Riri, It Will All Be Yours

Mephisto and other liars

I am not sure what age I was when I realized that flattery was not always complimentary. Growing up, it was common to tell people “don’t get gassed” or “he gassin’ you”. Of course, sometimes you would gas up your friend to try to give them the confidence they needed to complete the task (do well on the interview, the exam, asking the girl they liked on a date) but it was also understood that people with nefarious intentions would also try to gas you up.

Learning this early has been a blessing that I have used throughout my career. I remember leading an institution wide antiracism training and speaking to a colleague who was just a little too effusive in her praise for my work. I walked away saying to myself, “they do not wish you well.” I firmly believe that we should not get high on our own supply.