show where Darien (or someone like him) dives headfirst into these "forbidden" activities, dragging friends along for the ride. Fishing trips that turn into viral TikToks. Pottery classes where clay flies everywhere. Spa days complete with facials and cucumber water.
And the saunas? Oh man. Every time I hit the one in NYC, it's me – the lone white guy – surrounded by hasidic Jews steaming away the stress. Darien cracked up: "Bring a crew next time. Make it a crossover episode." Imagine the skits: a Black dad showing up fully involved at his kid's soccer game, or a group hitting the ceramics studio, molding wonky vases while debating life's big questions. It's not just funny; it's subversive. It challenges the boxes we've all been shoved into, one laugh at a time.
Why This Could Go Viral – And Why It Matters
Darien's got the charisma for it. He's already normalizing fishing in his circle, despite the side-eye from friends. A show like this? It could blow up on platforms like X or YouTube. Think short-form videos: quick, relatable, and packed with that raw authenticity people crave. He could invite Black folks to join – turning solo adventures into group therapy sessions disguised as fun. "Hey, world, we're doing this. Who's with us?"
But beyond the laughs, this is about real connection. We're in a time when divides feel wider than ever – Black and white, young and old, male and female. Platforms like ours? They're tools to build bridges, not walls. Darien and I talked about teaming up for a podcast too. Conversations like the ones I have with Nick – deep, unfiltered, powerful – could spark something huge. Imagine episodes unpacking these stereotypes, sharing stories from the mentorship journey, and exploring how AI (shoutout to what I learned today: people are thinking about it in wildly different ways) is reshaping our world.
I've mentored Darien through highs and lows, from basketball fundraisers to life pivots. He's grown into someone who's not afraid to lean into the uncomfortable for the sake of growth. And me? Chats like this remind me that creation – even when you're tired and the clock's ticking – is worth it. We push through the "I don't want to write/speak/record" voice because the end result connects us all.
Clutch Time: Wrapping It Up with Hope
Library's closing soon, but we're coming through in the clutch. To Darien: Let's make that show happen. To everyone reading: What's one "stereotype" you've busted in your life? Drop it in the comments – let's normalize the unexpected together.
Into infinity and beyond. Boom, baby, boom.
Grateful for the journey. Stay connected, stay creating.
If this resonates, hit that share button. And if you're Darien (or know him), let's talk podcast details. Peace out from the library grind.
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton